TWO sporty new models are joining the Audi line up as the German premium car maker releases S3 versions of the new A3 in Sportback and saloon shapes.

Powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI engine developing 310ps the pair have plenty of performance with a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 4.8 seconds.

Prices start from £37,900 for the saloon and £38,465 for the S3 Sportback.

Fuel economy is said to be up to 39.2 to the gallon for both newcomers which will be on the road in the autumn.

Emissions are rated at 178g/km.

Director of Audi UK, Andrew Doyle, said: "The S3 has always presented a very strong case for customers keen to make the transition to a higher-performance Audi since it first debuted over 20 years ago, and I firmly believe that these latest incarnations couldn't communicate the advantages much more powerfully."

The two S3 models have seven-speed automatic transmissions and a reduced ride height of some 15mm compared to the regular A3.

The boot on the saloon measures 370 litres while the Sportback can take 325 litres of luggage expanding to 1,145 litres with the rear seats down.

Both cars are fitted with Audi's 10.25-inch virtual cockpit display while top specification Vorsprung variants have a 12.3-inch binnacle screen which has the choice of three different set ups.