Looking back, I find it a little shocking to discover I cannot remember an ‘S’ model Audi I really liked.
Given the numbers there have been over the years there must surely have been some and my inability to recall even one may say as much about my memory as Audi’s cars. Even so, while Audi make many decent standard cars and a few outstanding ‘RS’ models (which are engineered by an entirely separate division within Audi), the tepid ‘S’ models have consistently failed to shine.
This new S4 Avant is no different. It’s fast, well built and surprisingly grippy, but Audi has never faltered on these measures. Yet again it is the less easily quantified yet equally important subjective criteria in which it is lacking. Its steering is numb, its ride quality poor and the 3-litre supercharged V6 sounds dull at all but maximum effort. Moreover, like most cars with superchargers, its fuel consumption was terrible, struggling to do 25mpg most of the time.
Compare that to the A6 saloon I also tried this month, fitted with a monster 313bhp, V6 diesel engine. With a little less power but a lot more torque, claimed acceleration is identical to the S4, but the engine is almost silent, its ride excellent and it’ll do 40mpg everywhere. It’s no fun to drive, but unlike the S4, it’s not trying to be. To me it is the far more satisfying and capable of the two.
Factfile
Engine: 3.0 litres, six cylinders, supercharged
Top Speed: 155mph (limited)
Price: £39,880
Power: 328bhp at 5500rpm
Fuel/co2: 33.6mpg, 197g/km
www.audi.co.uk
Given the review, a very appropriate number plate.
A real T*RD indeed.
….just looking for a road test of something that isn’t German…..
I can’t disagree more. See Evo magazines various tests of this car. This is a wolf in sheeps clothing and is one of the best engines on sale. Evo’s team certainly think so. Interestingly they have the opposite view from Andrew Frankle on the A6. I have been on track with my car which is also my day job and can vouch for it being very quick, predictable and can even induce controllable progressive oversteer at will. You do have to have the sports diff however. I have had my car dyno’d as standard and recorded 365 hp. I achieve 29 mpg. I also own 997 carrera s which is only fractionally quicker. Not bad for a 5 door subtle looking estate. In wet weather it is the ultimate from of fast and practical transport. I can’t recommend this car enough.