Audi S4 Saloon
THE NEW AUDI S4 Saloon is now the quickest car in the current A4 range. Like the other ‘S’ models, it looks discrete but has a healthy amount of power under the bonnet.
Turning up the heat
Its looks have been enhanced with slightly more aggressively styled bumpers, four exhaust tailpipes and a matte chrome or black finish to the front grille and door mirrors. The S4’s new turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine is more efficient and more powerful than the previous car’s engine. This helps the S4 to match key rivals such as the BMW 340i and the MercedesAMG C 43 in terms of performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system comes as standard, as does lowered sports suspension and an eight-speed automatic gearbox that has steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Equipment is expected to include the luxuries of a 10-speaker stereo, LED headlights, plus Nappa leather and Alcantara-trimmed seats as standard. A small increase over the old car’s £40,085 entrylevel price is expected for the S4.
Strong drive, great interior
Whether you’re accelerating from a standstill or on the move, the engine pulls strongly, and Audi’s quattro system gives the S4 more grip than the rear-wheel-drive BMW 340i. There’s little wind and road noise inside, even at motorway speeds, and the steering is precise. Like the rest of the A4 range, the interior is the best in class for perceived quality. Up front there’s room for two six-feet tall adults, and the driver gets plenty of seat and wheel adjustment. Audi’s MMI infotainment system, with its clear 7.0in screen and optional Virtual Cockpit screen, is very user-friendly.Rear head and leg room aren’t a match for the 340i, but there’s still enough room for two average sized adults. Behind, the boot is a good, square shape and has a low load lip.
Worth considering
If you want a swift but understated saloon, the S4 is worth waiting for. Alternatively, you could consider the A4 3.0 TDI 272 Quattro. It’s nearly as fast as the S4, yet its official fuel economy figure is 55.4mpg and its CO2 emissions are just 134g/km.
Verdict
Understated saloon combines blistering pace with a classy interior 😉