Over the past 18 months, I had mentioned ad nauseum that the Audi RS4 Avant was one of my all-time favourite cars, with its stunning performance and sports car handling that doesn’t compromise space or practicality.
Unfortunately, it was only released at the tail end of the previous A4 model’s life, so investing one-third of a million on it did not seem a very wise thing to do.
Call it fate if you will, but just as I was getting over a pretty bad case of RS4 Avantitis, I have been smitten by a new Audi bug.
It’s neither as virulent nor as pernicious, but it still packs a fairly strong wallop.
Group Test: Audi S4 3.0 vs Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 3.0 vs Mercedes-AMG C43 3.0
And, truth be told, falling victim to this ailment would at least be less lethal to the wallet than the RS4.
The car in question is the new S4, currently the top-of-the-line A4 until the arrival of the new RS4.
That could take three years, if Audi sticks to its ridiculous “one RS at a time” policy.
You may well wonder what is so special about the S4 that a warhorse like me would be so severely afflicted?
For starters, it is the appearance.
The A4 is one of the best-looking compact luxury cars, and that seems a pretty good base to build on.
S4 models, with their S-specific styling cues, truly gild the lily – something akin to Michelle Yeoh taking off her glasses and looking all the better for it.
The platinum grey single-frame grille has chromed vertical double struts and an S4 badge.
Front bumper with a lowered apron, aluminium-look rear wing mirrors, revised 18- or 19-inch wheels, rear bumper with diffuser, quadruple oval exhaust pipes, discreet rear spoilers and rear LED lights – these changes may seem relatively minor but they certainly give the S4 a sporty attitude.
Hottest wheels for 2018: Audi A7 Sportback, RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupe and Q8
Factor in the 20mm lower ride height and the S4 Avant truly looks like a pretty mean machine.
Cabin changes fall in line with the S car philosophy.
Sports seats with two-tone leather, brushed aluminium or optional carbon, wood or stainless steel mesh inlays for the fascia and chromed paddle shifts are discreet, yet effective, reminders that this is an S4, not a lesser Audi.
And, as usual, the standard of fit and quality fittings set the bar for this class of car.
New on the S4 is a supercharged 3-litre V6 developing a whopping 333bhp.
This replaces the 4.2-litre naturally aspirated job in the previous S4.
Audi chose supercharging over a turbocharger for instant throttle response from slow-as-idling revs, and give the engine the feel of a large-displacement, naturally aspirated car.
Also, the space between the banks of the 90-degree V6 was ideal for a Rootes blower.
The new engine is a gem, far more refined than the current 3.2-litre V6 found on the rest of the Audi range.
It revs in a spirited manner, never sounding strained or harsh even when extended to its 7000rpm redline.
And, best of all, it is quick.
The six-speed manual saloon sprints from rest to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds, with the dual clutch transmission version needing just 0.2 seconds longer.
All Singapore-bound cars will have the 7-speed S Tronic, Audi’s version of the dual-clutch transmission.
Changes are virtually seamless when driven like an auto.
In addition, lightning-quick gear shifts can be executed via the shift paddles or the stick shift.
This gearbox shows no trace of the dreaded low-speed stumble in the relatively deserted streets of Mallorca.
Hopefully, the stumble will not manifest in the stop-start driving conditions we have here.
Unique to the S4 is the electronically controlled sport differential.
Under steady state conditions, it has a front-rear torque split of 40:60, giving the S4 a distinct rear bias in its handling.
What is truly special is that under hard cornering, more torque is sent to the outer wheel, thus limiting understeer or the tendency to plough straight on.
On the tight and twisty Mallorca racetrack, the S4 kept its poise, with just a trace of understeer even when pushed really hard around tight hairpin bends.
The sport diff really works!
This torque transfer is maximised when the Audi Select is set at “Dynamic”.
With the emphasis on comfort, there is minimal torque change intervention when “Auto” is chosen.
What leaves a deeper impression is the stability and agility shown by the S4 over bumpy and twisty Spanish roads.
Ride is supple – a trifle firm but always well controlled, and never jolting – even when set at “Dynamic”.
This is supposed to tighten up responses from the transmission, suspension and steering.
The steering does feel heavier but the heft feels artificial and is compromised by a strange rubbery stickiness most apparent around the straight-ahead.
Feel is far superior with the “Auto” setting.
Dialing in the “Individual” setting through the Multi Media Interface, my preference for quick commuting would be “Dynamic” for the transmission and suspension, and “Auto” for the steering.
For urban conditions, the default “Auto” mode would suit me just fine.
The S4 is available as a sedan or station wagon (Avant).
Both versions look elegant, purposeful and imposing.
But it is the Avant that is sleeker and classier.
It’s nearly as quick, too, taking just 0.1 seconds longer in the century sprint.
It may sound snooty to say this, but when available, a wagon usually attracts a rather more upmarket clientele than the respective saloon on which it is based.
With all seats in place, there is very little difference between the luggage capacities of the sedan and the wagon, 480 litres versus 490.
With the rear seat folded, the S4 Avant loads a mighty 1430 litres – a full 528 more.
Weight penalty for the Avant is just 50kg – about the weight of a petite girl. (That you just happen to store in the front seat? – Ed)
The main competitor for the S4 is, obviously, the facelifted BMW 335i.
For on-the-limit driving, the Bimmer is still the ultimate driving machine, with its superb steering and balance.
In all other driving conditions, the S4 is a close match for roughly the same purchase price.
It is thus the more complete package and a better ownership proposition, unless you are the sort who spends half the time cornering a tail-out.
2008 AUDI S4 AVANT 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves, supercharged
Capacity 2995cc
Bore x stroke 84.5mm x 89mm
Compression ratio 10.3:1
Max power 333hp at 5500-7000rpm
Max torque 440Nm at 2900-5300rpm
Power to weight 197.6hp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 5.3 seconds
Top speed 250km/h (governed)
Consumption 9.4km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
Size 245/40 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4717mm
Width 1826mm
Height 1406mm
Wheelbase 2811mm
Kerb weight 1685kg
Turning circle 11.5m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE To be announced
Warranty To be announced
+ Superb styling and finish, performance and handling, strong new engine
– Rubbery steering in Dynamic mode, sunroof not standard, waiting for the new RS4 Avant
