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Audi S4
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WHEN a pair of chrome-coated wing mirrors appear behind you on the motorway, it's probably best to pull into the next lane and watch the exhaust pipes disappear into the distance.
"S" badged models from Audi have always been swift - and the latest A4 to wear the exclusive badge is certainly no different.
 | | Audi S4 |
And while some of the fastest cars in the German manufacturer's range rarely put economy before performance, the latest S4 has ditched its fuel-hungry 4.2 litre V8 engine for a smaller 3.0 litre V6. But petrol heads needn't worry too much because the design team have attached a supercharger which means, while the newcomer might lack a little of the aural excitement provided so ably by the deep and rumbly eight-cylinder, the smaller-engined car is even faster. It's 30 per cent cleaner too, claims Audi and even capable of nudging 30mpg - which isn't too bad for a 328bhp, four-wheel drive high performance car, which is available as a saloon or estate.
The engine's 440Nm of torque means the S4 can genuinely rival a Porsche when it comes to performance - dispatching the sprint to 62mph in just 5.1 seconds before reaching a limited 155mph maximum. And the S4's lower emissions will pay dividends if you are fortunate enough to be able to specify one of these as your company vehicle - its 225g of CO2 seems almost electric-car "green" compared to the old V8's planet-killing 322g/CO2 and means tax payments will be substantially less.
What hasn't altered is the S4's tremendous levels of grip and legendary build quality. On the move the latest seven-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox has to be an option worth considering in place of the standard six-speed manual. The twin-clutch system provides lightning swift shifts either in fully auto mode or by way of steering wheel paddles and provides better economy too, recording just over 30mpg. The technology is effortless to operate and provides seamless acceleration, channelling the engine's 300bhp plus through the Quattro four-wheel system without a second's hesitation. With sensible use there should never be an on-road situation the S4 can't handle. The Quattro system, which delivers 40 per cent of the power to the front wheels and 60 per cent to the rear, has a better overall weight distribution than the old model thanks to the latest A4 chassis. And linked to huge 18-inch wheels - 19-inchers are an option - and specially-developed brake pads, the S4 is capable of wiping off the speed as quickly as it piles it on.
In standard £36,740 trim the estate S4 - the Avant - is well equipped and rather swift. However, Audi has a range of options to fine tune the driving experience even further. So alongside the aforementioned seven-speed S-tronic gearbox, keener drivers can choose from three Audi drive select option packages - Audi drive select with damper control for even greater suspension adaptability to the road surface, Audi drive select with dynamic steering allowing alteration of the actual ratio of the steering for optimum feel and Audi drive select with upgraded quattro drive featuring the active sport differential. Alternatively, for the ultimate S4 driving experience, all three systems can be combined.
Stick with the "out of the box" model though and it will be impossible to be disappointed - with Audi's immaculate build quality present and correct, enough room for five and their luggage in the elegant Avant model and the warm glow inside that you own one of the finest cars on the road today.
- Neil Greenfield
Audi S4 Avant - from £36,740 otr
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