The Audi S4 Avant is an astoundingly powerful and genuinely snappy home auto. Its Jekyll and Hyde identity is addictive, changing from capable cruiser to ballistic bahn-stormer at the flick of the paddle. It’s not as amusing to drive as the back-drive BMW 340i, however many will cheerfully exchange that last level of association for what is still a pleasingly quick, refined, rich and viable family auto.
Audi’s respected S models have for quite some time been the winter weapons of decision for those needing a quick, agreeable and sumptuous method of transport associated to the trusty footing of quattro all-wheel drive.
Be that as it may, as of late, opponents from BMW and Mercedes been playing make up for lost time – with their separate xDrive and 4MATIC models now coordinating Audi’s attempted and tried quattro framework punch for punch. So are the greatness days over? Then again is the new Audi S4 still a skilled year-round sidekick?
On tight British B-streets, the S4 stays stuck to the landing area. The guiding doesn’t offer a huge measure of criticism, yet you figure out how to believe the auto after some time, with a lot of front end chomp permitting you to put the wheels precisely where you need them. The discretionary (£1,200) Sports Differential empowers fast slingshots from more tightly twists, as well.
The attempted and-tried eight-speed S tronic gearbox is exceptionally quick, showing moment changes with the throttle stuck. The 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine transfers apparently unending snort, as well, sprinting from 0-62mph in only 4.9 seconds. That is just two tenths of a moment slower than the active RS4 – which gloated a much greater and all the more intense 4.2-litre V8 – and a calculable six tenths quicker than a back drive BMW 340i Touring.
In any case, regardless of being speedier than its German opponent, it’s not as locks in. You can change the S4’s settings by means of the natural Drive Select catches on the middle support, yet it feels more like a cruiser than a genuine element benchmark. With everything in the sportiest settings, the Avant’s reactions feel more tightly – however unless you truly require the additional footing then the 3 Series remains the driver’s decision.
BMW offers its six-chamber 335d diesel with xDrive, however a 4Matic-prepared Mercedes-AMG C 43 is ostensibly a more practically identical opponent. In Estate shape it’s marginally speedier (0-62mph in 4.7s), however sits one assessment band higher than the Audi. It gloats similarly astounding levels of hold, while the dampers strike an extraordinary harmony amongst solace and spryness.
It’s a capable cruiser, however – with the luxurious lodge, knitted seats and consistent dash all making life in the driver’s seat a joy on longer excursions. The ride mollifies at engineway speeds, while street clamor is kept to a base. The games deplete sounds sufficiently fruity at full talk, however blurs away from plain sight at a relentless speed.
Gear is great, however we doubt what number of purchasers will manage with the standard-fit 18-inch wheels. They add pleasantly to the S4’s Q-auto bid, however for £275 you can move up to the flashier 19-inch edges, which will most likely advantage residuals come resale time. Somewhere else you’ll discover warmed games seats, LED lights and keyless go. The amazing Virtual Cockpit dials are a beneficial £250 choice, however sat-nav is incorporated – operable by means of the focal seven-inch show.”
