Hidden Audacity

What we like:

Handling

Quality interior

Styling

What we dislike:

Might look a little bland if parked beside the C43

but understatement is good yes?

The first thing that is noticeable in the S4, is the lag, or rather the lack-of. Audi had cleverly placed the turbocharger in-between the V of the cylinder banks, therefore reducing the distance taken for gasses to flow, hence reducing lag inherent to turbocharged engines. The 3.0 V6 delivers 354hp, 21 horsepower more than the previous car (and yes like some of you, we do miss that 4.2 V8 that lived in the S4, two generations ago), and an excellent 500Nm of torque, which happens at just 1,370rpm, and spreads generously to the 4,500rpm mark. Century sprint timing is at 4.7 seconds, on-par with the C43.

Audi has also ditched the S-Tronic dual clutch transmission for a more conventional eight-speed Tiptronic setup, turning all four wheels. Gear changes are not as firecracker frantic as the previous car, instead, with this transmission, it does feel like a more relaxed “big brother-is-here car” versus the “snap-and-bang” behaviour you’d get from the Mercedes-Benz C43.

We do love how power is delivered to all four wheels, with a 40:60 front-rear bias, with a self-locking centre differential ensuring this in normal conditions. Punch the car around a few bends, and the S4 will work the brakes on the inside wheels before any slippage can occur, ensuring maximum grip. The suspension’s adjustable dampers do provide very good stiffness where/when needed, allowing you to either have a smooth, comfortable ride (ok the large rims do add to some jolt on undulating road surfaces), or a stiff enough setup to tackle corners with razor-sharp precision.

Steering feel is generally good, and the wheel is well weighted especially at highway speeds. With a car that is around 75kg less than the previous car, the S4 certainly feels nimble.

For those who want a little justification for this car, Economy mode allows you to coast on the final gear when cruising on the highway. Basically almost stay at the speed you are at on the highway, while the engine runs at idle. Just a little added touch for you to save a few pennies-worth of fuel.

While the targeted market for the S4 is definitely more niche, there are the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C43 within this very same segment, and quite a bit lower in pricing, there is the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, for those on a “budget”.

The S4 is a very handsome car for the serious young executive. That V6 is really a gem of an engine, and we seriously love this car.

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