Audi downsizes new S4

Oct 7 2008 Peter Hayward

IT is not often a car maker drops a smaller engine into its fastest cars, but Audi doesn't go by the book.

So instead of another V8 the latest S4 gets a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 because it has lower emissions and gives better economy.

The new S4 Saloon and Avant were unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last week with a claimed 29mpg possible.

Performance is better than in the previous V8, but I doubt it will have the same delicious sound.

Zero to 60 takes a little over five seconds and even emissions are reasonably low.

Drive is to all four wheels using a new version of the quattro four-wheel drive system and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Or there is also a new version of the seven speed DSG auto - the very best clutchless gearbox in the world. It is technology personified.

Interior

Details of the interior are sketchy but expect the best of everything. There are three option packages giving such little touches and adaptive ride and steering and selectable damper control to fine tune the ride and handling.

FAST FACTS

Audi S4

Price : £36,000

Mechanical : 333bhp, 3.0-litre, 6cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 155mph

0-62mph : 5.1 secs

Combined mpg : 29

Insurance group : 20

CO2 emissions : 225g/km

BiK rating : 32%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust

Marks : 10/10

Main rival : BMW M3