2017 Audi S4 | new car sales price

Audi's warmed-over S4 sedan and wagon combo have touched down in Australian showrooms, with an asking price of $99,900 before on-roads for the sedan, which marks the first time it will be offered for under $100,000 in five generations of the A4-based model.

Its sharp price point is enough to beat out other European rivals, such as the Jaguar XE S which sells for $105,065, and the Mercedes-AMG C43 which attracts a $101,900 pricetag. The BMW 340i manages to undercut all three however, at $89,895.

The five-door Avant variant checks in at $102,900, continuing Audi's tradition of offering hot wagons to Australian customers.

Under the bonnet of the new S4, Audi has eschewed the previous generation's supercharger in favour of a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 that boosts power by 15kW and 60Nm for a total combined output of 260kW/500Nm.

The TFSI unit nestles the turbo in the valley of the 90-degree V6, which employs twin-turbine scrolling supplied by individual exhaust manifolds to help boost throttle responsiveness.

Increased performance and reduced weight means the 1630kg sedan version takes 4.7 seconds to complete the 0-100km/h sprint.

Engine weight has been reduced by 14kg thanks to an alloy block construction, while thinner walls on the iron cylinder liners have resulted in a smaller overall unit. Kerb weight is reduced 75kg over the outgoing version.

Increased performance and reduced weight means the 1630kg sedan version takes 4.7 seconds to complete the 0-100km/h sprint with a combined fuel economy figure of 7.7 litres per 100km, while the slightly heavier 1675kg Avant does 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds while sipping 7.8L/100km.

The only transmission option for Australia will be an eight-speed torque converter Tiptronic automatic transmission, which employs Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a Torsen-type centre differential.

In most circumstances, available torque is 60 per cent biased towards the rear wheels, however with differing conditions and drive modes, either axle can be allocated up to 85 per cent of grunt.

A freewheel function can disconnect the transmission from the final drive if the throttle is let off between 55km/h and 160km/h which, when combined with idle-stop technology, helps fuel efficiency.

Cornering ability is boosted through the use of torque vectoring, and an optional $2950 Quattro sport differential can further amplify the S4's dynamic prowess.

It uses Audi's five-link suspension and electro-mechanical steering system for a blend of rewarding and comfortable driving, while its sporty stance is enhanced by a 23mm reduction in ride height over the A4.

The Audi Drive Select system controls steering, transmission, engine and exhaust note, with settings for comfort, auto, efficiency, dynamic or individual.

Stopping power comes from 350mm discs at the front with six-pot callipers tucked behind 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, digital instrumentation is featured heavily through Audi's 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument display and an 8.3-inch central MMI monitor.

A $5900 S Performance pack contains upgrades like switching matte brushed aluminium trim to carbon-fibre, adding sports seats with diamond-pattern Nappa leather and extra adjustment, seat heating and massage function, and red brake calipers.

Technology such as Audi Connect and smartphone interface are included as standard.

Shelling out an additional $5600 gets the Technik pack which swaps the eight-speaker sound system out for a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, and adds a head-up display and Audi Matrix LED headlights.

Technology such as Audi Connect and smartphone interface are included as standard.

Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, exit warning system, forward collision avoidance, turn assist, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitor.

Boot space in the Avant stands at 580 litres and, with the 40/20/40 rear seats folded, that figure increases to 1510L. In comparison, the sedan can carry 480L/965L of cargo.

The Avant comes with a power tailgate, and both versions can open the boot by a leg movement under the rear bumper.

The practicality of the Avant can also be furthered by an optional luggage compartment cargo nets, tie-down rail and partition.

Is the sedan or Avant the pick of the Audi S4 pair? Tell us what you think in the comments below.