What's the difference?
It's the end of the line for that Audi A4 as we know it. In saying goodbye to the ‘B9’ generation A4 that launched in 2015, we welcome the Audi RS4 Competition Plus.
It is the most hardcore example of the breed yet, sitting lower to the floor with hard-edged gear changes, lightweight wheels and snuggly bucket seats. You can also get it in swoopy RS5 Sportback guise.
Audi is only bringing 75 units of each down under as a swan song for the B9 generation RS4 and RS5 before the even-numbered model moves into its all-electric future.
As we’ll go on to discover, these two special models see the A4 and A5 bow out in style.
Once a solid mainstay on our roads, wagons have fallen out of favour somewhat as a result of the ever-growing popularity of SUVs and utes.
But is a wagon actually a better and more family-friendly daily driver than a bigger, taller SUV or ute? Perhaps.
And throw a mild-hybrid system into the mix and it could be an even more appealing purchase.
Skoda’s Octavia has built a strong following in Australia and now comes its new mild hybrid grade, available as a wagon or liftback.
So, what’s the Skoda Octavia Select mHEV wagon like as a daily driver for families?
Read on.
What a way to send off this generation of Audi RS4 and RS5. The extra focus courtesy of those trick coil overs and drama from the exhaust plus the sharper gear changes deliver the best Audi has done with these RS products.
There are some compromises, with the suspension favouring outright control over low-speed comfort. It’s also true that the current BMW’s M3 and M4 are more impressive, but when the products are nearly seven years fresher than Audi’s, what do you expect?
Plus, those looking for a more restrained and polite fast executive sedan (or wagon) will gel with the Audi’s sophistication. There aren’t many of these Competition Plus RS4 and RS5s coming to Australia and they are impressive visually and from behind the wheel. It’s a fitting way to send off the current generations.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.
The Skoda Octavia has always been impressive in wagon guise and this mHEV variant is no different. While the mild-hybrid set-up adds little to the Octavia package there’s still plenty to like about this wagon. It’s smooth and refined to drive, packed with features and has ample appeal as a value-for-money buy.
It’s no surprise if this wagon is at or near the top of your vehicle shopping list.