Audi S4 2009 review

Audi Australia marketing general manager Immo Buschmann points out that the new model has more torque than the previous one and, more importantly, better fuel economy.

Drivetrain and pricing

The S4 arrives in quattro all-wheel drive with a supercharged V6 engine and lightning-fast seven-speed S-tronic transmission with dual clutch at $118,900.

The S4 features much the same engine as the supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI (the ‘T’ now also means supercharged) in the A6, but with reduced power and better fuel economy of 9.4L100km (claimed).

The S4 features a compact roots blower Eaton supercharger with two coolers, one in each cylinder bank and maximum boost of 0.8 bar.

It's a strong powerplant with a usable 440Nm of low-end torque, virtually no lag and none of the annoying supercharger whine.

But the greatest driving attribute of the new S4 is the optional sport differential which splits the torque between the rear wheels for improved cornering, like the BMW X6 and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X.

While the quattro drive has a 60:40 rear-to-front torque split with a maximum of 85:65, the sports differential distributes force between the rear wheels, giving more torque to the outside wheel when cornering.

Appearance

Styling cues that set this apart from the garden variety A4 are a single-frame grille with chrome, S Line bumper, LED indicators in the mirrors, S-design 18-inch alloys, black brake calipers with the S4 logo, LED taillights, boot spoiler and four oval tailpipes.

Inside there is a DVD-based navigation system, Audi MMI operating logic, electric seats and mirrors, parking sensors front and rear, keyless entry and start and leather sports steering wheel and seats.

Driving

The sports diff is everything it is claimed to be and will have some people seriously questioning rear-wheel drive. Gone is the vague understeering corner entry.

Turn-in is pin sharp and, although there is a little lightness powering out of a corner, it still stays tight and doesn't wander out wide. Handling is almost neutral. The split rear diff certainly doesn't feel as noticeably strange as in the heavy X6.

Importantly, traction is improved and there is less likelihood of stability control intervening, which means you keep power on throughout the corner for higher G forces. The all-wheel-drive system adds to the body weight, but you simply can't feel it.

Some may say supercharging is old fashioned and Audi last used them in the 1930s before reintroducing it in the A6 and now the S4. However, it feels totally modern with instant power and no whine or scream.

It's a practical car you could commute to work, tour relatively economically, or take out for a serious tyre-shredding track day.

For more detailed information, see your Carsguide newspaper sections or check back here in a few days.