Autoexpress ha provato la S4 Avant.. Dicono che è molto ben costruita.. che è molto veloce ma.. non molto divertente!
There are no longer any rules in the compact executive class, it seems. Faced with the challenge of outdoing rival BMW's mighty M3, there was only one way Audi could get the power it needed for the new S4. So it borrowed the 344bhp V8 heart from the flagship S8.
But let's start outside, where there is precious little to tell this fire-breather from an everyday A4. Available as both saloon and estate when it goes on sale here next April, the S4 has few of the trappings usually associated with performance cars.
So there are no blistered arches or towering rear spoiler - instead the detailing is discreet: glossy aluminium wing mirrors, a chrome ring around the slatted lower air intake, xenon head- lights and twin exhausts. Only the four unique body colours (this Nogaro blue is one) and 18-inch alloys create a sporty impression. And get this - the optional wheels are actually smaller than the standard ones. The S4 is for drivers who don't want to get noticed.
But don't forget that power figure - this is the stealth bomber of the sal-oon car world. The small engine bay means the huge V8 had to be modified to fit and sits a long way forward. That doesn't affect the 344bhp and 410Nm of torque kicked out by the S4.
Despite tipping the scales at a hefty 1,720kg - 60kg more than the four-door version - the Avant is downright fast. Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, Audi claims that the familiar bodyshell will thump to 60mph in 5.6 seconds - but it feels capable of going quicker than that.
Throttle response is immediate, and with torque peaking at 3,500rpm, you are guaranteed a meaty surge of power through the mid-range. However, the gearbox is a letdown. It may be less loose and wobbly than the old S4's, but the shift lacks precision and doesn't like to be rushed. Then again, most buyers will opt for the Tiptronic unit with shift paddles behind the wheel, and down the line it's likely the S4 will get the DSG system (dual-clutch Dynamic Shift Gearbox) from the new TT V6.
Unsurprisingly, the S4 isn't the most rewarding car to drive, but Audi does not intend it to be an out-and-out sports car. It's designed to be rapid and practical all-round transport, and as such will do head-to-head battle with the more expensive Mercedes C32 AMG. The S4's four-wheel-drive quattro set-up means low-speed traction isn't an issue, and at high speeds it feels thoroughly sure-footed.
We'd still like a slightly more quick-witted and sensitive steering set-up, though, and keen drivers will soon discover the chassis's limits - understeer being the legacy of having the engine so far forward. But while the S4 proves disappointing on the track, on the road it makes much more sense. Suspen-sion revisions have improved the old car's patchy ride - the body isn't so easily upset as the dampers take the edge off sharp bumps. So what we have here is another Audi that's fast, safe and capable, but not that much fun.
The interior is equally subtle - the gaudy Recaro seats excepted. They are available in calmer hues than the blue ones in our test car, and are notable for being both comfortable and supportive. Aside from that, passengers would be hard-pushed to know that they were sitting in something a bit special - the only adornment is the S4 badge on the rev counter.
Still, the pricing looks attractive, and the timing of the launch should produce a halo effect over the rest of the range.
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