Audi New Zealand has launched a performance version of the A4 sedan and the perennial Kiwi favourite, S4 Avant — and the company believes this model will woo customers to the RS brands.
On sale now, the sedan is priced from $116,400 with $3500 more for the Avant (Audi speak for wagon).
Both models have Audi’s AWD quattro system and get the new 3-litre, V6 TFSI engine producing 260kW of power and 500Nm of torque, with the sedan going from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and .2 seconds more for the Avant.
The redeveloped engine gets a twin-scroll turbocharger, replacing the mechanical supercharger found in the previous S4. It has an increase in power of 15kW over the previous model plus an addition of 60Nm of torque.
The two S4 models get the fast eight-speed tiptroinic transmission with paddle shifts with short ratios in lower gears and longer rations in upper gears to help with fuel consumption.
A fast new eight-speed tiptronic transmission with paddle shifters is new to both S4 models. Lower gears have short, sporty ratios, whilst upper gear ratios are longer to reduce revs and fuel consumption.
The new S4s get quad exhaust pipes, all the better for hearing the crackling downchange.
Audi NZ says the S range is a way to encourage customers to “step up” to the top-spec RS performance models — because Kiwis love their sports cars.
Photo / Dave Lintott : www.bwmedia.co.nz
The two S4 models’ fuel consumption has improved by 5 per cent with the sedan figures at 7.3l/100km and the Avant at 7.5l.
They step up from the previous generation with new technology such as LED head- and taillights with dynamic turn signals, 19in wheels, and a leather-trimmed 3-spoke sport steering wheel round out the additions.
The S4 sedan and Avant get adaptive cruise control plus traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, turn assist, obstacle avoidance assist and pre-sense systems.
Audi NZ launched the S4 sedan and Avant this week, a day after the Q2 reveal.
Driven, along with Audi ambassador, Huffer co-founder Steve Dunstan, tested a S4 sedan on a vigorous route from Martinborough, across the Rimutaka Range at speed, through Battle Hill Farm Forest park and up the narrow, winding roads to Paekakariki, before open zone speed limits to Wellington.
The turbo engine’s delightful guttural sound was clearly heard in the cabin, while the sedan’s handling at speed was enhanced by its quattro system.
Dunstan said he was “blown away with the performance and drive engagement” of the S4.