RS4 driven in this weeks Autocar

[DuncS3]

This weeks Autocar has a first drive feature on the RS4 saloon at Goodyears Mireval circuit in France plus a small feature on other S and RS Audis. A selective quote from the RS4 feature for you:

" RS4s constant blistering acceleration likely to blow an M3 away in seconds"

Autocar are pitching it against the current M3...

Dunc

[Simon_M]

They reserve judgement until it can be tested on UK roads but they say that the 60:40 power split and other mods do give it some more driver involvement than previous Audis. They like the brakes and the interior and say that the engine is 'arguably the finest V8 on the planet'. The downsides are that it is not for people who like drifting and the 9K premium over an M3. They also suggest that the BMW offers greater driver involvement.

[DaveP]

There's also a small article in the latest 'Car' magazine....doesn't come out too well there for driver involvement either...

[wazza]

same old, same old.

[sitas3]

same old, same old.

What do you mean Paul? same old rubbish from Journalists or same old rubbish from Audi?
so are you still going to buy, Paul?

[wazza]

same old, same old.

What do you mean Paul? same old rubbish from Journalists or same old rubbish from Audi?

same old rubbish from Autocar.

so are you still going to buy, Paul?

My order is still in, but not for the saloon.
I do have other plans up my sleeve as well though

[Pete.S]

same old, same old.

What do you mean Paul? same old rubbish from Journalists or same old rubbish from Audi?

same old rubbish from Autocar.

Yup. Bout time they sacked some of their journalists ain't it?

No doubt Evo will also slate it.

I do wonder whether some of these journalists actually realise that we live in a rain-drenched UK (he says on a bright spring evening )

[simple1]

Always rant about Bm's and looney toon japanese turbo nutters, but rarely have had anything good to say about Audis... I was reading the review of the old RS4 in Evo the other night, the <beep> couldn't have got it more wrong if he had tried.....

[Nordschleife]

the best that can be said about Evo is 'nice snaps"

[Scotty]

Two page article in AutoExpress today also.

M3 "has the dynamic edge"

"lacks the M3's precision on turn in"

"Yet the Audi is a more desirable everyday car, with 4WD inspiing more confidence on the UKs wet roads. It's expensive, but Audi is clearly onto a winner.

**** (out of 5)

[Pete.S]

I've just read the complete article in Autocar, and, to be fair, by their standards, it's a pretty unbiased and positive review. Can't wait for the comparison tests, & for someone on 'ere to get one, so we can all really know what it's like.......

PS it looks absolutely gorgeous in the article.

[romario]

I've been quite encouraged by the press reaction to the B7 RS4. Seems you have to live with an Audi to really appreciate one, especially long term testers of the S4 that have been pleased with their cars on the whole, whereas road tests tend to highlight its flaws. I think many journalists were right about the B5 RS4, I was disappointed by the brakes, steering feel, understeer bias, gearshift etc, but spending a few £K sorts them out. I still miss my M3 for it's on the limit handling but for UK road use I'd take my RS4 every time. I also tend to agree with Evo. My S2000 was an acquired taste and again suspension changes sorted the handling quirks but it was never as satisfying to drive as I expected. I do own two other five star cars though, which are just right.
I am looking forward to a drive in the new RS4, just to see if I can live without the rush of the turbos I am so used to. If BMW or Mercedes put a four wheel drive platform on their M or AMG products in RHD then I'd have a problem with choice for now I am inclined to stay with quattro reassurance.

[donrs4]

so Romario, what other 5star cars are "just right"? (not claiming there aren't but being curious)
d.

[romario]

Current others are 996 Carrera 4 and a MX5 for better half.
Was very surprised by the MX5 it handles superbly, can play with this without risking the license.