My first and possibly last post…

[stone]

I’ve been lurking around the RS246 forum for years and been a member for a while, however this is my first and possibly last post on this forum…

I’m an enthusiastic fan of 4WD performance cars and hence very interested in Audi’s and the RS range in particular, although I’ve yet to own an Audi.

Back when the B5 RS4 was first announced I made a point of viewing one of the first cars to come to the UK and promptly tried to order a new one to my specification – sorry Sir the whole limited run are spoken for (good for residuals but very annoying at the time).

Since then I’ve been waiting for the new RS4 to appear and ever since the first rumours of a B7 RS4 I’ve been avidly following its progress, mainly via this forum. Last summer I first saw (and heard!) one at the Goodwood FOS – yes this was the car for me, although preferably in Avant form. This week I finally had a test drive and the option to order an Avant to my specification for delivery this year.

I can’t add anything to that which has already been reported so far, but the lasting impressions of my test drive are as follows:

• Amazing engine with a surprising amount of usable torque at low revs (important for real world use); free revving with a lovely punch in the last two thousand revs.

• Wonderful sound track.

• Gear box pleasantly slick.

• Brakes very reassuring.

• Steering nicely weighted and very light at parking speeds (a good thing I think).

• Instruments very clear and a great steering wheel that felt right.

• Ride extremely good even on poorly maintained UK roads.

• Grip sensational, to be expected given the sophisticated 4WD system and the amount of rubber fitted.

• Some understeer when really pushing it on poor surfaces (a bit disconcerting at first - could prove embarrassing )

• Bucket seats were fine during my 70 minute test drive and I even liked the inflatable bolsters, however I’m not sure I would want the bucket seats for everyday use, the Recaro’s might be a better bet.

• The starter button is unnecessary and somewhat naff.

• And finally I was wearing a BIG grin for most of the drive.

Did I place an order?

No

I can’t currently explain why I won’t be ordering at this time, but that special ????????? seemed to be missing (well for me anyway). After all my anticipation it’s a real disappointment.

The B7 RS4 is brilliant car and I’m sure those of you that have got one already or are waiting for one are/will be grinning a lot. Enjoy

One thing that has been exercising my thoughts though is the obvious desirability of the RS4 and the unwanted attention that comes with that. The thought that my family or I might be threatened (for the keys) because of a car I own gives me serious cause for concern – perhaps that’s why I didn’t take up my option to order.

…. this may be my first and last post on this forum BUT if I change my mind, there is still a good chance that I will be able to place an order for an RS4 in the future - bad for residuals… perhaps that’s another reason why I didn’t place an order???

[PhilT]

Interesting in many ways !?!?!?!?!?

[Simon_M]

I echo your last two comments, that coupled with p1ss poor service and info from the dealer resulted in me withdrawing my order for an Avant.

Kept a note in for an RS4+ though

[JustinM]

but that special ????????? seemed to be missing

Correct. It isn't special.

[peterpan]

Dear Gentlemen!
As Stone writes his impression about the car, he has right. He enumerates all the useful things, that important in everyday. Yes it is a great car - or seems to be as great as the B5 - but an Audi. Use it!
What the * special do you want? Drive it naked! or with Angelina Jolie side by side! Or buy an Enzo.
I mean, when you drive on the highway at 170mph, that is special. And you can do this with this car, in summer, or in winter.
Peter

[fishface]

I've never driven a B5 but it was slated by all the rags as having poor ride/handling/steering feel. It was very fast and gripped the road but gave little driver involvement. (All this is stuff I've read not experienced I grant you) Audi sort all this out and now you think its not 'special'. By special do you mean flawed?

[JustinM]

The B5 with gmbh sports suspension is an awesome car both on the road and the track. Ask any B5 driver. On the track it could stay with the best of them, I can assure you. Not flawed at all. The press at that time were very anti Audi and 4WD. They all wanted to drive around with the tails wagging on corners. You won't get a B5 to do that. Special means different, unique, road presence. As has been said. Park a B5 next to a B7 and you will see immediately what special means.

[Genocidalduck]

The B5 with gmbh sports suspension is an awesome car both on the road and the track. Ask any B5 driver. On the track it could stay with the best of them, I can assure you. Not flawed at all. The press at that time were very anti Audi and 4WD. They all wanted to drive around with the tails wagging on corners. You won't get a B5 to do that. Special means different, unique, road presence. As has been said. Park a B5 next to a B7 and you will see immediately what special means.

I dont think anything has changed with the press....They still seem anti 4WD...I do like the B5....But i want a saloon. I couldnt care who thinks its special and who doesnt....I love the RS4 B7

[gazzab]

Stone, surely the advantages/plus's out weigh the disadvantages/negatives, just read you post again. All your comments are spot on and agree with motoring writers. You are never going to find a perfect car. The next step up would have to be a Porsche or maybe the new BMW M3. I have to stick with a five seater for the current time, otherwise I would of gone Porsche. I have had a gutsful of BMW, and is one of the main reasons I will be changing to Audi, I suppose alot has to do in finding the "right" dealer.

I think you may be swayed if you seriously reexamine the pro's and con's. So far the posters on this forum who have received their cars, are rapt.

Gazzab

[flashyg]

Just walk round a dealership all the Audis look similar. It’s a new thing in styling. It will probably sell more cars for Audi as the cheap ones look like the seriously fast ones. I drive an s line quite often (for weeks!) and I get so used to seeing others on the road and cannot distinguish the differences between s & rs or any other modern Audi cars, easily.

Plastic and sporty mouldings are a cheap way of dressing up the cheap cars to sell them as nearly s & rs models.

Very clever marketing, all that’s needed is for people spending serious money to accept this situation. Just my opinion, and if I want a new merc, beemer or Audi, I will accept this. The positives are that the thieves will struggle to notice your cars, which is good.

I do not mean in any way to suggest flaw or fault with the new Rs4 it is a beautiful understated sports car. Furthermore beauty is only skin deep. This car is a very nice motor but a little sole less as it will be difficult and less rewarding if you wish to modify or get personally involved in developing it further. This might not be a priority for the new owners! This may explain the main issues between old and new 4 owners.

The problem is us (Less impressed people). We may just be old fashioned and think the latest cars must look like the money they cost. If they don’t make us look special they just wont do.

This is true to some extent on my part but more so is the fact that I’ve chosen my B5 for many reasons and cant justify spending twice its value on a car I’m not totally obsessed with, I would like one though but I do really have an attachment to my old B5 and it isn’t going any where.

G






I have tried not to give my thoughts here for so long but it just happened.

I really do like the new B7 and any one who has one its going to be a seriously nice special motor. I will look forward to meeting the new owners. Best regards and wear to the new B's.

[SLC Detailing]

Get a UR Quattro thats has that special ????? Also u will have no problem distinguishing whats a UR and whats not, and to be honest is the best bit of kit Audi has produced

[PhilT]

Only problem is you'd always want a Sport quattro.