as one of the first to get a B5 RS4 back in 2001 and who then suffered the full effect of the 'bendy wheel' issue on used values, I had initally cancelled my long standing order for a B7 RS4.
About 1 month ago, my local Audi dealer contacted me and offered my the opportunity to get into a B7, as they had been offered an 'Audi Show Car'.
Having followed the early reviews of the left-hookers, my excitement about the RS4 had reached a point that I was kicking myself for having cancelled my order. This phone call turned into a rare bit of good luck.
A few days later, the car arrived at my dealer for viewing, 2 seconds later, the papers were signed and the partnership began.
It's Daytona with the technology pack, sports seats etc etc. Was original registered in Feb, so it was a 55 plate but that didn't matter to me - it has only done 500 miles.
3 weeks on, the car has done 2,500 miles and it is very very good.
It is quick but very refined and entirely discreet. The few people that recognise what it is almost twist their heads off their shoulders trying to look but most see 'another Audi'.
I would agree with the criticism levels at the seats - they are very tight at the base, even when the bolsters are completely extended. Not uncomfortable but not ideal.
The real trick is the handling, since my last RS4, I have had a plethora of iron including 2 x RS6s, 1 x 911 TT, 1 x 911 GT2 and an M3 CSL. The B7 RS4 has better real world handling than pretty much anything else. Whilst the CSLs are better on the track (no doubt), I do not take my everyday car on the track, I take it on the UKs road with their infinitely variable surfaces and our 'changeable' weather. It feels like the love child of a Suburu P1 getting it on with an M5.
Those that have offered the car, you will not be disappointed, it is fabulous. I don't have a great track record (excuse the pun) of keeping my cars for very long but who knows, perhaps this will change.
Here are some pics..
Cheers
Rod
