3200 miles into S4 ownership...........

[mylo911]

I thought it prudent to share the experience thus far for any potential S4 purchasers or likeminded petrol heads that are interested.

Collection day seems such a long time ago now, but those first few hours of driving are still very much in the forefront of my mind. The decision was made to run the engine in with care, but not be afraid to wind the revs on every now and then. A 'softer' run-in if you will. The pros & cons of thrashing the pants off it from the word go, were outweighed by my head talking to me about mechanical sympathy and long term ownership.

No red line, but 2/3rd's of the maximum rev range to start, then a gradual increase up the rpm counter after 500miles, and full beans after a 1000. This was done in a variety of conditions, (road/load) using both the full manual mode and D/S. Conscious of the fact a trip to the continent was due, I had set a target of achieving 1200 miles before it would be loaded up with people and gear for an endless 130 km/h cruise through France.

First impressions: the torque I suppose was the stand out to start, especially coming out of a stock S3 which peak (350nm) arrived in one big turbocharged shove at 2500rpm, with very little go below that. The S4 has a lot more linear power delivery, and made the running in period an easy exercise. Low speed overtakes without kick down were a doddle, with the exhaust providing a pleasant, albeit subtle, boomy note.

The torque still feels good, but it is not as near as impressive as using all of the rev range, which builds in no time at all before the full bore up change and 'thhrmmwpphh' from the exhaust makes itself heard. Truth be told, the engine feels like a bigger lump than it actually is, and not at all supercharged. There is absolutely no whine form the charger either.

However, the strange thing is, that sometimes it does not feel particularly quick: that is until you glance at the speedo, or realise the traffic that was in the distance is now quickly approaching.

Actually, much of the time it doesn't feel as quick as the S3, whether that be in kickdown or using the torque in top gear. In reality, it is a quicker car, but that linear torque and low down grunt seems to hide the pace. On the go, at 'ahem' motorway speeds, the pull is impressive, but the sensation of speed is hidden by refinement, and the low 2000rpm at 80mph means you are 900rpm away from peak torque. Don't get me wrong, it really rips along, it just does it so easily without you noticing.

B-road bashing brings out a very different side to the V6, with a heap more eagerness after 4500rpm and strong finish before it changes cogs. It's no rev hungry 6 pot like an e46 M3 for example, but nevertheless still loves to rev and sounds good too.

In terms of dynamics & drivability: There could be more feel coming through the wheel, but I reckon some of that is down to it being electromechanical, and just something to get used to. The trick with this car is the sport diff as it really brings that rear into play, aiding with direction change and eagerness to go around a corner. You can feel the offside rear wheel physically push you around a bend, which is a strange sensation at first, but one I now absolutely love. There is no feeling of the car being 'nose heavy', just nimble, light on its feet and eager to turn in. Most unlike the traditional 'Audi' feel, yet still the underlying 4 wheel grip keeping you pointed in the right direction.

I feel Audi have really moved their game on with this car, with its playfulness and engaging drive. Some B7 RS4 magic is definitely present.

Ok, so it is no M3 for outright driving dynamics, but for an 1800kg estate car, it's fantastic.

Other great attributes; the 7 speed twin-clutcher works especially well with this engine, and being somebody that loves a manual box, with the feel and enjoyment of nailing a perfect change up or heel'n' toe on the way down, I could not go back using a clutch!

Driving the S4 in manual gives me all the engine breaking and control I could ever want, and ultimately allows me to focus on everything else.

Super sport seats, B&O, and the pan roof are the other stand out features for me personally, other than that, the rest of the car does everything exactly as it should. Ergonomics are spot on, the boot space is great, rear seats can accommodate adults, the ride is compliant, and good visibility all round make this a great everyday car. Insurance is less the the S3 too!

Niggles: stock exhaust could do with being a little louder, even in dynamic mode. Steering feel in auto sometimes feels like it has a mind of its own, but much better in dynamic.

Cost wise: after 600 miles I had to put in about 250ml of oil, but nothing since. Fuel consumption has been good too, with 27mpg average over a 1500 mile jaunt, 4 up with a boot full of luggage (mainly motor way with cruise set at 130km/h). My short commute to work covers 8 miles, most of which is A road stop/start, followed by a small dual carriageway run, gives me around 20-21mpg. Highest seen was 34mpg, which consisted of 50 motorway miles at 70mph-ish.

Overall it's averaged 25.7mpg

I have a road trip around Wales planned in a couple of months, which should provide some great A & B roads to get to know the car a bit better.

Admittedly, I have found myself taking the long way home after work, and going for a drive just for the hell of it. It was a big decision buying the car, but I have absolutely no regrets, and am struggling to think of any car that would suit my needs better. The other half shares my passion for motors, and after difficulty letting go of the S3, she has now completely fallen for this one too.

A few motors were put into the pot for consideration, but the S4 had too many ticks in the boxes for us not to order one. The list was initially quite varied, but final ones considered were:997 C4S, 8V S3 sportback, BMW 335i touring. Deep down I knew it would be the S4!

No plans for any mods now, but will definitely happen in the future.

If you are thinking of purchasing an S4, I hope this has helped paint a picture of what it is like to live with one. Obviously, this is just my view, but welcome anybody's opinion or own ownership experience for comparison.

Thanks for reading

[Ian_C]

Great review! You've got some good economy on longer runs, probably helped by the tall seventh gear. Like yourself I've always wanted manuals over autos, but you are not the first person I've read who has been 'converted' by an S tronic Audi!

[PSB1]

Quite a lot of parallels with my experience there OP! My S4 now has roughly 3500 miles and I've also upgraded from a stock S3. Aside from a ruined tyre (not audi's fault!), the car is pretty much faultless.

To my mind, and spec is obviously a personal thing, ADS, sports diff, super sports seats and the usual black edition extras are must haves. I am sure I'd enjoy the convenience pack and advanced cruise but I feel I have the main toys.

It's a great car. Effortless power and I just luve knocking the gear selector back into S to overtake or 'make progress'. Such a great car.

[liffy99]

Well, only 800 miles into my ownership so less chance to get a real feel - I think I've only just managed to understand all the options although I echo most of the original poster's comments (esp the planted feel the sports diff gives) I'm struggling to love the car (6MT). I guess I miss the cuteness and almost instant chuckability of my old TT, and tbh the TT club and forum. Perhaps I've let my head rule my heart with buying the S4 and should have dug a bit deeper for a TTRS. different cars I know, and the S4 is much more practical. Maybe that MRC remap will help in a month or twos time