So first impressions - the RS4 lacks the start-up torque and initial liveliness of the S4's forced induction, despite the bigger capacity. So a right-foot recalibration was needed to avoid disappointment. As a result, it is very docile until you poke it with a sharp stick, so the future Mrs A will have no trouble bumbling around when she drives it, despite seeming fearful of the RS... Have seen 28mpg but I know it won't stay there. And who cares?
It steers so much better, hides its bulk and mass better too - the S4 always felt heavy when you leant into a corner. The RS is sharp and pointy, like my TVR. Hard to believe they are so different.
Seats are much more comfy, MMI is more informative too, though a little lazy. It's slightly lower geared too, no doubt to make more use of the 8200rpm red line, and when you get going, it calls the devil to unleash its power. DSG is way better, though its a nearly new car so should be slick and smooth.
Things that make me howl:
- the bark of downshifts in Sport mode. Epic. Could slow down all day, for that alone.
- the childish nod to Eco with a silly green upshift arrow that sits alongside the gear indicator when you balance the throttle in a low gear in manual mode.
- the cacophony of noise on cold start (though it does make lots of noises at he sharp end until it settles to idle, and I think it's a little too brutal on a cold engine and makes it sound like a diesel!).
It really needs a bit more exhaust noise - it is way too refined, even with sports exhaust and dynamic setting permanently enabled in MMI.
It's Nov 14 car, and its modest spec includes:
[WC9] Sports Package
[0P6] Sports exhaust system
[2MC] Dynamic Ride Control - I'm still listening for clonks
[1N8] Power steering (dynamic steering)
[PQW] 20x9J 5-arm rotor high gloss alloys - while easy to clean, v-spokes were my preference. Will be easy to swap.
[4A3] Heated front seats
[9VK] Bang & Olufsen sound system - a deal maker for me.
[9ZW] Phone prep - High with Connect
[3FU] Open Sky Panoramic sunroof - a deal maker for me.
[VW1] Privacy glass
[EA6] Audi Warranty 4yr 75000 miles - a big attraction on a two year old car.
And while I loved the S4, this is in a different league. Sorry about the phone pic, will post better when I've had a chance to make it gleam. Then I need my boy to run the polisher over it, to take the swirls out and make that Misano paint pop, to compliment the brightwork. Merry Xmas to me
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