Vehicle: 2004 Audi S4 Avant with Premium Pkg, Bose sound system, heated rear seats, rear side airbags
Price as tested: CDN75935

Performance: The new S4 is a departure of the outgoing model by abandoning the use of the 2.7L Biturbo in flavor of the 4.2L V8, the proven powerplant that’s been found in both A6 and A8. With 340hp and 302 lb/ft of torque, power has never been an issue. The power delivery is smooth and linear. Its throttle response doesn’t have the abrupt feel of many of the so-called sports cars. Not only does it provides an amazing amount of low-end torque, its top-end is equally astounsing as it never seem to run out of breath when pushed. You can choose between a 6-speed stick and Tiptronic manumatic in an S4. Its the standard 6-speed stick shift on our tester. The clutch take off is progressive and light with plenty of feel. On the other hand, the shifter is smooth and gates well defined. Its a crisp shifter that never feel rubbery between gears.

Handling: Thanks to a stiff chassis, Audi’s proven Torsen Quattro system and a sport-tuned suspension; S4′s dynamic qualities are as astounsing as its performance. The chassis is well damped by providing a comfortable ride for the passengers while the driver is able to enjoy the razor-sharpness of its steering, lack of body rolls and the uninstrusiveness of the Electronic Stability Control system. The lack of understeer and oversteer also make S4 a very nature car to pushed in corners.

Brakes: The brake performance is something you expect greatly from a car like S4, and it delivers. The pedal feels solid, responsive, fade-free while ABS won’t kick-in until absolutely necessary. The electronic brake force distribution also handles the balance of both front and rear wheels during emergency braking.

Interior: The atmsophere of S4′s interior is typical of Audi’s legendary quality. The use of materials are second-to-none. Leather Recaro sports seats are the best I have ever sat in. Its comfortable, supportive and put the driver always in alert thanks to its extra bolstering. There is a tasteful wood trim that adds warm to its already classy interior.

The cargo space is huge. With split 60/40 fold-down rear seats, you can put a refrigator on the back of the Avant while beating many sports cars in curves when hauling it home. The nice carpeting and cubbyholes also given extra marks for attention-to-details when it comes to design.

Conclusion: S4 Avant is the ultimte sleeper of sports cars. Not only you can haul a pile of 6X4 woods while blowing off the so-called sports cars away on curves and straightways, its also a blast to drive and very livable as a daily driver. Its a sports car that hides under the wagon skin.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 AUDI S4 AVANT
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5