Vehicle: 2010 Audi S4 S-Tronic with Audi Drive Select w/Sport Differential, Rear side airbags and B&O sound system
Price as tested: CDN$65150

Handling: As with the A4 it is based on, the new S4 is based on Audi’s new MLB chassis. What makes this chassis so special is Audi has moved the engine further back, with gearbox placed below, for better weight distribution. With the new S4, Audi has put advanced technologies like Audi Drive Select and Sport Differential into one single package. The Audi Drive Select can let driver choose what kind of driving experience they would like be. In most driving condition, “auto” would be most suitable as it automatically adjusts the shocks, steering weight and throttle response accordingly. However, if you are on a racetrack and want to fully appreciate S4′s handling prowess, “dynamic” mode would definitely be the best. Even with the firmest setting, the S4 rides comfortably with a sesne of Teutonic suppleness that defined the excellent suspension calibrations. The steering is sharper and provide even better feedback than both “dynamic” and “auto” modes. Body rolls are almost non-existence. The optional Sport Differential distributes the power between rear wheels. Combined with Audi’s rear-bias 40/60 Torsen Quattro system, you can have a pretty powerslide with the new S4. What is really surprisingly is how comfortably the S4 rides with “comfort” mode. It actually rides as smoothly as any A4 with standard suspension without losing all the handling prowess of this very car. The understeer is zone to non-existence while there is a little bit of oversteer allows through the uninstrusive ESP. The ESP acts as a secondary security shield behind the Quattro. It only steps in if the Quattro system won’t be able to save the driver from rearing S4′s ugly heads. Even when we pushed enthuisastically, rear-bias Quattro is as forgiving as any Audis we have driven before. So its really hard to get the ESP kicks in whenever the driver pushed.

Performance: When it comes to engine choice, S4 has always been an interesting piece. Right from the Original S4′s I-5 turbo to previous iteration’s normally aspirated V8. The latest generation comes with a 3.0 liter supercharged engine. With 333 ponies and 325 lb/ft of torque under driver’s right foot, power is never been an issue. Instead, it doesn’t have the usual turbo lag with turbocharged engine due to supercharger’s instant throttle tip-in. The result is a sports sedan that is both fast and furious, on the track and on the road. All have done without losing all the refinement and silky composure one expects from an Audi. With 4-valve-per-cylinder, FSI direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, its also surprisingly economcial for a performance car. 325 lb/ft of torque arrives at 2900rpm means there are plenty on the low end. It doesn’t lose anything on the mid and upper rev ranges either. You can have both a smooth 6-speed manual or the optional 7-speed S-Tronic on our tester. The 7-speed S-Tronic is a direct shift gearbox, which is dual-clutch gearbox. It already engaged the next gear whenever a driver has selected a gear. That means for a swift downshift and a quick upshift. A driver can also use paddle shifters on the steering to select gear manually. The “Sport” mode means the gearbox would shift at a higher gear for more enthuisastic driving. In short, all the mechanical bits simply work amazingly in this new S4.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the S4′s braking performance is as impressive as the car itself. The stopping distance is short and pedal feels linear. The brake pedal has to be top notch. After a couple of hard stops, it remains fade-free even on the racetrack. ABS remains uninstrusive until absolutely necessary.

Interior: The sole drawback of the S4 is the trunk layout. Even with the paddle hinges, which won’t crashed into any groceries down below. The trunk opening is narrow while liftover is high. The split fold-down rear seats and center ski pass through helped though. What is really pity is the S4 Avant is no longer imported into North America.

The rest of the interior is typical Audi fanfare. Which means class-leading interior design and materials all over the cabin. The Alcantara sports seats offer wonderful support on the shoulder and thigh. The MMI is easy to figure out without much hassle.

Conclusion: The new S4 not only set new standard when it comes to performance and dynamic abilites, it also set a bar very high when it comes to bang-for-the-buck. Its beautiful interior and classic good looks are just added bonus to the already yummy package. The bottom line? You can hardly find any car that’s any better than S4 above or within its price range.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Audi S4
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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
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5