On the negative, and I have only one complaint, its V8 is thirsty, guzzling 16.7 L/100 km/h of premium fuel in town and 10.7 L/100 km/h on the open road when mated to the 6-speed manual. In comparison BMW's even quicker 6-speed manual M3 seems thrifty at 14.5 and 9.0 respectively. What's more, the Audi gets worse when mated to the automatic while the BMW actually improves consumption with its optional SMG sequential manual gearbox. While fuel economy might not be a top priority in this performance-at-all-costs category, better fuel economy benefits the environment which is something worth considering no matter how much the price of gas doesn't affect you.
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| The S4 is a clear example of the one-upmanship that's going on in the super sedan war between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Also, buyers should be aware that Audi as a brand doesn't perform as well on J.D. Powers and Associates reliability index as its cars do on the road. While this may not be a factor in a sale that gets driven more out of passion than practicality, 26th out of 37 nameplates in the 2003 Vehicle Dependability Study is hardly bragging rights material. Of course, compared to Mercedes-Benz, rated in 27th place, Audi looks pretty good. BMW, however, scores a much more impressive 13th.
In the end a 340-hp compact sedan makes about as much sense as a jet-powered rowboat. But pragmatism is hardly what Audi is trying to sell here. Rather the S4 is this German brand's version of the 'ultimate driving machine,' with many advantages over its rivals. It's a clear example of the one-upmanship that's going on in the super sedan war between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with Cadillac following suit shortly by offering a Corvette Z06 motivated 400+ horsepower CTS-V, each car being unique in purpose and targeting buyers with different priorities. BMW owns the no-holds-barred sport segment while M-B delivers on luxury. Audi finds a comfortable niche right in between, with a car now worthy of top-tier status that should appeal to a large portion of the segment's potential customers. It's less expensive than its peers too, which won't hurt Audi's chances at luring those who can't make up their minds which way to go.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP):$67,950 - $75,980
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Engine: 340-hp, 302 lb-ft, 4.2-L, 40-valve, DOHC V8
- Transmission: 6-spd manual (opt 6-spd auto with manual mode)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS with EDS
- Cargo Capacity: 379 L (13.4 cu ft)
- Curb Weight: 1,660 kg (3,660 lb)
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 5.6 seconds
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 16.7 / 10.7 L/100 km/h
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensiveDirect Competitors: BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG
- Web Site: www.audicanada.ca
