Audi RS4 Avant Review: Speed Wagon

What we like:

Stupendous top end performance

all-weather capability

intoxicating engine note

predictable on-the-limit handling

handsome looks

attention to detail

lightning quick gearbox

versatile and practical nature

What we dislike:

Too docile at low revs

can do with more torque

potentially expensive options

ride can be harsh on bumpy tarmac

Inside, the RS 4 offers n unparalleled ambience among cars in its class. Like the rest of the A4 range, the interior just oozes class and quality that is unmatched by any of its competitors. For a sporty ambience, the interior gets a black colour scheme with carbon inlays throughout, a flat bottomed steering wheel, sports seats with integrated headrests, RS 4 side sills and bespoke instruments. A worthwhile option for track junkies are the bucket seats that feature electric adjustments for the bolsters.

Obviously, the RS 4 Avant is also a hugely practical and versatile car. Rear passengers not only have the added convenience of extra doors over the RS 5 coupe but also more useable head and legroom than the latter. The estate body endows the RS 4 with a hugely practical boot that can gobble up to 1,430 litres of load volume when the rear seat backs are down. The RS 4’s estate body style also makes it friendly transport for the family dog.

Set to arrive here in late 2012 or early 2013, the RS 4 Avant can be considered to be Audi’s best most complete RS model yet, surpassing even its highly rated predecessor. It has all the ticks in the right boxes to rattle its close competitors like the M3 and the C63 AMG, which is no mean feat considering how impressive these cars are.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai in Spielberg, Austria Photos by Audi