Wolf in sheep's clothing

Of course, the S4 gets the Drive Select treatment. With the push of a button, the driver gets to decide whether the throttle, auto box and steering are to operate in a comfortable, medium or dynamic mode. Besides influencing the throttle response, the shift points for the 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission gets improved, and the speed-dependent servotronic steering turn weightier.

Since we're at the topic of steering, let's get down to some extra detail: Dynamic steering is another high-tech solution available in the S4. Its superposition gear varies the ratio by almost 100% - in terms of driving safety, it reduces the load on the ESP as it stabilizes the car through lightning-fast steering interventions when cornering at the car's handling limits. A tyre pressure monitoring system comes factory-fitted as well: it alerts the driver as soon as pressure from any tyre drops, adding extra safety to the S4's already long list of safety equipment.

Optional assistance systems provide the driver with even greater control on the road. If you're a regular driver of the KPE or North-South Highway, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) maintains the distance to the vehicle in front as you cruise along. Audi side assist also helps at making lane changing safer, while Audi parking system help getting into a parking space much easier - especially for the missus...

Hands up if you opine the S4 looks both athletic and muscular at the same time.

Compared to the A4, some of the most striking modifications to the exterior design are the special aprons, the aluminium-look exterior mirror, 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels, sill trims, restrained spoiler on the boot and the quad-pipe exhaust system. The LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights are distinctive features of the S4 too, by the way.

What about the interior then? The sports seats, wrapped in Alcantara and leather, comes with electrical adjustments (for the front two seats). Its leather-wrapped steering wheel and instrument cluster (now with grey dials and white needles) all bear the S4 logo - a good reminder in case you forgot what car you're driving. The rest of the S4 is an all-black affair, with matt brushed aluminium inlays.

With regards to multimedia, Audi offers what must be considered an attractive package. The communications and entertainment list include the by-now familiar MMI operating interface, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, iPod connection and also a Bluetooth-ready car phone.

The Audi S4 3.0 TFSI Quattro currently retails at $225,000, COE included. There's also an Avant version, available at a slightly pricier $232,000. Mind you, that's not the final price if you want to add in more accessories, like the glass sunroof...

Credits: Story by M.H Sim, pictures by Azfar Hashim