Insurance Group: 36
MPG: 36.7
CO2: 178
0-62 Mph: 5.0 secs
BHP: 328 BHP
Range: 492 miles
PROS: This is a car that delivers a good driving experience and has ample pace and power from the engine, while it also comes with a good level of trim and is very attractive car too.
CONS: The hefty price tag is coupled with running costs that can be quite pricey, while the ride is very hard for a car that really should be comfortable enough for long journeys, and the dashboard is quite busy too.
The S4 saloon is quite a big car on the whole, but it doesn't feel like such a big car when you are behind the wheel, with handling that is quick to respond to any turn of the wheel, although it doesn't feel as natural as it should. There is plenty of grip when cornering, and the steering does become heavier at speed, but the real issue while driving the S4 is that the ride is very firm and is uncomfortable on any rough or uneven surface. The driving position is excellent with plenty of steering wheel and driving seat adjustment, but one weak point is the lack of visibility to the rear.
The engine performance delivered by the 3.0 litre unit is excellent, with acceleration from 0-62mph happening in a lighting fast 5.0 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph and is more than enough for long journeys, and driving at motorway speed doesn't become noisy, although there is some wind noise from the wing mirrors.
There is no doubt that the S4 is an attractive saloon, with the typical Audi grille and air intake making for a nice front end, which is well complemented by the headlight clusters. The one weak point of the design of the S4 is that the rear end isn't quite as smooth and sleek as the rest of the car, with a lip over the boot lid which doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the car. Inside the car is comfortable enough, but the plastics are a little disappointing, and the centre console is quite cluttered with so many buttons.
The level of equipment included with the S4 is a plus point for the car, with the leather seats being particularly welcome, and the alloy wheels also help to ensure a quality look for the model. Cruise control is a nice feature on long journeys, while the climate control helps to make sure the cabin remains comfortable.
The S4 is quite a practical car, with a cabin that can accommodate four adults in comfort, although the fifth seat has restricted legroom because of the centre console. The boot space is also very good, providing plenty of room for the luggage of the car's occupants. Although Audi does generally enjoy a decent reliability record, the driver surveys don't reflect particularly positively on the S4.
The S4 is also a very safe car, and has a number of driving aids to deliver the power effectively, and also comes with plenty of airbags. These features have helped the car to achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.
There is no doubt that the S4 is fast and comes with a good level of equipment, but with the price tag of £38,665, many drivers will be thinking if it is really so much more attractive than a standard A4.
The running costs are also quite significant, with the 3.0 litre engine delivering an average 34.9mpg. Insuring the car is also quite expensive with a high insurance group, but the model doesn't suffer too much in terms of depreciation. The S4 saloon is supplied with a three year or a sixty thousand mile warranty, and Audi also provide three years' membership of the RAC.
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