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Audi RS4 Saloon

Audi have listened to the criticisms of earlier models to produce the superb Audi RS4 Saloon

Audi RS4 Saloon

Text AUTO 192266 to 88833 to download the Audi RS4 engine ringtone to your phone. Terms & Conditions below.

14th September 2006

This has been a momentous year for Audi. After having suffered enduring criticism that its sporting models were wooden and uninvolving, it produced the RS4 – and the sublime sports saloon was a bolt from the blue.

Let’s start with the bodywork. Squat, purposeful and beautifully detailed, the model sits 30mm lower than a standard A4, while the wider track and massive 19-inch alloys are cloaked by bulging arches. What’s more, the cabin is brilliantly laid out – hip-hugging seats with adjustable side bolsters and a flat-bottomed steering wheel raise the feelgood factor yet further.

So far, so good. But if you’re beginning to see why we voted the RS4 one of this year’s top sporting machines at New Car Honours, the best is yet to come. Press the starter button and the 4.2-litre V8 FSI rumbles into life. It sounds superb, if more muted than you might expect. Until, that is, you hit the Sport button. At a stroke, the bolsters grip your sides harder, throttle response sharpens and the exhaust roars.

Due to the muscular mid-range, ability to rev to 8,000rpm and the quattro 4WD system’s reassuring traction, few cars can match the sure-footed performance and poise. Or, surprisingly, its comfort. The suspension is not only tightly controlled, but has a remarkably supple ride.

As a road car, the RS4 saloon has few peers – indeed, we rate it more highly than BMW’s M5. No wonder it finished so strongly here.

Text AUTO 192266 to 88833 to download the Audi RS4 engine ringtone to your phone.

(Service costs 150p per ringtone. Normal operator charges apply. Users must have a GPRS enabled and compatible handset and be over 16. Support email mobile@dennis.co.uk.)

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For an alternative review of the latest Audi RS4 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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  • Audi RS 4 Video 4.6MB

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    Audi RS4 Saloon
    Audi RS4 Saloon
    Audi RS4 Saloon

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    Specifications

    On-the-road price: £49,980
    Engine/capacity: V8/4,163cc
    Peak power: 414/7,800 bhp/rpm
    Peak torque: 430/5,500 Nm/rpm
    Kerbweight: 1,650kg
    0-60 claimed/actual: 4.9/4.6secs
    30-70mph/top speed: 3.9secs/155mph
    60-0mph: 34.7 metres
    Noise idle/full revs: 52/77dB
    Lap time/ranking: 1min 41.8secs/8th

    Road rating: 5/5
    Track rating: 4/5
    Feelgood factor: 4/5
    Value rating: 3/5
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