Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi RS4 Avant

A spiritual successor to the Porsche-tuned RS2, the RS4 Avant blends supercar power with estate practicality

A power struggle between the big three German motor manufacturers gave rise to the incredible RS4 in 2006. The previous generation of the flagship A4 had picked up where the old RS2 left off, and was only available as a practical Avant estate.

With a 375bhp 2.7-litre bi-turbo V6 engine, this model had kept Audi at the top of the performance load-carrier class – but when production came to an end in 2001, RS4 fans faced a five-year wait for its replacement.

It was worth it, though, because this car saw the RS4 come of age. Offered in saloon, Avant and Cabriolet bodystyles, it had a spec sheet to make its competitors tremble.

The centrepiece of the newcomer was a mighty 4.2-litre V8 that produced 414bhp and a muscular 430Nm of torque. Bulging wheelarches leave you in no doubt about its potential, although these are blended with tidy detailing to provide a well judged mixture of aggression and subtlety for which modern Audis are now famous. And from behind the wheel, it’s easy to see why this car
features in our greatest quattros line-up.

The beautiful flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, figure-hugging sports seats and perfect driving position make the cabin feel genuinely special, while the throaty rumble of the V8 sets the RS4 apart. In terms of driver involvement, it remains one of the best quattro models ever – the sharp handling, agility and breathtaking traction made it a stern rival to the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG.
Despite excellent body control, there’s a suppleness to the suspension that means the Audi isn’t as hard to live with as you might expect. Hi-tech options included ceramic brakes, while the standard Sport button sharpened the throttle response and improved the wonderful exhaust note.

If production hadn’t ceased last year, the car would still be vying for class honours in this ultra-competitive sector. And that’s why we can’t wait to find out what an RS4 version of the latest A4 will have to offer!

Details

WHY: Supercar performance from an estate!

Skip advert
Advertisement
In This Review

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £9,500
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £15,876
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £12,700
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £11,890
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025