Audi: 'Sensible' wagon goes like a rocket

The Audi S4 packs enough punch to be a superhero in disguise. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

Audi bucked a trend when it replaced the S4's 4.2-litre V8 engine with a 3.0-litre supercharged V6, but just in terms of motor size.

For only a dyno would notice the 5kW drop in power over the V8, while torque's increased 30Nm, to 440.

It's torque that produces the punch off the line, and there's punch aplenty.

Wagons may say "sensible" to some, but this car's performance is anything but.

The explanation involves some techno-geekery.

The super-compact supercharger tucks into the 90-degree Vee between the cylinder banks, such close proximity cutting response time, already a supercharger advantage.

Now add compressors to further boost delivery, and you've got a torque peak available anywhere from 2900rpm to 5300, just before the 5500rpm to 7000rpm seam of peak power.

Audi claims a zero to 100 figure of just over five seconds, and I can believe it, but it's the broad spread of power that really impresses.

It helps that it's sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed double clutch auto transmission, and that the active sports diff directs it to whichever rear wheel has most grip - or to the outer rear to help fire you around corners.

Fortunately the car gets stiffer sports dampers and a lower stance, plus a choice of comfort, auto and dynamic modes that tune throttle response, steering weight and shift points.

I rarely opted for "comfort", for auto proved very effective.

What all this wizardry adds up to is a wagon that feels anything but sensible.

The S4 is a leather-lined rocketship, with almost instant power on tap and the handling to cope.

This is the Remuera alternative to Superman's phonebox, changing its drivers from mild to wild at the turn of a key.

Okay, so wild may be slightly overstating the case, as this Audi is nothing if not both controlled and controllable. And it is just as capable of living life in the slow lane.

You can drive it like a sports car, despite its sensible lines, or just use it as an everyday hack, albeit a luxurious one. The cabin's as smart as you expect from Audi, lifted by the contrast stitching for the leather-clad sports seats and wheel. The exterior's as smart, only the badges hinting that this family wagon has a feral side.

Audi S4 Avant

We like
Fantastic engine, very clever four-wheel-drive system - its mild-to-wild ability.

We don't like
We can't afford $128,900

Powertrain
3.0-litre supercharged V6, 245kW at 5500-7000rpm, 440Nm at 2900-5300rpm, seven speed auto drives all four wheels.

Performance
0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds, 9.6l/100km

Safety
Stability control, ABS, six airbags

What it's got
19-inch alloys, auto headlights, parking aids, air con, cruise control

Vital stats
4717mm long, 490/1430-litre boot, 64-litre tank