2000 Audi S4 Review

The Audi S4 Avant is simply the fastest station wagon sold in this country.

Why does Audi bother with such a high-performance wagon? Because wagons are popular in Germany, where people love hot rod versions of all types of models.

And the German automaker knows that station wagons are becoming more popular here. An increasing number are sold as upscale models--and as hybrid vehicles that combine the versatility of a wagon and sport-utility vehicle.

The subcompact-size S4 Avant is a hybrid because it combines a wagon's utility with the acceleration of a Porsche 911 and the handling of a good sports car. It's an awesome all-weather machine.

The $40,500 S4 Avant looks virtually the same as other small Audi wagons. But it has such sizzling acceleration that perhaps Audi should have made it look racier, although my test S4 Avant's Imola Yellow paint really brought out its smooth lines.

There are so many standard features, including even a heated driver door lock, that few options are available. However, the $450 heated front seats with individual temperature control are especially nice during a Chicago winter.

The S4 Avant has huge performance tires on 17-inch wheels with a special design derived from Audi's Avus show car. It also has a lowered sport suspension and subtle styling cues such as "S" badging on the grille and trunk lid. And there are roof rails and large front air intake openings.

That's not much. But Audi believes in understated styling and elegance. It lets the performance of the S4 Avant speak for itself.


The S4 Avant is precisely built, and its engine is a masterpiece. It's a twin-turbocharged, intercooled V-6 with dual overhead camshafts and five (instead of the usual two) valves per cylinder.


With those goodies, the engine generates a strong 250 horsepower. It propels the S4 Avant to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds with a six-speed manual transmission--or in 6.5 seconds with a five-speed automatic. The no-extra-charge automatic can be used as a clutchless manual.


Top speed is electronically limited to 143 mph with both transmissions.


The automatic shifts efficiently. But the S4 Avant is the most fun with the sports-ratio gearbox because it's a racy machine with a high level of responsiveness that makes it fun to drive even in town.


The shifter is easy to use, although the clutch has a long throw

that causes a driver to extend his leg a lot when depressing it. At least the clutch has a light action.

Throttle reaction is sharp at all speeds. That's because the small turbochargers provide more rapid response and a flat engine torque curve that allows gobs of neck-snapping torque over a broad engine speed range; it stretches all the way from 1,850 rpm to 4,500 rpm.

Consequently, there's no need to even downshift to a lower gear to get a decent 65-75 mph passing time in sixth gear.

However, the sports ratios cause the engine to spin at a high 3,000 rpm at 65 mph, making you wish another overdrive gear was available. Conventional cars with a six-speed manual usually keep engine revs under 2,500 rpm at that speed for less engine wear.

Safety features include side airbags up front and a new Sideguard head airbag system that covers side window areas to protect heads of outboard occupants.

Although rather small, the S4 Avant wins no fuel economy contests. Its potent engine, performance gearing and heavy weight (about 3,750 pounds) cause low miles per gallon. Estimated highway fuel economy is only 24 mpg. And the city figure is 17--about what some small sport-utes deliver.

But the S4 Avant is too special to be judged by conventional standards. You wouldn't buy it for fuel economy any more than you would a Porsche.

Audi's polished all-wheel-drive system efficiently feeds power to the 45-series tires and enhances the superb handling of the wagon--as does the firm sport suspension and electronic anti-skid system.

The road-gripping tires and a high-performance ventilated brake system with an anti-lock system provide short, straight stops. Brake feel is good.

The all-independent aluminum suspension soaks up bumps. But it causes the ride to be jerky on roads with wavy pavement, such as tollway concrete that didn't settle quite right.

The refined S4 Avant is eerily quiet. The leather interior looks rich, and gauges are easily read. Most controls are fairly large and nicely placed, but climate system controls are complex. And the headlight stalk control is awkwardly put between the tilt/telescopic steering wheel and turn-signal lever.

There is decent room up front in highly supportive power sport seats. But rear legroom is tight for a passenger behind a tall driver with his seat shoved back.

The fairly large cargo area has a low, wide opening, and rear seatbacks easily fold forward to enlarge the cargo area.

Although costly, the A4 Avant's blend of performance and practicality is nearly irresistible.