MOTORING: Will buyers of £79K Audi RS4 Avant quattro really care about its 28mpg performance?
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In this environmentally-sensitive world of EVs, hybrids and pedal power, it’s refreshing to find something which really gets the juices flowing...and would probably get Greta choking on her veggie smoothie.
Actually, while its performance is truly breathtaking, the Audi RS4 Avant quattro is remarkably well-behaved when it comes to emissions, economy and efficiency so you can drive it with a clear conscience.
The latest version comes with a 2.9 litre V6, replacing the previous massive 4.2 litre V8, but while the size may be smaller, it’s just as powerful – half a second faster to 62 mph - and in fact has even greater torque. What’s really impressive though is that it has lower CO2 emissions and better economy, so effectively you get greater performance for your money while doing all the right things.
Some of that has been achieved by weight reduction, which in the case of the engine is 31 kgs lighter and overall kerbweight is 45 kgs less.
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As a performance-based estate, you get the bonus of extra loadspace in the flat-floor boot which is big enough to swallow all the accompaniments of the standard family to make it a very versatile piece of kit.
What I especially like about it is the styling which comes from the additional bodywork. The rear estate roofline gives the car a great coupe-like image and the huge dual oval tailpipes add to the low and wide look. The stylish vents at either side of the tail lights are just for effect and serve only to add to the sporty theme.
It sits 30 mms lower on the road than the standard version with a muscular, no-nonsense demeanour, helped by the bulging wheelarches which extend the width by 24 mms. They sit above the low-profile Continental tyres on 20-inch, 5-spoke Audi Sport alloys, which add £2000 to the price.
The Comfort and Sound Pack is another £1395 while the lovely rasping RS Sport exhaust system blows another £1250.
The front is dominated by the big front grille with intakes at the side to cool the brakes and reinforce the performance pedigree.
But this car isn’t all just show. It’s a serious performer and quattro all-wheel-drive with self-locking central differential is standard with torque automatically transferred between front and rear as demanded by the conditions, but in normal circumstances it’s divided 40-60 between front and rear.
The eight-speed Tiptronic auto is the only gearbox option with a pair of paddles behind the substantial steering wheel, if you decide to take over control of the gearchanges, with a couple of Sport options for even greater response.
As you’d expect, the ride is firm which brings confidence on an enthusiastic drive but you pay the price with feeling most of the ruts on some of our less well-maintained country roads. You also find yourself paying particular attention to any lurking potholes waiting to catch you out and make mincemeat of those low-profiles.
Having said that, the sports seats are superbly cushioned and supportive so you’re always kept firmly in hand, regardless of the G-forces.
The interior is classic and familiar Audi centred on the four rings in the middle of the steering wheel and the whole layout is clean, functional and stylish. There are aluminium highlights with Alcantara trim which project a superior finish and the central multimedia screen is straightforward to navigate without a complex menu.
The instrument display is specific to the RS and again easy to work through for any detailed information and there is the option of a head-up display which I would have found useful in the test car.
The car occupies a pretty lonely spot in the marketplace with few direct alternatives combining performance with estate practicality, apart from fellow German manufacturer Mercedes.
That’s why it is so much the object of desire of hardened petrolheads who might just look at the bigger RS6....but only if they need a bit more space.
Fact file
CAR: Audi RS4 Avant TFSI Quattro 8-speed tiptronic
PRICE: £73,920 (£79,240 as tested)
ENGINE: 2894cc V6 petrol
POWER: 450 PS
TORQUE: 600 Nm
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 155 mph 0-62mph 4.1 secs
TOWING CAPACITY: 1900kgs (braked)
ECONOMY: 28 mpg
CO2: 221 g/km
