EDMUNDS.COM 2004 AUDI S4
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Though not quite as enthralling as BMW''s frenetic M3, the S4 still offers entertaining performance along with a more livable personality.
Pros
Broad power band, fast and confident in the turns, high-quality materials and attractive cabin design.
Cons
Small backseat, priced close to more established rivals.
What''s New for 2004
The all-new S4 sports some serious hardware, not the least of which is a 4.2-liter V8 bristling with 340 horsepower.
Overview
Introduction:
Much in the way that BMW has its pumped-up "M" cars and Mercedes its AMG-massaged land jets, Audi has its tweaked "S" versions of its vehicles. Although the last S4 packed a twin-turbo, 250-horsepower V6 under its hood, Audi didn''t think that was enough for the latest overachieving A4, so now this small sport sedan and wagon have a muscular 4.2-liter V8 with well over 300 horsepower (340 to be exact) powering all four wheels. The S4 has certainly moved up in the performance ranks with the addition of the V8. Even with a pair of turbos, the previous V6 was no match for eight high-revving pistons. Moreover, Audi was determined to beat the M3 in the spec sheet race and continued to massage the 4.2-liter engine until it surpassed the Bimmer''s 333-hp rating. With 340 horsepower screaming out at a heady 7,000 rpm, the S4 loves the upper end of its rev band. Of course, a few tweaks were needed to match the chassis to the prodigious power plant. A tightened-up suspension along with 18-inch high-performance tires help to make the most of the powerful V8 and Audi''s quattro all-wheel-drive system. Far from being a one-dimensional car, the S4 also provides a comfortable and functional cockpit -- for example, the ultrasupportive front buckets are 12-way adjustable Recaros covered in what Audi calls Silk Nappa leather. Elsewhere, you''ll find the fine-quality materials and upscale conveniences that make the A4 family the most luxurious among all entry-level luxury cars. The S4''s most noticeable shortcoming is endemic to the entire A4 lineup, namely the lack of rear-seat room. Now that virtually all Japanese sedans have spacious rear accommodations, and most European competitors have at least paid passing attention to the needs of those relegated to the back, the S4''s lack of rear legroom might be off-putting to some enthusiasts with families. Apart from the rear accommodations, the S4 is a thoroughly entertaining and comfortable sedan. Audi''s decision to price the S4 within shouting distance of BMW''s M3 and Mercedes'' C32 takes some serious chutzpah, but at least the car has the specs to back it up. Shopping for a high-performance sedan or wagon this year? You''d be making a mistake if you didn''t take the S4 for a spin before making your decision.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The S4 is available as a sedan or wagon in one well-equipped trim level. Standard features include 18-inch wheels and tires, xenon headlights, 12-way power-adjustable Recaro seats, Silk Nappa leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors and a 10-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD changer. Among the available options are an upgraded 215-watt Bose stereo, a navigation system and OnStar telematics.
Powertrains and Performance:
All S4s are fitted with a 4.2-liter, 340-horsepower V8 that channels the power to Audi''s quattro all-wheel-drive system through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic. The latter transmission allows manual-style shifting via steering wheel-mounted paddles. Audi claims that an S4 sedan equipped with the manual tranny can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, making this one of the quickest sedans available.
Safety:
Safety features include a superb set of four-wheel antilock disc brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, BrakeAssist and stability control. Additionally, the S4 is equipped with side airbags for the driver and front passenger. There are also side curtain airbags for the front and rear; seat-mounted side airbags for the rear are optional. In government crash testing, the A4 sedan on which the S4 is based received five stars (the highest rating) for front-seat occupants in the side-impact category and four stars for the rear. And in frontal offset crash testing, the Audi earned the highest rating of "Good" and was named a "Best Pick."
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Audi interiors are some of the finest in the luxury car arena; one look at the S4''s cabin and this is quickly apparent in the high quality of materials used. Tasteful accents abound, such as gray birch wood trim and gray instrument facings. The S4''s serious performance intentions are reinforced by standard Recaro front seats, which feature 12-way power adjustment and aggressive bolstering to hold one in place during spirited runs through the twisties. Although the rear seat is fine for small children, adults seated back there will likely complain about a shortage of legroom. The Avant wagon provides up to 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
As one would expect, with a 340-horse V8, performance is thrilling, and on winding back roads, the S4''s top-notch underpinnings result in excellent handling while still providing a supple ride. While the Audi isn''t quite as razor-sharp as BMW''s M3, the extra grip afforded by its all-wheel drive could justify the trade-off for many enthusiasts, particularly those who live in parts of the country where rain- or snow-slicked roads are a part of life.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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