Audi S4 Avant 2020 Car Review

The new S4 Avant has recently been released onto the NZ market as part of Audi’s masterplan of unleashing over 20 new or updated models in 2020.

Offering a slightly less aggressive stance and the absence of the ballsy RS driving mode, the S4 would still seem to be a little closer to RS than the A4 model due to its sporty styling. It still houses a six-cylinder TFSI engine, and the power is reduced slightly by 71kW, but 0-100km can still be achieved in under five seconds.

How does it look?

This new mid-size model looks even more dynamic and sophisticated thanks to the sportier design highlights. The single-frame grille is now both broader and flatter, with horizontal lines helping to emphasise the width at the front and rear. The side view is defined by the distinctive muscles above the fenders and the lower-set shoulder line in between. They form strong contours above the wheels and make the quattro genes outwardly visible. LED headlights feature ‘Matrix LED technology’ with fully automatic high beam.

“The new Audi S4 Avant includes all the sport credentials you’d expect from great Audi design,” said Dean Sheed, General Manager of Audi NZ.

“It’s stacked with performance features, but with the safety and reliability you’d expect from a high-end model. The design details of the S4 Avant demonstrate attention to detail, including a slit below the hood reminiscent of the brand icon, the original Audi quattro. We’re pleased to be able to offer this to our New Zealand customers.”

Lap of luxury

The interior styling across the new Audi range is very similar, and the inside of the Audi S4 Avant is no different. It consists of a large MMI touch display - the control centre for the new operating system - with its high-resolution display with clean graphics creating an enhanced user experience. Voice control is also included in the mix, allowing the console to be touch-free if required.

The new interior packages can be customised, with numerous designer colours and material options available. The contour/ambient lighting package adds highlights to the interior in the dark, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sounds system comes as standard to help complete that luxury feel.

The S4 Avant is available with eight driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise assist, active lane assist and park assist. The optional systems are bundled into the “Tour”, “City” and “Park” packages. An eight-speed Tiptronic and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive make up the drivetrain.

The Audi S4 Avant combines superb ride comfort and superior off-road qualities, thanks to sport suspension with damper control included as standard, which is ideal for road trips in any of the conditions New Zealand has a habit of throwing our way.

The Audi S4 Avant continues to include all the top-shelf safety features and assists, despite not actually having an ANCAP crash test rating. However, its less powerful sibling - the four-cylinder Audi A4 - received a five star rating, albeit back in 2015.

 Safety systems

• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic diff lock, traction control and electronic stabilisation control
• Driver/passenger airbags, front/rear side airbags and head airbag. Side airbags rear.
• Audi Side Assist
• Audi Active Lane Assist
• Audi Pre Sense City + Rear
• Cross Traffic Assist Rear
• Audi Adaptive Cruise
• 360-degree camera system

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

AA Advice - We've got this!