FIRST DRIVE
Speed and comfort in Audi’s practically perfect RS4
The Audi RS4 Avant is what happens when you take a hotshot RS5 coupe and make it practical, writes Michael Taylor
It’s safe to say the arrival of the new Audi RS5 left a big chunk of the faithful feeling underwhelmed. Quicker, more frugal and better suspended it may have been, but it also lacks the old car’s theatre, rich, mellow tenor and free-spinning feel. But the RS5’s powertrain virtues work better as a wagon. A lot better, although before you get too excited, Audi SA says it is not sure if it will bring it in yet. It will make a decision in the next couple of months. If it does come, then it will have its fans. A coupe is a self-indulgent statement. A five-door wagon is not. That’s why properly fast wagons like the RS4 Avant are right up there for anti-cool cool. They are fast-meets-practical, nonsense-meets-no-nonsense and high on the list of cars you could live with for the rest of your life. Where the RS5 failed to deliver the operatic arias that were once the perfect accompaniment to its classical shape, that’s less of an issue with the RS4 Avant. It has the audible shortcomings of th...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.