Audi S4 Review (2013)


Whats New For 2013

The 2013 audi s4 gets electric-assist power steering and minor interior updates, however otherwise carries over unchanged.

Introduction

New Cars Reviews - Sporty performance and everyday luxury seldom harmonize in automobiles as angelically simply because they do within the 2013 audi s4. Dictated by a4 sedan, the s4 could be a a lot of raucous and enthusiast-bred interpretation of its housebroken counterpart. Its supercharged 3. 0-liter v6 sends 333 horsepower to firmly all four wheels, orchestrating a song of exhaust exclamations and plaintive tire degradation. With the use of a sport-tuned suspension and stronger brakes, the s4 paints a perma-smile upon the faces of all however possibly the most porsche-obsessed sports car fanatic.

That the fun comes while not sacrificing comfort makes the s4 one of one's best bargains back of german rivals with sticker costs nearing six digits. The tasteful cabin is calm, quiet and feels such as a hip, upscale hotel area ( albeit one in germany ). The ride is compliant and brushes off road rumble with minimal jostle, and theres comfortable seating for four while a decent-size trunk.

The 2013 audi s4 will seem alittle expensive, however if you simply consider its customary all-wheel drive and comprehensive customary features, it compares okay to firmly the bmw 335i -- a sedan long thought-about the benchmark within the segment. Taking part in loose in the choices list, in spite of this, puts the s4 in vary of one's cadillac cts-v and mercedes-benz c63 amg, models that surpass the s4 in terms of performance and prestige. However even among such lofty rivals, the s4s all-wheel drive, refined surroundings and balanced nature build it a compelling selection.


Body Designs, Trim Levels, And Options

The 2013 audi s4 happens to be the high-performance version of one's regular a4 sedan. Its offered within the unmarried premium and trim level with an on the market possibility package known clearly as the prestige.

Customary features regarding the premium and embrace 18-inch wheels, summer performance tires, a sunroof, automatic xenon headlights, led daytime running lights, foglights, automatic wipers, tri-zone automatic climate management, heated eight-way power front sport seats ( with four-way lumbar adjustment ), driver memory settings, leather and simulated suede upholstery, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, auto-dimming mirrors, bluetooth phone connectivity, a dash-mounted mmi electronics controller while a 10-speaker sound system with the use of a cd player, ipod interface and satellite radio.

The prestige package adds adaptive xenon headlights, a rearview camera, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors, voice controls, a 14-speaker bang & olufsen sound system, blind-spot monitoring, an mmi controller mounted on the middle console, bluetooth audio connectivity, audi connect smartphone integration, a navigation system and hd radio. If you do dont need to pay involving this entire package, the nav system and bang & olufsen stereo might well be purchased separately.


Choices exclusive to firmly audi s4s in the prestige package embrace the driver assist package, that adds adaptive cruise management, an enhanced steering system and adjustable settings for engine,, transmission, steering and response ( generally known as audi drive choose ). A power rear sunshade and manual aspect shades are conjointly optional.

Choices on the market for all s4s embrace 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, a sport rear differential ( essentially a complicated limited-slip differential ), full leather upholstery and rear-seat aspect airbags. Each the adaptive suspension and sport differential have to be purchased in combination with audi drive choose, and doing it adds adjustable settings regarding the suspension to this menu.


Powertrains And Performance

The 2013 audi s4 is powered by a supercharged 3. 0-liter v6 that produces 333 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive as well as a six-speed manual transmission are normal, as a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual ( s tronic ) is offered and serves just like the automatic-transmission possibility for this car. Audi offers what it calls an optional sport rear differential, essentially a limited-slip differential that helps apportion torque connecting rear wheels to firmly improve the cars cornering line. Its worth shopping for if you do intend to drive on twisty back roads.





Safety

Normal safety features regarding the 2013 audi s4 embody stability and traction management, antilock brakes, front facet airbags and facet curtain airbags. Rear-seat facet airbags are optional, and also the prestige package adds a rearview camera, rear parking sensors as well as a blind-spot warning system. This package additionally means that you can add adaptive cruise management ( at extra cost ), and this includes a collision warning and mitigation feature that primes the brakes if it detects a attainable frontal crash.


Government crash check results arent nonetheless offered, however the connected a4 scored a perfect five-out-of-five stars for overall side-impact protection. In insurance institute for highway safety testing, the a4 earned a high rating of fine ready for its performance within the whole moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. The a4 earned a poor rating ( the cheapest ) within the whole institutes new, small-overlap frontal-offset crash check, however just a couple of cars are subjected to firmly this check as well as a majority have earned low ratings.



Interior Design And Special Features

All modern audis get high marks for interior quality, and also the s4 is no exception. Seats, doors, panels and consoles are dressed with top-shelf materials inside an austere and modern style. The front sport seats each comfort and cosset for long drives or short hops, but additionally wrap all around the driver throughout additional spirited dashes.

Infotainment functions are controlled by audis multi media interface, or mmi. This consists associated with a small knob surrounded by buttons that along management menus throughout the central screen. Overall, its a good interface, though a few audio functions are buried in menus and, in apply, weve found bmws idrive and mercedes comand systems somewhat additional intuitive to work with. These mmi controls are located on the middle console in s4s equipped along with the navigation system, however cars while not navigation have mmi inside the dash, that's way less convenient. The s4s alternative controls are typically intuitive and well laid out.

Just like the a4, the s4 features a roomy cabin that accommodates four adults comfortably, even for extended drives. At 12. 4 cubic feet, trunk area is average regarding the category.



Driving Impressions

Just like the hopped-up version on your already sporty a4 sedan, the 2013 audi s4 happens to be the performance-minded drivers alternative. Handling is impressive, with tenacious awd traction and tiny body roll. This cornering prowess will not come back with the expense of comfort, either. Ride quality remains reasonably luxurious. For 2013, the s4 transitions to firmly electric-assist steering, a move created largely to improve engine efficiency. Weve nonetheless to firmly check the s4 from this new steering system.


The supercharged v6 may be a sleek, robust engine with instantaneous throttle response. Aside coming from the subdued supercharger whine, youd most likely never guess theres forced induction happening below the hood. The normal manual transmission shifts smoothly, though its clutch travel and shifter throws absolutely really undoubtedly are a bit long. The dual-clutch automated manual transmission, meanwhile, snaps off rapid shifts either by itself or through your own individual inputs via wheel-mounted shifters. No matter if youre a serious driver, theres no shame in ordering this automatic possibility.