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.