Historically, Audi has favoured an estate layout for the initial launch of its RS saloon models. This has been the case ever since the mid 1990’s when, if you wanted to go fast in an Audi, you had better also have a need to lug a fair amount of equipment with you, because your only option was the RS2 Avant.
Almost two decades later, Audi has once again released a new RS model – and again only with the extra-big cargo area, with tailgate to match.
The latest addition to the RS Avant club is the third incarnation of the RS4. Like its predecessor, it still uses a big, naturally aspirated 4,2-litre V8, tuned in accordance with the lump found in the RS5, meaning that it produces a venerable 331 kW and 430 Nm of torque.
That’s more power than the previous RS4’s 309 kW, but not close to the 358 kW produced by its nearest rival from Mercedes-Benz, the C63 AMG Estate. The situation worsens when torque curves are compared, because while the Audi has to make do with an unchanged 430 Nm, the Mercedes-Benz leaves more rubber behind on the asphalt, thanks to its 600 Nm.
But as any great racing driver will tell you, it’s not all about how much power you have (unless you’ve brought a modern Le Mans car to a classic amateur cup), but about the package – and this is where the RS4 Avant shines.
As with all S and RS models, this saloon sports Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, meaning it will be able to keep things tidy on rough and wet roads a lot better than the Merc. But it’s not all about safety, as the quattro system on the RS4 has been fine-tuned to allow a maximum power split of 70 per cent front and 80 per cent rear bias.
This should allow for hooligan levels fun when applying lots of throttle through a corner, and a safety net for when you need to catch the tail from swinging around and waving hello as it passes you.
Another big advantage of the RS4 over the C-class is that it receives a second heirloom from the RS5 in terms of its seven-speeddual clutch gearbox. The S-Tronic gearbox is quick, but more importantly incredibly responsive, compared to the old-style wet clutch auto gearbox used by the C-Class which still feels like it has been sourced from an S-Class, circa 1995.
The RS4 Avant is also more subtle than the brutal C63 AMG, which can count for or against it, depending on what you like. It rides 20 mm lower than the standard A4 Avant , and comes fitted with 19-inch wheels,with 20-inch versions wrapped in a thin layer of 265/30 rubber the preferred, but added cost, option.
A more aggressive appearance includes the trademark RS aluminium-clad exterior mirrors and a matte black aluminium single-frame grille, which contrasts against the-high gloss black honeycomb grille insert, while a pair of oval chrome tailpipes protrude from the rear apron/diffuser. A subtle roof spoiler completes the look of the car.
Audi says it’s chosen to release the car in Avant-only form because its RS models have traditionally sold better in that shape. Italso believes the demand for hot four-door saloons is waning and that the S5 offers sufficient performance in that bracket already.
South Africans have traditionally struggled to accept the concept of a high-performance estate (or station wagon, as we still tend to describe them), so local appeal may be limited. But that’s unlikely to stop Audi SA from launching the car here – and worldwide demand, linked to a small production run, will mean that they will be in short supply regardless.
