A review just posted from Petrol Ped who is a long term owner of various petrol S4 Avant. Just posted.
Interesting to see what he thinks, and whether he makes any of the points I made in my review (yet to watch).
I test drove the following vehicles back-to-back to see which I liked the best
I drove the petrol first, then the diesel
Engine Sounds
My conclusion
Interesting to see what he thinks, and whether he makes any of the points I made in my review (yet to watch).
I test drove the following vehicles back-to-back to see which I liked the best
- Audi S4 Avant (2018) 6 cylinder 3.0L petrol (354 PS) petrol model - CO2 emissions combined (National V) of 175g/km with combined cycle 7.7l/100 km 0-60 in 4.9 secs
- Audi S4 Avant (2019) turbocharged diesel V6 with 48V mild-hybrid, -CO2 emissions combined 166 g/km with combined cycle of 44.8 (NECD) 0-60 in 4.9 secs
I drove the petrol first, then the diesel
Engine Sounds
- The petrol was very smooth, with a classic petrol rev sounds.
- The diesel was a more grunty/grainy sound. I understand it is acoustically enhanced. Not as nice as the petrol but perfectly fine.
- Both cars handled very similarly, were both 4 wheel drive and felt fast.
- The petrol somehow felt faster at the same speeds as the diesel which seemed to reach higher speeds with less fuss and you had to keep a close eye on the speedometer to ensure you did not go over the limit.
- The performance felt the same. I did not notice any turbo lag from the diesel (apparently addressed by the mild hybrid system).
- Both had Virtual Cockpits. The 2019 car had a newer system that looked a little more clear (with slightly larger central screen with touch) whereas the 2018 car had a MMI system.
- In the news car the VC looked sharper and had driving tip pop ups with I liked
- From a pure driving experience/sound experience I liked the 2018 petrol car better
- Taking a real world view, and thinking about emissions, cost of motoring, and given the similarities of the cars performance I would go for the diesel, on the basis it handled the same, would ultimately have lower emissions and running costs, and be a year newer, taking into account when financed, due to lower APR on a new diesel car the costs were not that different for the buyer for a 1 year old petrol, despite the diesel being ~£10k more if bought outright.
- If finances were less of an issue I would go for a Audi RS4 Avant when the new model comes out
My conclusion
- Audi have done a great job with new diesel S4. Purists (petrolheads) probably won't like it as much as the petrol version but it's almost as good, and as a practical car it is a better option.