Thundercliffe Daytona/Magma B9 S4 Avant Thread

[Thundercliffe81]

Good evening all. These S4 threads are growing now and wasn't sure whether to jump on board but, I guess it keeps it strictly about my experience/opinions/discoveries so others can compare if they want.

Daytona Grey Pearl
Sports Diff
19" RS Alloys
Magma Red interior
Carbon inlays
Audi phone box
Virtual cockpit
Panoramic sunroof
Matrix lights (Light &Vision)

£578.00 per month. S4 B8.5 Avant Black Edition trade in.

Loving it. Just loving it. The change from the B8.5 is staggering. I've waffled on enough on the various threads about collection etc but I've broke the engine in for 500 miles not going over 5k rpm. 600 miles onwards I've opened the taps and used manual to rev up to 6k rpm and let the revs come down on their own. No oil use as yet. So it's taking very well.

MPG is a minor issue. Haha. No higher than 24mpg haha. But I'm on leave and it's generally shortish journeys at present. Just nipping into the countryside etc. But when I go back to work, it will spread out and efficiency will be used a LOT more.

Speaking of Efficiency mode, it's a lot better than previous drive select. It's not sluggish at all. Everything just feels a little slacker and what not. But pulling out of a junction or roundabout, there isn't the lag of old. Feeling like you were pulling a small elephant behind you!

The exhaust has far more character than the B8.5 platform. Still retains the fart on upshift but there's a little fart on downshift complete with 'addictive' pops and crackles. Not RS3 territory but still very nice.

The engine and drivetrain are a strange blend. Takes getting used to. S-Tronic punch is there in manual on the flappy pads. In Drive its slushy and comfortable so two very different animals depending upon what you want. I downshift far too often because I'm a child and I love it haha. Torque delivery is the bigger kicker. Very very quick car. It's that mud section that's just a sheer punch.

Matrix lights are superb. Such a bargain with light and vision pack. Suspension is improved. Just got standard sport and it's perfect for me. My lady friend is impressed too but mainly with the seats. Massage and heated as standard. Big winner There are a lot more buttons to press than before so I'm still a little overwhelmed at times and have to focus on driving. That muscle memory of where each button is will come in time.

CarPlay is very handy. Spotify works perfectly for me. Google earth on the dash in conjunction. Switching between nav and S dial (the big one central) view.

Other little things are the carbon accents and magma interior. Really makes you appreciate the level of car you're driving. Oh...holding the boot button on drivers side to 'close' it is a gift! Very handy. Maps updating your route as you go to adapt to traffic and hold ups is great too.

So yeah, just the overall handling and character of the car is addictive. The practical aspects are starting to show now and once I get the mpg up I'll be even more impressed. Car is filthy now after detailing and protecting a couple of weeks ago haha. But it will be very easy to clean.

I'll keep updating as I go. Hope some of this helps anybody looking to buy.



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[Dave70]

I'm just up to 400 miles and did a 25 mile A-road commute to work in comfort mode and got 35mpg - including a couple of prods on the dual carriageway. That exhaust note is so sweet though. I share your joy at exploring the features of the S4 - we're like kids with the best present since Lego made that black, four wheel drive Technic car

 

[Thundercliffe81]

I'm just up to 400 miles and did a 25 mile A-road commute to work in comfort mode and got 35mpg - including a couple of prods on the dual carriageway. That exhaust note is so sweet though. I share your joy at exploring the features of the S4 - we're like kids with the best present since Lego made that black, four wheel drive Technic car

Absolutely. In all honesty, I simply haven't left the drive select or flappers alone. Might do it tomorrow. Just to ease my conscience that I'm not a lout! I 'can' drive in a civilised fashion again.


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[Keef]

All these posts & pics are making me want to order early in January! I was planning to wait until May whem my 3 years pcp deal was up. My spec comes in at £54,930 and hoping to get at least 13% off.

£578.00 per month sounds a good deal, what did you get for your trade In S4 B8.5 Avant?
Mines high spec with 23k so should get me at least 25-27k (hopefully)

 

[Thundercliffe81]

All these posts & pics are making me want to order early in January! I was planning to wait until May whem my 3 years pcp deal was up. My spec comes in at £54,930 and hoping to get at least 13% off.

£578.00 per month sounds a good deal, what did you get for your trade In S4 B8.5 Avant?
Mines high spec with 23k so should get me at least 25-27k (hopefully)

Think I got £21.5k for it. Standard model. Selling now at £27.5k!! Haha. Your B9 sounds like a high spec!


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[THQuattro]

Its a very nice car mate.

 

[Dave70]

All these posts & pics are making me want to order early in January! I was planning to wait until May whem my 3 years pcp deal was up. My spec comes in at £54,930 and hoping to get at least 13% off.

You might want to save yourself a bit of money by ensuring you get it registered before 1st April 2017 because that's when the new VED car tax changes come in that mean an increase in the first year (£800 based on CO2) that increases the OTR price and a £310 supplement (simply because the list price is over £40k) on top of the £140 standard rate of tax for the first five years.

 

[TipToe]

You might want to save yourself a bit of money by ensuring you get it registered before 1st April 2017 because that's when the new VED car tax changes come in that mean an increase in the first year (£800 based on CO2) that increases the OTR price and a £310 supplement (simply because the list price is over £40k) on top of the £140 standard rate of tax for the first five years.

on that note, can the dealer only register a car once it is at their dealership? so for example if the car was in a UK port waiting to be transported to the dealership could they register it?

The reason for me asking is our S4 is really close to the March dead line and will probably tip over.

Shaun

 

[cuke2u]

I am not sure about it but on google there are a few posts about cars being registered without the delivery date being available.

 

[Dmrqwq]

It can be registered once the chassis number is known I believe.

 

[ub7rm]

Nice review. What's it like from a standing start?

I came from a couple of turbo'd 4 pots before the S4 and I LOVE the instant power from the supercharged V6. What's the lag like?

What's the box like in 'S' mode?

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Nice review. What's it like from a standing start?

I came from a couple of turbo'd 4 pots before the S4 and I LOVE the instant power from the supercharged V6. What's the lag like?

What's the box like in 'S' mode?

Not launched it yet but good question. Think I'll wait til 1k mile point to launch. But...from the lights, it's pretty damn instant. See, it's the torque that does it. The torque fills that lag gap. And it's just a bigger sense of occasion mate. I'm loving it. I'll always be fond of the old supercharger but this is a great car. I'll do a post on the launch when I do it.


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[ub7rm]

Thanks, will be lining up the current cars replacement later this year and keen to hear the thoughts of those who have moved from a b8.5 to a b9 S4. I was worried the turbo plus tiptronic would make it a bit less sharp than the current set up. Though there is only room for improvement with the chassis...

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Thanks, will be lining up the current cars replacement later this year and keen to hear the thoughts of those who have moved from a b8.5 to a b9 S4. I was worried the turbo plus tiptronic would make it a bit less sharp than the current set up. Though there is only room for improvement with the chassis...

Haha. You're not wrong. The B8.5 was just so heavy with a lot of body roll. You won't be disappointed!


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[Bristle Hound]

Good evening all. These S4 threads are growing now and wasn't sure whether to jump on board but, I guess it keeps it strictly about my experience/opinions/discoveries so others can compare if they want.

Daytona Grey Pearl
Sports Diff
19" RS Alloys
Magma Red interior
Carbon inlays
Audi phone box
Virtual cockpit
Panoramic sunroof
Matrix lights (Light &Vision)

£578.00 per month. S4 B8.5 Avant Black Edition trade in.

Loving it. Just loving it. The change from the B8.5 is staggering. I've waffled on enough on the various threads about collection etc but I've broke the engine in for 500 miles not going over 5k rpm. 600 miles onwards I've opened the taps and used manual to rev up to 6k rpm and let the revs come down on their own. No oil use as yet. So it's taking very well.

MPG is a minor issue. Haha. No higher than 24mpg haha. But I'm on leave and it's generally shortish journeys at present. Just nipping into the countryside etc. But when I go back to work, it will spread out and efficiency will be used a LOT more.

Speaking of Efficiency mode, it's a lot better than previous drive select. It's not sluggish at all. Everything just feels a little slacker and what not. But pulling out of a junction or roundabout, there isn't the lag of old. Feeling like you were pulling a small elephant behind you!

The exhaust has far more character than the B8.5 platform. Still retains the fart on upshift but there's a little fart on downshift complete with 'addictive' pops and crackles. Not RS3 territory but still very nice.

The engine and drivetrain are a strange blend. Takes getting used to. S-Tronic punch is there in manual on the flappy pads. In Drive its slushy and comfortable so two very different animals depending upon what you want. I downshift far too often because I'm a child and I love it haha. Torque delivery is the bigger kicker. Very very quick car. It's that mud section that's just a sheer punch.

Matrix lights are superb. Such a bargain with light and vision pack. Suspension is improved. Just got standard sport and it's perfect for me. My lady friend is impressed too but mainly with the seats. Massage and heated as standard. Big winner There are a lot more buttons to press than before so I'm still a little overwhelmed at times and have to focus on driving. That muscle memory of where each button is will come in time.

CarPlay is very handy. Spotify works perfectly for me. Google earth on the dash in conjunction. Switching between nav and S dial (the big one central) view.

Other little things are the carbon accents and magma interior. Really makes you appreciate the level of car you're driving. Oh...holding the boot button on drivers side to 'close' it is a gift! Very handy. Maps updating your route as you go to adapt to traffic and hold ups is great too.

So yeah, just the overall handling and character of the car is addictive. The practical aspects are starting to show now and once I get the mpg up I'll be even more impressed. Car is filthy now after detailing and protecting a couple of weeks ago haha. But it will be very easy to clean.

I'll keep updating as I go. Hope some of this helps anybody looking to buy.



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@Thundercliffe81 - Great thread !

 

[Keef]

You might want to save yourself a bit of money by ensuring you get it registered before 1st April 2017 because that's when the new VED car tax changes come in that mean an increase in the first year (£800 based on CO2) that increases the OTR price and a £310 supplement (simply because the list price is over £40k) on top of the £140 standard rate of tax for the first five years.

I think I might already be a bit late to get delivery before 1st April...I'm hoping the tax increase is just an Aprils fool gag
But then I remember that the government & DVLA don't have a sense of humour!

Might go and look at numbers at the dealers tomorow but I'm guessing 12-14 weeks from order

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Wanna talk about range for a sec...

What's the most range you guys have had in the new S4 at point of filling up? 350 for me. Smaller tank and it shows. Used to get 405-15 in the B8.5 and it would drop about 25 miles off that.

Consistently getting 335-45 mile range now in the B9. 'Granted'...no real economy runs as yet which leads me to believe the trip could Maurer is just more sensitive/accurate in its prediction.


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[Dave70]

Regarding range, I'm getting the same as you, Thunder. It should increase as I do proportionally more steady, commuter driving in the next few weeks though.

Must. Stay. Out. Of. Dynamic.

It probably doesn't help that the second button I press after starting the engine is to turn the Stop-Start off. It seems overly keen and stops while waiting at roundabouts.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Regarding range, I'm getting the same as you, Thunder. It should increase as I do proportionally more steady, commuter driving in the next few weeks though.

Must. Stay. Out. Of. Dynamic.

It probably doesn't help that the second button I press after starting the engine is to turn the Stop-Start off. It seems overly keen and stops while waiting at roundabouts.

Cheers for that. Puts mind at ease

My B8.5 was easy to predict with Stop/Start. The harder you pressed the brake pedal, you were likely to stop the engine. So just held it lightly at roundabouts. This one is a bit keen as you say. Every litre counts haha.


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[Dave70]

The harder you pressed the brake pedal, you were likely to stop the engine. So just held it lightly at roundabouts. This one is a bit keen as you say. Every litre counts haha.

Ahh, that is useful to know. I shall test what amount of braking is needed, cheers!

 

[Grubb]

Ahh, that is useful to know. I shall test what amount of braking is needed, cheers!

This is also at the same point the hill hold comes on. Light press until hill hold activates and the green light comes on and the stop/start doesn't get activated. Hard press and engine cuts out.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Awesome. Heard a scratching from windscreen wipers and even though I turned them off, when I investigated...here was the damage. It isn't shifting either.

Best method to remove?


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[Dippy]

My B8.5 was easy to predict with Stop/Start. The harder you pressed the brake pedal, you were likely to stop the engine. So just held it lightly at roundabouts.

That's interesting. One of the criticisms I have on my car is that the pressure between the two is less than I would like - too easy for me to press to hard and activate start/stop when I only want to activate hill hold. Perhaps it varies from car to car.

 

[cuke2u]

Not sure what I am looking for but diluted white vinegar for any contamination on the screen..

 

[Thundercliffe81]

That's interesting. One of the criticisms I have on my car is that the pressure between the two is less than I would like - too easy for me to press to hard and activate start/stop when I only want to activate hill hold. Perhaps it varies from car to car.

I didn't have hill hold. Maybe that's why?


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[Thundercliffe81]

Not sure what I am looking for but diluted white vinegar for any contamination on the screen..

The iPhone is crap. It's there trust me. Very obvious. Semi circle scratch. I will try the vinegar. You're not pulling my leg are you? Haha


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[Dave70]

The iPhone is ****. It's there trust me. Very obvious. Semi circle scratch. I will try the vinegar. You're not pulling my leg are you? Haha

It's like trying to play 'Spot the Ball'!

"Yes, let's take a photo of a scratch with the backdrop of some bushes, that'll keep 'em busy for a while"

Maybe use a more sympathetic backdrop?

 

[Grubb]

The iPhone is ****. It's there trust me. Very obvious. Semi circle scratch. I will try the vinegar. You're not pulling my leg are you? Haha


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What grid reference Thunder?

 

[cuke2u]

The iPhone is ****. It's there trust me. Very obvious. Semi circle scratch. I will try the vinegar. You're not pulling my leg are you? Haha


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I think I can see it now, no if it just contamination then white vinegar is a commonly used cleaner..

 

[Brasso]

Awesome. Heard a scratching from windscreen wipers and even though I turned them off, when I investigated...here was the damage. It isn't shifting either.

Best method to remove?


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I can see some faint lines but doesn't look too bad, try giving it a good clean first. I've used gtechniq glass polish in the past as the next step.


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[Thundercliffe81]

I can see some faint lines but doesn't look too bad, try giving it a good clean first. I've used gtechniq glass polish in the past as the next step.


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To be fair, I took the photo when I pulled over. I was out. Fair one...it's pretty shocking Glass Polish? By hand or rotary/DA? I'll see if this vinegar works in the morning. A wipe and rub didn't do anything. Off to the Lakes tomorrow for a good drive. Ya know...because it's not filthy enough already.

Will take me over my first 1000miles. Gulp.


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[Brasso]

I've done both but usually give it a go by hand first.


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[Thundercliffe81]

I've done both but usually give it a go by hand first.


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Cheers bud.


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[Dippy]

I didn't have hill hold. Maybe that's why?

Sorry, I must have misunderstood what you wrote.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Excellent drive in the Lakes today. Safe to she she is 'definitely' broken in now! Felt more connected to the car. Can only do that by knowing it's limit. The sports diff just gives you a big whack and throws the power to the rear. Very...in-Audi actually. Which is a compliment. Just lends more confidence and feels more able.

The high rev range. Wow. I know after 5500 the torque has gone but some YouTube vids saying it doesn't have any character up high...nonsense. Just can't stop downshifting.

TBH, the S-tronic was fantastic when just left alone. It had an uncanny way of knowing the exact gear you wanted. This tiptronic, in dynamic, it's...it's alright. But the manual changes are superb. The downshift noises just urge you think about the next corner better every time.

Passed the 1k mile point. What a car.

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[Thundercliffe81]

Anybody received this yet? Roadside assistance is now with AA! Does anybody know the exact level of cover please? I'm looking to cancel my personal subscription now. Save me a bit monthly.

Cheers.


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[Grubb]

Anybody received this yet? Roadside assistance is now with AA! Does anybody know the exact level of cover please? I'm looking to cancel my personal subscription now. Save me a bit monthly.

Cheers.


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Yeah I got mine through too. Not sure about the level of cover but I'm hoping it will cover everything. I'm also hoping I'll never need it.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Yeah I got mine through too. Not sure about the level of cover but I'm hoping it will cover everything. I'm also hoping I'll never need it.

Yeah of course. Goes without saying. Audi we're pretty good when I had my bump last year. Didn't need AA in the end but just no sense having two AA Memberships. Excellent move by them to go with AA


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[Bristle Hound]

Anybody received this yet? Roadside assistance is now with AA! Does anybody know the exact level of cover please? I'm looking to cancel my personal subscription now. Save me a bit monthly.

Cheers.


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I don't know how long Audi have been using the AA, but when I got my B8.5 S4 new in May 2015 they were using the AA then
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/thread...ack-edition-saloon.240456/page-8#post-2489953

 

[Brasso]

Anybody received this yet? Roadside assistance is now with AA! Does anybody know the exact level of cover please? I'm looking to cancel my personal subscription now. Save me a bit monthly.

Cheers.


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Interesting, not got mine yet. Shall have to chase the dealer on Monday.


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