by Dan Lyons


We want it all, and we want it now. Except, we usually can’t afford it all, so, we settle for some.

We make compromises every day, and our decisions usually end up somewhere between what we want and what we need. Car buying is a classic example of this process. We run into the showroom chasing the little red sports car and drive out in the big, silver minivan. At the end of the day, you get your head, heart and wallet in the same room, and you don’t come out until you agree on something. The larger your budget, of course, the greater your options, and the less compromises you have to make. Audi has an entry in this hunt for the ultimate, “have-it-all” car that’s particularly interesting, because it’s especially good at mixing work and play. It’s called the S4 Avant.

“Avant” is French for “forward”, and it’s also perhaps the most interesting way I’ve heard yet of not saying “station wagon”. This is the word that carmakers never, ever say, apparently for fear of sending people screaming from the showrooms, visions of “Ozzie and Harriet” flickering in their minds. The S4 Avant offers an interesting choice precisely because it doesn’t force you to choose. It drives like a high performance European sport sedan. But, it’s practical, like (wagon-phobics, cover your eyes) a station wagon, with room for people, cargo and winter-friendly all wheel drive.

Fun to drive? Oh yeah. The S4 Avant is the sporting sibling of Audi’s A4, midsize line. Starting from that very solid platform, the S4 adds the performance parts to transform it into a very agile ride. The sport suspension is lower and stiffer than standard issue, and makes for a highly composed road car. The Avant has the tight, taut handling of the best sport sedans; one that encourages you to seek out twisty roads. The steering gives the driver fine road feel through the wheel and just enough boost when you need it. The combination of road tuned suspension, 18” wheels and performance tires mean that the ride is firm, but always composed, and it never turns harsh.

Quattro all wheel drive is joined by a full array of electronic and hydraulic systems, all interacting to maximize traction and safe travel. The soft, grippy, high performance tires are ideal for three seasons driving, but you’ll want to swap them out for four snows before winter. All wheel drive is an asset for slushy travel in any vehicle. But, Avant reminds me that many people have never had the chance to experience the difference in stability when that AWD is delivered in a car-based chassis. With a lower center of gravity and better balance, the difference would surprise you.

The S4 powertrain is Audi’s muscular, 4.2 litre V-8, linked to either the standard, six speed manual or option six speed Tiptronic automatic. The engine is rated at 340 horsepower and 302 lb. ft. of torque. The trip from 0-60 mph takes 5.3 seconds (hey, Ozzie and Harriet was never like this). The motor is silky and strong at all rpm levels and works very well with the six speed stick. The S4 Avant drives like the finest European sport sedans. It may be a wagon, but from the driver’s seat, you’d never know it. You pay for your power at the pumps, where EPA predicts gas mileage of 15 city/21 highway.

Inside, the S4 is typically Audi – well finished – and the S models get supportive, Recaro seats wrapped in Nappa leather. Were it my wallet, I’d swap the optional carbon fiber trim and all black cabin in my test car for the gray birch trim and gray seat inserts; options that would warm up the look a little. Any size folks fit up front, and you can just sneak four six footers inside if no one gets hoggish on leg room. Even on the well equipped S4 Avant, you can still add a laundry list of options; among the most popular is the DVD-based Navigation System ($1,950). Pick it, and the controls for sound system and nav are funneled through a central (MMI) controller. The 6.25” color display is bright and clear; navigating through MMI is less so. Count on spending some quality time with the manual to familiarize yourself with the functions. Avant being a wagon, there’s ample storage in the way-back. Cargo capacity ranges from 27.8 – 59 cubic feet, depending on what you do with the folding, split rear seats. The load space is wide, liftover height is low, and the space is very usable.

If you’re fortunate enough to be shopping in the midsize luxury segment, you have a lot of quality options - maybe too many. The challenge becomes getting what you want, all in one package. Classy, quick and competent, Audi’s S4 Avant is one choice that won’t leave you feeling like you had to compromise.

Number and Dollars
2006 Audi S4 Avant
MSRP: $47,400
As tested: $57,620

Drivetrain
Engine: 4.2 litre V-8
Horsepower: 340 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 302 lb. ft. @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed standard

Weights and Measures
Wheelbase: 104.3" Height: 55.7”
Length: 180.6” Weight: 3,979 lb.
Width: 70.1”

Interior
Head Room: 37.9” f (w/moon roof), 37.2” r Leg Room: 41.3” f, 34.2” r
Trunk: 27.8 – 59 cubic feet

Chassis
Suspension: Four link front, Independent trapezoidal link rear
Brakes: Four wheel disc, ABS

Mileage
EPA city/highway mpg - 15/21

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