Audi S4 2007

By Bruno Bouchard

Driveability and adherence   

The S4’s firm sport suspension becomes bothersome on bumpy roads. The same suspension, on the other hand, facilitates surface adherence and gives the vehicle a more muscular look. Wide curves put a smile on this driver’s face but that’s just one example of the car’s constant communication.  In spite of the all-wheel traction, the S4 handles aggressive driving impressively. Throw it in a curve and it overcorrects instantly while the tires bite into the road surface. It’s a different feeling than propulsion, that’s for sure! Change brings with it new sensations and that certainly applies to the S4.

The superb three radii steering wheel transmits all necessary information to anticipate and correct the trajectory. The direct steering becomes heavier as speed increases, sometimes to much so. I have no complaints, however, about the brakes. This Audi stops with remarkable power, regardless of the vehicle’s excessive weight due to the dual track braking system used in racing. This technology doubles the braking pressure.

In comparison to the direct competition, the S4 lacks slalom agility. The car’s weight becomes a factor quickly yet these same kilograms are responsible for it’s stability at high speed. Nothing perfect in this world!

I almost forgot! The fetching 18-inch AVUS low-set rims coupled with the lowered suspension should hold up in winter but snow and ice accumulate rapidly in the wings, the result being an ABS system that stops working. Be forewarned.

A sober and neat interior  

Audi adds to its reputation for well-designed interiors and attention to detail with the S4.


The materials are of the highest order and the finish, beyond reproach, though body shell noises crept in during our try-out, especially during cold weather. This vehicle offers a good level of standard features including the Quattro system, xenon headlights, an electronic stability device and warming washer jets, just to name a few. As is the case with European makers, the many available options packages raise the price tag by thousands of dollars.

The Recaro seats wrap you in comfort with excellent lateral support for the back and thighs. For bigger people, on the other hand, it could be a tight fit. The adjective “decent” comes to mind when describing the rear seating, period. The S4, like the A4, is, in fact, a compact, just slightly larger than a Civic, therefore; don’t expect great legroom in the back.

The main console and the dashboard look tasteful, the red and white gauges displays are easy to read and the controls handy. German makers continue, unfortunately, to use hieroglyphics to describe control functions. The instruction manual then becomes your friend. As well, the cruise control tripper needs repositioning; the current location makes access difficult.