Avant an RS4 ‘wagon!

Those wishing to expose their kids, dog and weekly shopping to the blistering performance of the Audi RS4 will be pleased to hear that the Avant version of the Ingolstadt road rocket is now available here in South Africa.

The public are a demanding bunch, but Audi seems to keep track of their whims and desires. At first someone would comment that the S4 could do with some more poke and along comes the RS4. Then there are those who wished it would lose the roof and, sure enough, the RS4 cabriolet burst onto the scene. Now, someone wants to hammer 0-100 km/h in less than 5 seconds with the kids and Labrador pinned in the back and Audi has relented by making the RS4 Avant available here in limited numbers.

This über estate sports the same 4,2 litre V8 FSI engine as the rest of the RS4 range. Mated with a six-speed manual gearbox the unit delivers 309 kW at 7 800 r/min and peak torque of 430 N.m and 5 500 r/min. This equates to 0-100 km/h in just 4,9 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The Avant also features the latest version of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system that apportions a 40:60 split between the front and rear wheels. The company’s Dynamic Ride Control system has also been carried across to the Avant.

Stylistically, the RS4 Avant features the distinguishing touches of its stable mates such as single-frame radiator grille with a honeycomb-pattern grid, the additional air inlets at the front end, a subtle roof spoiler, RS4 Decals, alloy wheels developed specially for the RS 4 and flared wheel arches.

Inside, the RS4 Avant features a carbon fiber and aluminium-trimmed interior with figure-hugging front bucket seats, flat bottomed sports steering wheel, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, electric seats and mirrors and dual-zone climate control air conditioning.

The rear load bay can accommodate loads up to a metre wide and features a variable load area floor that can be opened wholly, in part or removed altogether. Folding down the split rear seat creates a virtually flat load area with a luggage cover and load guard stored in a housing that can be folded away together with the seat back. The load bay also features side panels without intrusive bulges as well as a net for smaller items and lashing points for cargo that could potentially stray under hard cornering.

At R638 000, the RS4 Avant includes a 5-year or 100 000 km Audi Freeway full maintenance plan.