Car Review: The 2006 Audi S4 - A Sports Car You Can Live With

What choices are there for someone who wants to drive a sporty, fast car, but still has everyday needs and responsibilities? Attempting to blend these together rarely works all that well, and often consumers are left with a car which they did not want and which does not handle either task very well. However, for those who are willing to pay for it, there is a car available with plenty of power, and enough room to fit five adults comfortably. That car is the 2006 Audi S4, and although it does not come cheap, it can easily be considered to be one of the best performing sedans in the world.

The S4 car line actually began many years ago, and has evolved continuously into what it is now. However, looking at the car from the outside, it would be difficult to know that it is a performance monster. The 2006 does incorporate the new look of all the Audi sedans, with a more aggressive grill and slimmer headlights. However, on the outside, there is very little to set it apart from the A4 as a whole. Of course, subtle differences can be noticed by enthusiasts, but overall, besides the badging, the owner is likely to be the only one to know that he or she is driving the car. Even though it may be similar to the A4, the outside still looks amazing, the new, redesigned grill looks great, and the overall profile of the car has really improved since the B6 line (The 2006 Audi S4 is part of the B7 line). Even though the exterior may not match up to a sports car, it really does look great, and is a car that looks incredibly professional, yet still has the potential to turn some heads.

The inside of the car is much like the outside in philosophy. Covered in wood grain and luxurious leather, the interior is definitely the luxury part of the vehicle, as the materials used here are second to none. The interior is clean, functional, and still has some gadgets and fun things to play with. Most important of all (to those looking for a useable sports car) there is plenty of room inside, and four or five adults can definitely fit comfortably. The multimedia interface (think navigation system/MP3 player) works great and is simple to use even while driving. However, even though the interior may be one of the nicest of any recent sedans, the true beauty of the S4 lies in driving it.

Perhaps the first thing that one will notice about the S4 is the sound it makes when turning on. The 4.2 liter V8 engine sounds monstrous, yet is civil as well. Despite the powerful growl, there is also plenty of restraint on the noise. Although one would not expect this phrase when talking about an Audi, this car is a beast. The over 350 horse power under the hood are perfectly tuned and perfectly controlled, ready to be unleashed at any RPM whenever the driver decides it is necessary. An updated suspension is standard on the 2006 model. The acceleration of the car is breathtaking, and revving it through the gears is an experience beyond compare. However, lest one think that the car is uncontrollable, rest assured that it is. The all wheel drive keeps the car planted on the road, and even if one begins to lose control, a variety of driving aids help to make sure that nothing bad ever happens to the A4. Unlike previous A4 models, where the electronic aids kicked on a bit too easily, the S4 does not suffer this problem. Only under necessary conditions, such as the car beginning to skid, will the system kick on. The handling of the S4 is world class, and nothing seems to able to shake this car from the road. Put in no other words: The Audi S4 is a dream to drive, and is worth every penny that it costs.

However, cost it does. Expect to dish out around $50,000 for a reasonably equipped, lightly used model. However, when one considers the comparative cost of a BMW M series performance sedan, the cost suddenly seems much more reasonable. Although the S4 may be expensive, it is also one of the best cars in it's class, and a vehicle that anyone would be proud to own and overjoyed to drive on a daily basis. An all around great machine, and one that has been tuned and tested to perfection, a congratulations to Audi for their incredible work on the 2006 S4.