DIESEL S EXPRESS (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 77

The fifth generation Audi A4 offered potent performance in S4 TDI diesel guise. As with all previous versions, this is a saloon (or Avant estate) that doesn't shout about its speed, despite it being faster than ever in this second B9-era form. The 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel puts out 347PS and a thumping 700Nm of pulling power, so it was quicker from point to point than the previous petrol model. What's it like as a used buy?

Modelsword count: 7

4dr Saloon / 5dr Estate (3.0 TDI))

Historyword count: 267

The S4 has quite an interesting history. By 2019, it had been a fixture in Audi's range since 1991, but S4s had only actually been based on the A4 body shape since 1997. Following that date, every generation version of this model was made available as a saloon or Avant (estate), but Audi continually changed its mind about the kind of engine this S model should have. A 265PS 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 was used in the 'B5'-series model that sold until 2003. Then 'B6' and 'B7'-series models fitted with a 344PS 4.2-litre V8-engine took up the baton until 2009, when a 333PS supercharged 3.0-litre V6-engined 'B8'-series design arrived. That car sold until 2017 when it was replaced by a 'B9'-series car that also used a 3.0-litre V6, though this time, it was turbocharged rather than supercharged and put out 354PS. Then in 2019, that 'B9'-series model was re-fitted beneath the bonnet with the mild hybrid 3.0-litre TDI diesel unit that features on the car we're going to look at here. The one main thing that all previous S4 models have shared is discreetness. Unlike some rivals, this Audi has never shouted about the level of performance it offers. There might be extra exhaust pipes, subtle badging and some attractive alloy wheels, but Ingolstadt has always avoided bulging arches, vents and in your face body kits. And so we come to consider this post-2019-era S4 TDI model. It was a brave step to fit it out with diesel power. How does this version stack up to its predecessors? The S5 TDI sold until late 2023 and wasn't replaced.

What You Getword count: 361

To look at this S4 model externally, you'd be hard pushed to know how potent it is. The Singleframe grille comes in 'S'-specific form and features a Twilight grey matt finish and dual aluminium struts, plus there's an S4-specific bumper. From the side, you'll notice the traditional aluminium-look mirror housings, plus the big 19-inch wheels. And perhaps you might pick up the fact that this S4 has sports suspension that makes it 23mm closer to the ground than a normal B9-series A4. The Avant estate model measures in at the same length as the alternative saloon - just under 4.8-metres - but is 29mm taller. At the back, S4-specific giveaways include an 'S' rear diffuser in Twilight grey matt, an 'S' rear spoiler and 'S'-specific dual-branch tailpipes, with twin oval pipes on the left and the right. Under the skin, there's the same stiff, sophisticated 'MLB Evo' platform that all modern Volkswagen Group models of this size from this period were built upon. The exterior may be very much an evolution of previous generation S4 models, but the interior is a lot more avant garde. There's a flat bottomed S4-badged leather-stitched steering wheel, matt brushed aluminium inlays for various trim pieces and predominantly black fabrics and trim everywhere else. And there are 'S' Super Sports seats in Nappa leather that hold the driver tighter than a regular seat. They also have a massage function too, plus they're heated and electrically-adjustable. The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument binnacle screen was standard. As was a 10.1-inch MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch infotainment package. It incorporates 3D navigation, voice control, a 10-speaker Audi Sound System, a DAB tuner and a range of Audi Connect Infotainment Services. Take a seat in the rear and two adults will be very comfortable: a trio of folk less so. That's partly because of the centre transmission tunnel which is strangely prominent for what is, after all, primarily a front wheel drive model. Out back, there's a 505-litre boot in the Avant model (it'd be 480-litres in an S4 saloon). Use the sidewall catches to push forward the 40:20:40-split rear backrest and you'll free up 1,510-litres of space.

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