Had a good threp in one of these yesterday. Jumped into it knowing absolutely zero about the car. Climbed out very impressed.

Not quite as quick or as sharp as an M3, but still plenty of go (0-60 in 5.4, limited to 155). Hardly surprising with 340bhp on tap. And the V8 soundtrack was awesome: a real growl. Gearchange was great, no real understeer to speak of (despite wet weather and front tyres past their best), and even the much criticised Audi ride quality seemed decent to me.

And what a Q car! Flick the badge off the back and no-one would get it. Just how I like it: leave the M3's to the pretty boys.

Like all Audis, it was beautifully made, with superb seats, a great sound system, and all the versatility of an estate. Apart from an RS4, is there a better all rounder on the road??

Seems good value now too: the "test car" I drove is for sale soon, not yet 3 years old and £20k should see it bought . Quite a few grand less than a higher mileage RS4 that is 2 years older. I'm tempted: the rally car and trailer would look good on the back.

Downsides? Computer showed 9mpg when I handed it back, and group 20 insurance seems harsh. No doubt a favourite of the criminal fraternity: you could stuff plenty of flat screen tellies in the back if you reversed it through Curry's window.

Anyone had any experiences?

Sweet

I've got one. Albeit the V6 bi-turbo.

Can pretty much echo what you've said, however, what impressed me over the BM, was the torque IMHO, there was more of a feel about the car. Presonally, I find BMs lacking in character and soul. They leave me cold, but the Audi seems different.
It always feels planted (due to the Quattro system) - it's an obvious transition for a Scooby owner, as this is what I did
Comfort, style. Ease of useful performance. Probably one of the major "sleeper"/Q-cars out there. With exception of some "muscle", mine looks like a regular A4.

With exception of the RS, there is no quicker way to get a fridge freezer to 60

And yes, I would like an RS next, however, the servicing/running costs to increase with the addition of the "R".....

One other nice thing is the exclusivity of them - I've only seen 1 in the last 4 months of looking and subsequently buying one......

which is nice

Dan

That comment surely deserves quote of the week!!

Chris

I haven't driven one but i do have a thing about them. would defo be a consideration for my next car. 9mpg! you drove it hard then?

nah....... 5.6mpg is driving hard

Dan

Your's is 5.6!!!!! You should see mine!!!!!!! Ditto Dan's remarks - Q car all the way.

The thing I like most about them is that Audi has put as much work into the suspension setup of the estate that it handles as good as the saloon and feels absolutely solid on the road. I've owned and driven a few audis over the years i've been driving (hence the username), and the one thing I've noticed about all of them including the older ones is they are so easy to drive, they inspire utter confidence in you straight away.

Audi have always liked torque, my 86 2.2 quattro towed a lwb hitop transit van full to the brim with PA equipment and she still wanted to go even on a fairly steep hill it did a perfectly respectabe standing start.

yeh, but Tony, yours is 5.6 whilst parked on the drive!!

Dan

Wrong danny boy - 5.6 idling, with the aircon off!!!!!

Me not smiling.............until I get my toy on the 19th

funny, this is normally evo's critiscism of audi's from that era. that & numb, lifeless steering.

it looks like more recent models, eg rs4, are changing that opinion.