2008 Audi A4 20t Quattro Sedan Awd Review
The Car Connectedness Expert Review
Editorial Director
September 17, 2008
Likes
- Hearty V-8 power
- Standard all-bicycle drive
- Nicely weighted steering
- Available as a wagon
Dislikes
- Relatively small body
- Pricey for a meaty sedan
- No longer the fastest car in its niche
Buying tip
features & specs
2-Door Convertible Automatic 2.0T quattro
two-Door Convertible Automatic 3.2L quattro
two-Door Convertible CVT two.0T FrontTrak
The 2008 Audi S4 has aged gracefully—and still has armada V-8 feet and great treatment, too.
The automobile experts at TheCarConnection.com read the almost respected Web reviews on the new 2008 Audi S4 to put together this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 5-8 Audi compacts to exist able to deliver our definitive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to assist y'all decide if the S4 Audi is the correct car for you.
Audi's latest A4 arrived in 2002, and information technology's due to be replaced in the 2009 model twelvemonth with a new range of sedans and wagons. Only for the 2008 model year, the fastest A4s ever have arrived in the form of the S4 sedan and wagon, as well equally the RS4 Cabriolet and sedan.
Coming in sedan and Avant wagon versions, with quattro all-bicycle drive standard, the 2008 Audi S4 range offers exceptional operation thanks to its 340-horsepower iv.ii-liter Five-8 engine. It'due south no longer the simply 5-8 in its class, with the inflow of the Lexus IS-F, the BMW M3, and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, only it will accelerate to sixty mph in 5.iii seconds—non far off the mark set by that trio of loftier-performance luxosedans.
The S4's 5-8 can be mated to either a six-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic automated transmission with paddle shifters and a manual-operation manner. To give information technology better handling over the stock A4, the S4 gets stiffer interruption settings and a lower ride height. Hydraulic power steering gives great route experience with lighter effort than some tuned sedans, and the Audi S4's braking feels natural and progressive.
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Similar all 2008 Audi A4 vehicles, the Audi S4 undergoes corrective changes to signify its tougher demeanor. S4 badges are sprinkled within and out; sedans get a decklid spoiler, while wagons selection up aluminum roof track. Dual exhausts and sport seats round out the discreetly handsome packet.
The 2008 Audi S4's front seats are comfy and supportive, and the musical instrument console speaks of high-grade materials and great assembly quality. The S4 benefits from a larger rear-seat surface area than past Audi compacts, too. Its trunk, however, remains relatively small, with just 13.4 cubic feet of full chapters.
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, and front-seat side-bear upon and pall airbags come up standard. All S4s get standard Sirius Satellite Radio and tin be ordered with 18-inch wheels, an iPod integration kit, and a navigation organization.
Though it's at the finish of its life cycle, the Audi S4 remains ane of the most sophisticated luxury sedans on the market. It's not the fastest German compact any more, but it's one of the most counterbalanced offerings and one of the few to sport standard all-wheel drive.
The jury is out on whether the high-functioning 2008 Audi S4 is an introvert or an extrovert, just its styling ranks every bit impressive.
Few cars historic period as gracefully as the Audi S4, which has been on the road in its current course for over half dozen years. The classically styled 2008 Audi S4 withal looks good, though, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com appreciate the usefulness of its more than subdued looks.
According to Edmunds reviewers, the 2008 Audi S4 "is available in sedan" and "wagon ('Avant')" body styles "with ane well-equipped trim level." Reviewers are taken by the exterior styling of the Audi 2008 S4, which features subtle differences when compared with the standard Audi A4 lineup. MyRide.com reviewers love the "sleek German body" of the 2008 Audi S4, while Edmunds raves that "the S4 maintains the good looks and excellent interior quality that have become ii of the model line'southward best selling points." ForbesAutos says "Audi's at present-trademark single-frame trapezoidal grille is the centerpiece of an uncluttered, attractive exterior" offering a "stealthy appearance" that "tin be a virtue for drivers who want to alloy in (say, from the highway patrol), but it tin exist disappointing for those who want to turn heads." Edmunds respectfully disagrees, all the same, finding that competing cars from BMW and Lexus don't offer "the aforementioned type of visual panache or the street cred that goes along with" the Audi S4. Strong visual cues on the Audi 2008 S4 include "aggressive front end and rear bumpers that include slotted lower air vents, a revised grille and fog lights," in the opinion of Kelley Blueish Book.
The exterior of the 2008 Audi S4 gets some pretty positive reviews amongst the impressions read past TheCarConnection.com, but the real praise is saved for the interior. MyRide.com loves that the interior is "clean and uncluttered with everything designed to be functional." Kelley Blue Book agrees, claiming that the 2008 Audi S4's interior "might simply make you want to climb in and never leave" and approving of the driver-centric touches, like "pedals [that] are perfectly positioned for those who tin can achieve the archetype heel-and-toe downshift." ConsumerGuide likewise notes that the Audi S4's "gauges are articulate and well-lit," though they marking it downward because "the forepart center armrest blocks use of [the] handbrake lever and cupholders." Overall, however, most reviewers concord with Edmunds, which re-ports that "Audi consistently produces some of the finest automotive interiors and the 2008 Audi S4 is no exception."
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The 2008 Audi S4 is a satisfying, high-performance vehicle that can likewise take on inclement weather conditions.
The exterior differences between the Audi 2008 A4 and the quicker Audi S4 may not be drastic, only the changes nether the hood certainly are. A bigger, more powerful engine and revised interruption tuning brand the 2008 Audi S4 a supremely capable high-performance luxury auto.
When Audi upgraded the powerplant in its 2004 model, the S4 was definitely one of the su-perpowers in what Edmunds says is not just a market segment, merely "a gosh-darn arms race." And although current models of the BMW M3 and the Mercedes C63 AMG outgun the Audi 2008 S4, they do so at a higher cost, making the Audi S4 definitely worth a wait.
Edmunds reports that while the engine bay of the 2008 Audi S4 might be small, it "is fitted with a 4.2-liter 340-hp V8" that Cars.com says "produces 302 pounds-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm." MyRide.com reports that when they ran "the S4 difficult through the gears...triple-digit speed comes apace, the awareness masked by a wide, flat, linear power curve from an engine that doesn't build velocity at the same rate that it builds revs." Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com similarly praise Audi's spectacular 5-viii, and Cars.com reviewers merits the 2008 Audi S4 "can accelerate from zero to lx mph in five.3 seconds." ConsumerGuide doesn't uncertainty that effigy and agrees "S4s are rapid" and "plenty fast." Car and Driver besides loves the "honking V-viii power and racket" that accompanies the Audi S4.
The 2008 Audi S4 comes with a pair of manual choices—for driving purists, Edmunds says at that place is "a six-speed manual gearbox," while Audi also offers "a six-speed Tiptronic automatic" that "allows transmission-style shifting via steering-bicycle-mounted paddles" for those drivers who tin't be bothered to use their left pes. Edmunds adds that "the Quattro all-wheel-bulldoze system" is standard on the S4, though unlike other Audis, "it has a 40/lx front-to-rear power dissever in normal situations to give the auto a more than dynamic attitude when cornering." Reviewer impressions of both transmissions are positive, and Kelley Blueish Book calls the Quattro system "a perfect match for the engine," as information technology "does an exemplary job of delivering the V8'southward remarkable output to all four wheels." MyRide.com finds "the shifter abruptly bangs from gear to gear" when driving the S4 speedily, describing the linkage as "rarely smooth but always authoritative," and with an "piece of cake clutch."
A large V-viii engine might bring a low 0-threescore-mph time, only it besides means another low number for this 2008 Audi S4—fuel economy. The official EPA estimates for the 2008 Audi S4 are a bit shocking, with the manual manual returning 13 mpg in the city and but 20 mpg on the highway, while the six-speed automatic gets fourteen mpg city, 21 mpg on the open road. Existent-world testing seems to bear those numbers out, every bit ConsumerGuide reports that their "S4 sedans averaged xvi.1-eighteen.iv mpg."
The aging Audi S4 may no longer exist the quickest machine in its course, but information technology can however compete with the latest offerings from BMW and Lexus when it comes to handling and ride quality. ConsumerGuide is pleased to written report that the 2008 Audi S4 lineup is "stiff but seldom punishing and [shows] impressive high-speed stability." Other reviewers simply rave about the cornering ability of the 2008 Audi S4, which Kelley Blueish Book says is "only far beyond well-nigh drivers' previous automotive experiences," and "even those with considerable time in very high-performance cars will likely be seriously impressed." The one performance draw-back noted in some reviews read past TheCarConnection.com is captured past Motorcar and Driver reviewers, who lament "the S4'due south resolute understeer," and MyRide.com feels that the "steering [is] much too low-cal." Edmunds, however, loves how the 2008 Audi S4 manages to offer "excellent handling while still providing a supple ride." MyRide.com does end on a positive notation, finding that "the brakes are great" on the 2008 Audi S4.
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There are definitely meliorate cars for moving five people around, but few offer the luxurious interior and tranquility ride of the 2008 Audi S4.
Reviewers generally praise the 2008 Audi S4 for the quality of the interior materials and the comfort provided to the driver and front seat passenger; as with many vehicles covered by TheCarConnection.com, however, backseat riders may experience a bit cramped.
According to reviewers over at ForbesAutos, "four fit comfortably" inside the 2008 Audi S4 lineup, "and five tin can squeeze in a pinch." Passengers riding in the front of the Audi 2008 S4 volition observe themselves enjoying "house and comfy" seats that ConsumerGuide says come "with heavier side bolsters to snug occupants in fast cornering." ForbesAutos claims front-seaters "volition notice aplenty room" in nearly every direction, while ConsumerGuide adds that "all models have ample headroom and legroom." The rear seat is a very dissimilar story, though, and most reviews read past TheCarConnection.com mention the lack of rear-seat infinite on the Audi S4. Car and Driver notes that the "tight back seats" are 1 of the machine'southward least appealing features, while ForbesAutos echoes the sentiment, reporting that "dorsum-seat infinite is at a premium." Edmunds agrees, though they feel that Audi S4 owners with minor children should take no problem sticking the tykes in dorsum, only "adults seated back at that place will probable mutter well-nigh a shortage of legroom."
Despite the lack of rear-seat rider space, the 2008 Audi S4 sedan offers decent cargo capacity, while the wagon is hugely versatile in terms of its carrying capacity. Car and Driver calls the Audi 2008 S4 sedan suitably "practical for everyday utilize," and ConsumerGuide mentions that the sedans "accept a usefully roomy body and standard fold-downwardly rear seatbacks." The Audi S4 Avant wagon gets much higher marks from reviewers for its practicality. Edmunds reviewers calculate that "the Avant carriage provides up to 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded," and for those who need to haul both people and cargo, Cars.com says that, with the seats in identify, the Audi S4 Avant has "27.8 cubic feet of cargo room," or "slightly more double the sedan'southward."
Some Audi S4 detractors will argue about the more conservative styling or poor fuel econ-omy on the 2008 Audi S4, only few tin claim the materials and build quality are anything other than superb. Cars.com mentions "silk Nappa leather upholstery is used" on all 2008 Audi S4s, while Edmunds goes so far as to say "Audi consistently produces some of the finest automotive interiors" that "feature superb materials [and] fantabulous fit and finish." Con-sumerGuide reviewers, who are normally quite conservative in their assessments of interior quality, are as well wowed, challenge the S4 "cabins impress for classy design, materials, and workmanship."
In addition to top-notch materials and assembly, the 2008 Audi S4 lineup boasts an incredi-bly refined and quiet ride. ConsumerGuide remarks that the "engines purr at prowl and snarl discreetly at full throttle," and this theme appears in several reviews read past TheCarConnection.com. Car and Commuter in particular feels that both the Audi S4 sedan and carriage "sound fantastic."
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Excellent crash scores and safety features brand the 2008 Audi S4 a safe ha-ven for concerned drivers.
German vehicles accept long boasted a stiff reputation for rubber, and the 2008 Audi S4 is no exception. The 2008 Audi S4 excels in both crash testing and prophylactic features, and there'south picayune more you could ask for from this Audi 2008 edition.
The Audi S4 has been crash tested by both the NHTSA and the IIHS, and the two groups report results that range from good to dandy. The NHTSA is largely impressed with the 2008 Audi S4 and has awarded information technology 4 of a possible five stars in both forepart impact tests, too every bit their side passenger impact test. The Audi S4 likewise earned a perfect 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA for its side driver touch protection. The IIHS is fifty-fifty more than taken with the Audi S4's tough technology and gives the Audi 2008 S4 the Institute'southward highest possible rating, "good," in both the frontal offset bear on and side impact categories. Furthermore, the IIHS establish the Audi S4 so impressive that they awarded it one of their Top Condom Pick awards for 2008, citing its "good performance in front, side, and rear tests and standard electronic stability command."
In addition to its crashworthiness ratings, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the 2008 Audi S4 boasts quite a few standard safety features. ConsumerGuide reviewers find that standard condom features on the 2008 Audi S4 include "dual forepart airbags, front side airbags," and "pall side airbags." Cars.com adds that the standard "antilock brakes accept electronic brake-force distribution," and the "height-adjustable front end seat belts have load limiters." Edmunds rounds out the standard features list by reporting that "stability command" is included on all 2008 Audi S4 models, while Kelley Bluish Book points out "rear side-touch airbags" are available every bit an optional feature.
The prodigious use of glass in the 2008 Audi S4's upper body makes for pretty good visibility from the commuter's seat. However, Audi nevertheless sees information technology necessary to offering a "rear-obstacle-detection system," according to ConsumerGuide, since nobody likes to dent their car in the parking lot (or run over a loose child, for that matter).
You lot tin get simply about any characteristic worth having to jazz upward your 2008 Audi S4, for a price.
Though user-friendliness may not be the vehicle's strong point, the 2008 Audi S4 has luxurious features that befit its starting cost.
The standard features that i finds when sitting down inside the Audi S4 are numerous and, for the most role, well-executed. Kelley Bluish Volume reports that "the 2008 Audi S4 is packed with such goodies equally a…power moonroof" and "12-way power Recaro seats with power lumbar support." Those two barely brainstorm to scratch the surface, however, equally Ed-munds mentions that "silk Nappa leather upholstery, dual-zone automated climate control, heated mirrors, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker audio system" all come standard every bit well. Furthermore, Cars.com points out that all Audi 2008 S4s "are prewired for either Sirius or XM Satellite Radio."
With standard features similar Nappa leather and a power moonroof, it'southward hard to imagine what sorts of options Audi has to tempt Audi S4 buyers with, only Kelley Blue Book assures us "the S4's options sheet is extensive." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com certainly back that upwards and reveal Audi 2008 options such equally "adaptive, high-intensity headlamps that pin to illuminate the road around curves," according to ForbesAutos. ConsumerGuide reports that an bachelor "Sound Pkg." includes an upgraded "Bose sound organisation" for around $1,000, while "carbon-fiber interior trim" is also bachelor. Edmunds says there is an avail-able "navigation system" for the Audi S4, though they also annotation information technology "isn't a model of user-friendly blueprint." ForbesAutos expands upon the argument, commenting that "the optional navigation organization" on the 2008 Audi S4 "includes Audi'south Multi-Media Interface," which they say "can be hard to operate and may distract drivers from the route, only information technology'southward less annoying than like systems offered by other European imports."
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The Car Connectedness Consumer Review
January 27, 2016
2008 Audi A4 iv-Door Sedan Manual SE 2.0T quattro
Best machine I've e'er owned.
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Source: https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/audi_a4_2008
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