New 444bhp Audi RS4 Avant  12 | 09 | 2017

AUDI HAS LIFTED the wraps from its all-new RS4 Avant. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 producing 444bhp, Audi says it’ll crack 0-62mph in 4.1secs and, fitted with the RS dynamic package, will hit 174mph. On-sale at Scottish dealers in the autumn, first deliveries are scheduled early 2018. Prices start from £61,625. (Related: New limited edition rear-wheel drive Audi R8)

The new model moves away from the previous RS4’s V8-power and returns to the philosophy of the original RS4 Avant, with twin-turbochargers.

With its eight-speed automatic gearbox mated to Audi’s permanent four-wheel drive quattro system, the new RS4 Avant is also much more fuel-efficient. Audi quotes 32.1mpg and 99g/km CO2.

Sitting 7mm lower than a basic A4 with sports suspension, the RS4 Avant gets aggressive air intakes at the front, while the option list includes RS sports suspension with active dynamic ride control. You can also tick the option boxes for RS-specific dynamic steering and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Standard spec on the estate with supercar performance includes wheelarch blisters which are 30mm wider than a standard A4’s, a roof-edge spoiler, oval tailpipes, a bespoke diffuser insert and Nogaro blue paint. And while it comes with 19in forged-aluminium alloys, there’s box just waiting to be ticked for the optional 20in wheels.

Inside the cabin there’s RS sports seats with an optional honeycomb pattern, Audi’s brilliant virtual cockpit display and a flat-bottomed leather RS wheel.

Related: New Audi Q2 2.0TFSI quattro

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Jim McGill