Until Audi gives us a new RS4, if you want a new A4 that goes fast the S4s will be your best option.

Powered by a new turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, the 2017 S4 packs 354PS (349hp) and 500Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of torque available at just 1,370rpm. This translates into a 21hp and 60Nm (44.3lb ft) increase over the previous model while Audi claims that it will return a combined 7.3lt/100km (32.2 mpg US) and 166gr/km of CO2.

Power is transferred to both axles via an eight-speed automatic gearbox that features a freewheeling function for lower consumption, with the Quattro all-wheel drive system getting a self-locking center differential, torque vectoring and an optional, faster-acting sport rear differential.

0-100km/h (0-62mph) comes in 4.7 seconds for the sedan and 4.9 seconds for the Avant version. Under normal driving, the center differential sends 60 per cent of the torque to the rear and 40 per cent to the front. The system can shift up to 85 per cent of the torque to the front or up to 70 per cent to the rear axle if slip is detected.

A five-link setup is being used on both axles for the suspension with the Audi drive select offering five driving modes to choose from, altering parameters of the engine, steering, gearbox, the rear sport differential and the adaptive dampers.

The ride height is lowered by 23mm compared to standard A4 models. The six-piston front brakes measure 350mm in diameter, while a set of 18in alloys is offered as standard. Audi says that the S4 sedan tips the scales at 1630kg, with the Avant version weighing 1,675kg (3,693 lbs), 75kg (165 lbs) less than the previous models.

AUDI S4 SEDAN

AUDI S4 AVANT