Top 3 things you need to know about the Audi RS 4 Avant
The introduction of a new Audi performance model is always a welcome event and if Audi launches three new models at once, it is even better. While Audi has introduced new RS 5 Sportback and coupe models alongside a new RS 4 Avant, we focus on the latter. Here are the top three things you need to know about the Audi RS 4 Avant.
The Audi RS 4 Avant is, of course, a station wagon, a body style which under normal circumstances is not very popular with South African buyers. However, when it comes to performance models it proves to be a hit, hence Audi is one of the few manufacturers to continue to introduce estate vehicles locally.
Related: Audi RS4 Avant - Judicious Power
Audi was one of the first automakers to create a performance estate car. In collaboration with Porsche, the German firms created the RS 2 Avant back in 1994. Now 27 odd years later and Audi is still creating vehicles using the successful recipe, the latest iteration promising to be even better. Let us take a look to find out what is new.
1. Exterior
One of the first changes noticeable on the exterior is the new front-end design. The grille is now flatter and wider and retains the three-dimensional honeycomb pattern finished in gloss black. The new grille also omits the gloss black frame that featured on the model it replaces. Above the grille feature, new air inlets similar to those found on early rally cars while flanking the grille are newly designed air dams which houses the fog lamps.
The design of the headlamps have been updated and customers can option matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels to fit the performance theme. From the side, customers will notice the wheel arches flared even more than on the last model. At the rear feature new taillamp clusters as well as a connecting garnishing on the trunk lid which with items such as the side sills, front splitter and mirror housings, come in a matte aluminium but can be ordered in carbon fibre or gloss black finish.
2. Interior
The interior of the RS 4 Avant has been revised to incorporate a more horizontal layout. It further benefits from LED ambient lighting in the doors and centre console which accentuate the curves in a choice of 30 individual colours. While the Audi sport seats come finished in smooth Nappe leather with honeycomb contrast stitching, items such as the steering wheel, transmission lever and select pads come clad with Alcantara with red contrasting stitching.
Centrally features a revised 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system which works together with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster or Audi virtual cockpit plus system. The RS-specific programming of the MMI navigation plus software incorporates information displays of the drive temperature, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the quattro sport differential, the tyre pressure and the tyre temperature.
For the first time in the RS 4 Avant, customers gain access to the Audi Connect services which sees a SIM card embedded. The system not only offers navigation but a host of new functions such as online traffic information, point of interest search, satellite maps and live weather updates. By downloading the MyAudi app, users gain further access to car finder, remote lock/unlocking, speed and theft alerts.
3. Safety
While all the safety features you would have benefitted from if you owned the previous model RS 4 makes its way to the new offering, Audi has made available a few extra systems to bolster the vehicle's credentials. As standard equipment, customers can expect the lane change assistant to feature, however, a few optional items are on offer too.
Park assist in combination with the 360-degree camera system forms part of the City Assistance Package, while if you are looking for adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and active lane assist you might want to specify the Assistance Package.
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