Awesome S Spec Audis

Audi has now become the marque of choice for upwardly mobile young professionals and many more people besides. Virtually every model Audi makes has its own S version which features high powered engines, uprated suspension and brakes and four wheel drive to handle all that power. Here is my pick of the bunch.

Audi S3           (1999 to 2003)

The A3 is Audi’s answer to the VW Golf, compact, nimble and practical. Throw in a 1.8 litre engine turbocharged to produce 225bhp and an intelligent four wheel system and you have the ultimate upmarket hot hatch. The understated looks are enhanced by the big alloys and you get that legendary Audi build quality. As you might imagine, it goes like stink with 60 mph coming up in 6.6 seconds and the ability to top 150. It also corners like its on rails but it isn’t as much fun to drive as a Golf GTi. Audi’s current desirability is reflected in the price; shop around and you can get an ’02 model with 70k on the clock for £5,500.

For: Build Quality, performance, family car practicality.

Against: Rather staid styling, pricey

 

Audi S4           (2003 to 2005)

The A4 is a compact sporty saloon that also comes in estate and cabriolet guises. Turning it into an S4 involves adding a monstrous 4.2 litre V8 serving up a wholesome 335bhp. The vital statistics are 5.6 seconds and 155mph and the excellent Quattro system delivers superlative road holding in any conditions. As the top of the range model it offers all the goodies – leather, satnav and electric everything and it is as well screwed together as anything on the road. This is a handsome car and the cabriolet particularly is a timeless classic. It is worth buying an S4 just for the thunderous bellow of that magnificent V8. An ‘04 model with 75,000 miles under its belt will set you back £9000.

For: Looks, performance, quality, wonderful sound

Against: There’s no room at all in the back

 

Audi S6           (1999 to 2003)

This big executive bruiser comes as a saloon or an estate but the estate is definitely the one to go for. The power comes from the same engine as in the S4 and the performance is pretty much identical. There is masses of space in both the front and rear and the big boot makes it immensely practical. It handles better than any car this size has any right to do and yet is remarkably smooth riding. The sleek styling won awards when the A6 was first launched and it still looks the part now. The previous version of the S6 is good value too; expect to pay about £7000 for an ’03 plate that has covered 80,000 miles.

For: Space, comfort, classiness, huge performance

Against: Calamitous thirst, a bit old hat these days

 

Audi S8           (2006 to 2010)

Audi’s flagship luxury saloon lends itself nicely to the S treatment. The original model is too old for consideration now and the 340bhp engine doesn’t really cut the mustard these days. However, the most recent version is a real eye opener. Audi have borrowed the magnificent 5.2 litre V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo, though it is tuned more for torque than outright horsepower and so has to make do with a mere 450bhp. That’s still enough to punt it to 62mph in 5 seconds and without the speed limiter it would top 190! This car is immensely spacious, hugely luxurious, staggeringly well equipped and corners like the Lambo it borrowed the engine from. You’ll have to dig deep if you want one though; £20k puts you in a 5 year old example with 100,000 miles on it.

For: Looks, Comfort, handling, massive performance

Against: An expensive habit

Used car review provided by Walmley Pages, Sutton Coldfield community magazine advertising local business to the Sutton Coldfield public