By Christopher Tan, Senior Correspondent

The Audi S4 Avant is quite an achievement.

It has the refinement of a luxury car, the performance of a sports car and the utility of a wagon. On top of all that, it is stunningly good-looking.

As most car enthusiasts know, having all these traits in one car is uncommon. In fact, you will be hard put to come up with one example that is available here. To boot, the S4 Avant has a relatively modest price tag of $232,000. The previous S4 cost $100,000 more.

The latest model is also a whole lot more efficient.

Power comes from a 3-litre supercharged V6, instead of its predecessor's normally aspirated 4.2-litre V8.

Despite having a smaller heart, the all-wheeldrive wonder is quicker, thanks to its new dualclutch gearbox. Having seven cogs, it is also nowhere as thirsty as the previous S4.

The supercharged Audi behaves like a turbo. It is just as quiet but unfortunately betrays a minute amount of lag upon kickdown.

One other thing that makes the new S4 quicker is its sport differential, which distributes torque between rear wheels to eliminate understeer in a fast corner.

Available in the test-car, this $4,300 option makes attacking a long and winding stretch a walk in the park. The car does not feel even a wee bit like a station wagon.

It is more like a keen hatchback with astounding stamina.

What makes it more addictive are the variable driving dynamics which you can change on the fly.

In its sportiest setting, the car resists roll and yaw movements remarkably, making it less of a seasick experience for passengers.

Even in this hard setting, it is remarkably comfortable.

Another component worth mentioning is the left pedal. The brakes are not at all like the all-or-nothing types you might find in some sports cars. The pedal is easily modulated, giving you outstanding control over how much speed you want to shed.

As a luxury car, the S4 Avant is no less impressive.

Power delivery, as beefy as it is, is silky. Gear changes are imperceptible. And the cabin is insulated against all noises except the musical throttle blips that accompany each downshift.

Its sporty semi-bucket seats, upholstered in nappa leather, are supportive and cushier than expected.

The three-zone climate control is always more than adequate. And the B&O hi-fi is powerful and crisp.

The only downside for the driver is the car's rather large transmission tunnel, which intrudes into the footwell. This could lead to left-foot fatigue on long hauls.

As a wagon, the S4 Avant is not the largest cargo carrier around but its stowage is definitely enough for groceries, golf sets and some knocked-down furniture.

The loading area is of ideal height and comes with a friendly privacy screen. Unlike most screens, this one rolls up at an upward angle. So if for some reason you need to leave it unused, the screen partially blocks your rear view.

Relatively small issues when you consider how much joy the S4 brings (except perhaps for the cramped footwell).

All in all, a rare find indeed.

christan@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

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