Audi RS4 superstasiewa roars into SA

Published Jan 18, 2013

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When Audi first showed the third-generation RS4 Avant superstasiewa to the world's media at the Red Bull race track in Spielberg, Austria, almost exactly six months ago, we were promised that it would land in South Africa at 'well under R1 million'.

Well, today we have the confirmed pricing and Audi have kept their word:

R875 000

And for that you get all the good stuff, starting with the same high-revving, normally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 engine that you'll find in the RS 5 coupé, kicking out 331kW power and 430Nm, the latter on tap anywhere from 4000-6000rpm.

That'll push the RS4 Avant from 0-100 in 4.7 seconds, say Audi (with just the right amount of drama, thanks to standard-fitment launch control), on its way to a governed top speed of 250km/h, while averaging less than 11 litres of fuel per 100km.

All of which is laid down through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shift and permanent quattro all-wheel drive, built around a crown-gear centre differential, with a default 40:60 rear-biased setting for sporty handling - but be warned, the RS4 Avant does not have towing capability, and this is unable to be fitted aftermarket.

Click here for our driving impressions

SA-spec RS 4 Avants do, however, come with drive select, allowing the driver to switch between comfort, auto, dynamic and individual modes, each with its own steering, transmission and throttle valve settings. In dynamic mode it even varies the sound of the exhaust system and double-declutches on downshifts.

Standard issue for South African customers includes xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, a power tailgate, parking sensors, matte aluminium finish on window surrounds, mirrors and roof rails. 19" rims (but no spare - there's a can of gorilla snot instead), S sports seats with alcantara/leather trim, satnav, Bluetooth connectivity, carbon-fibre trim inlays and a flat-bottomed multi-function RS-style steering wheel with shift paddles.

See the new RS4 from all angles in our picture gallery

The R875 000 entry fee to the RS4 Avant club includes a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan and the promise that no, there are no plans to produce an RS4 sedan.

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