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2008 Audi S4 Avant

*Est. $49,610 to $50,710
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Pros
  • Many standard luxury features
  • Excellent front seats
  • All-wheel drive traction
  • V-8 power
  • Cargo room with seats folded
Cons
  • Expensive to buy and insure
  • Worst fuel economy in its class

Compared to other luxury station wagons, the 2008 Audi S4 Avant wagon gets the worst fuel economy in its class, posting 16 mpg in mixed driving. Its parent Audi A4 Avant wagon (*est. $32,000 to $39,400) wins praise for its fuel economy, but the souped-up Audi S4 Avant wagon emphasizes performance over economy. The Audi S4 Avant wagon's standard 340-hp V8 (you can choose a 420-hp option) delivers far more power than the Audi A4 Avant wagon, while the Quattro all-wheel-drive – tweaked to distribute more power to the rear wheels on the Audi S4 Avant wagon – makes the Audi S4 Avant aggressive on corners, reviewers say. Although testers say handling is not quite as razor-sharp as that of a BMW 3-series wagon (*est. $34,200 to $36,100), they say the Audi S4 Avant wagon's all-wheel-drive makes it a good choice for drivers who want a performance wagon that will handle well in snow and rain.

FuelEconomy.gov, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website, compares the 2008 Audi S4 Avant wagon's fuel efficiency with other small wagons based on government tests. The Institute for Consumer Automotive Research compares Audi's entire S4 line with other sporty cars in the $35,000 to $50,000 price range. Edmunds.com provides an in-depth review of the 2008 Audi S4 line, while KBB.com road-tests the S4 Avant station wagon specifically. ConsumerGuide.com combines its review of the Audi S4 with that of its parent car, the Audi A4, while pointing out differences.

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2008 Audi S4 Avant
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. FuelEconomy.gov

The 2008 Audi S4 Avant wagon takes the dubious honor of least-fuel-efficient small wagon in this ranking at FuelEconomy.gov, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website where consumers can look up EPA estimates of fuel economy for any given car.

Review: 2008 Most and Least Fuel Efficient Vehicles, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

2. IFCAR.net

The Audi S4 line is chosen as Best-In-Class $35,000 to $50,000 Sporty Car at The Institute for Consumer Automotive Research, over the also-recommended BMW 3-Series. The S4 combines interior space, luxury features and adequate ride comfort with sporty features like strong acceleration and handling, the review says, but it's also fuel-thirsty.

Review: IFCAR's Picks for Best-In-Class, Editors of IFCAR.net

3. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com covers the entire 2008 Audi S4 line in this review, noting where the Avant wagon version differs from the sedan version – for example, its roomy 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. This review gives a thorough overview of the Audi S4's sports-car handling, sporty interior, potent engine, multiple safety features and traction compared with other performance wagons, such as the BMW 3-series.

Review: 2008 Audi S4 Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

4. KBB.com

For those who can afford it – and the gas to feed it and the expensive insurance – the 2008 Audi S4 Avant is a remarkable car, concludes this review at KBB.com, the online home of Kelley Blue Book. It's comfortable enough to drive every day, the review says, while delivering racetrack-style power and handling. High points include a luxurious interior and strong resale value.

Review: 2008 Audi S4 Avant Quattro, Editors of KBB.com

5. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com's review of the Audi S4 wagon is combined with that of its parent car, the Audi A4. Although the Audi A4 ranks as a ConsumerGuide.com "Best Buy" in the premium compact car class, the review notes that the souped-up S4 has some pros and cons the A4 doesn't have.

Review: 2008 Audi A4 Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Dec. 20, 2007

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