Love is always in the air on Valentine’s Day, and this year my romance came in the racy form of some hot, sexy muscle. No, this isn’t a trashy grocery store novel, it’s the Audi RS 4 – a sport sedan built to sweep a girl off her feet. And oh, was I ever swept, even if long-term staying power didn’t prove to be one of its many attributes.
Just like any romance, this one began with a look. With its strong lines, confident stance and just the right amount of sparkle, the RS 4 is definitely a looker. My test car came in the most audacious bright blue with titanium-colored wheels. A body kit, racing seats and racing pedals made it clear that this four-door isn’t to be confused with its more staid cousin, the Audi A4. This is the black sheep of the Audi family, the car your mother warned you about. The RS 4 is trouble on wheels, and what’s sexier than that?
Every turn brings a new thrill in the RS 4. The intelligent headlights turn to light up dark bends in the road, and heated leather seats adjust to wrap around you. Bluetooth technology makes communication hands-free, which is good because you’ll need both hands to control this race-worthy sedan: It comes with a speed-limiting device to keep things at a responsible 155 mph. Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system hugs the road and handles slick spots like a pro: At an ever-so-tricky McDonald’s drive-thru (it’s the life I lead, people) conveniently placed on an icy hill, the RS 4 handled things like a perfect gentleman, and the meal was very, um, happy.
Really, everyone is going to be happy in this hero of a car. Up front, Audi’s MMI “infotainment” system provides everything from satellite radio and navigation to a lap timer for those redundant trips around the track – or to the grocery store. The rear seats are easy for kidlets to get in and out of, and the Latch hooks are even easier for adults to access. Three big kids will fit perfectly in back, even with two of them in boosters. Lose the boosters and two adults will have all the room they need. The backseat even gets a fancy-schmancy fold-down armrest that opens to reveal two pop-out cupholders and a nifty storage compartment that’s just right for chicken nuggets. Leather is standard, so even if the milk gets knocked over, tragedy is averted by easy cleanup. Are you swooning yet?
Just driving around in the RS 4 made this mama feel sexy again. I rolled down the windows. I blasted the stereo. I sped (don’t tell!) through the hills. With a smile and a nod, I drew men toward me like moths to a flame. I was that hot. OK, maybe they just wanted to check out the car, but I’d like to think it had something to do with me.
For a Valentine’s car, the RS 4 was a dream come true. For everyday use, though … well, as with all new love, I suspect the initial fun and excitement would eventually fade. The six-speed manual transmission that’s such a pleasure at first becomes a major hassle when you’re fighting traffic or trying to drive and simultaneously open snacks (not that I would do that – I’m just making an assumption here). There is no option for an automatic transmission in this car – great for enthusiasts, not so practical for busy moms. Speaking of which, there’s very little storage up front for the essentials, and clearly the vanity mirror was not exactly a priority for this car’s designers (but enough about you, let’s talk about me). Really, the Audi RS 4 is all about driving; it’s not particularly conducive to the multitasking necessary for a life with kids.
Mama warned me about this one, and she told me that everything has its cost. The RS 4 is no econo-box, and its hefty price tag is only the beginning. This is a thirsty car with top-shelf tastes: It only gets 13 mpg in the city, and that’s on premium, 91 octane fuel, so fill-ups are frequent and no fun at all. In the end, my love affair with the RS 4 was a whirlwind one that I’ll always remember fondly, but this Audi just isn’t the marrying kind.
*For more information on the Audi RS 4 and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove on and on and on!
Specs
2008 Audi RS 4
Base price: $66,910
Price as tested: $71,535
Engine: 420-hp, 4.2-liter V-8
Fuel: 13/20 mpg
Length: 180.7″
Width: 71.5″
Ground Clearance: 3.7″
Turning Radius: 18.2′
Cargo space: 13.4 cu. ft.
NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings
Frontal Impact
Driver’s side: 4 Stars
Passenger’s side: 4 Stars
Side Impact
Front occupant: 5 Stars
Rear occupant: 4 Stars
Rollover resistance: 4 Stars
