2006 Audi S4 – A Manual Wonder
Timeless design
The most impeccable thing about Audi cars is the design. Each carmaker has established an iconic design language that they improve on every year. For Audi, the S4 represents everything the brand has done in the last few decades. The 2006 Audi S4 the front fascia is the main identifier. The dual grille with wider and sharper intakes is unique to the S series.
The bi-xenon headlamps flank the car’s front and you also get huge air intakes. The hood is smooth and the lines are curved all along with the car. The roofline smoothens out into the rear and you get a spoiler that accentuates the car’s design.
There isn’t much to discern the car from other Audi’s on the road and to be fair it doesn’t need to. The 2006 Audi S4 does not try to impress you with an out-of-the-box design or with extraordinary styling. The car’s design is timeless. It will turn heads no matter where you go and will not be an eyesore even after years of ownership. Perhaps, the longevity of a design is what gravitates people to such a car. The Audi S4’s design will stand the test of time as its predecessors have done the same throughout the 20th century.
Performance in spades
The S series is Audi’s classification of the car as something more than just a sedan or a wagon. The 2006 Audi S4 is a sports vehicle, through and through. We say vehicle as the car comes in the form of a wagon, a convertible, and a sedan. Irrespective of the type of vehicle that you choose, you will get the same configuration of the engine on the 2006 Audi S4.
The car is powered by a 4.2 liter V8 that produces 340 bhp. The engine was redesigned to fit into the compact space inside the S4. Despite the redesign, the engine does not lack the ferocious punch we are used to.
The 340 bhp comes at 7000rpm and the max torque output of 302 lb-ft is hit at a lowly 3500 rpm. The result is 2006 Audi S4 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds. We believe that the six-speed manual transmission gets the best out of the engine. The 0-60 time was also achieved with a manual version of the car.
What’s more, the car uses a specially tuned exhaust system, which is set up in a four-way configuration. The sounds emanating from it are simply spectacular. You will forget that this car is a handsomely dressed sedan and instead be made aware of the beast that rests silently under the hood. Extra points for the aggressive sound profile.
The Quattro experience
The 2006 Audi S4 comes equipped with Audi’s patented all-wheel-drive system called Quattro. The result is a car that stands on its own. While all other carmakers claim to offer all-wheel-drive systems, none can match the precision of a 2006 Audi S4 Quattro. The car remains nimble and predictable on the roads. It feels firmly planted and you will have no problems with maneuverability.
Regardless of the condition on the road, you will be able to control the car. That is the biggest advantage you get with the Quattro. While the 2006 Audi S4 specs are simply out of this world, it is the assurance of a four-wheel-drive that really helps you get the best out of the car. The drive is wonderful. It is as smooth as you like and grip is a term that you will soon be adding to your vocabulary as you describe the brilliance of this car’s drive.
German excellence in the cabin
The Germans are masters of engineering. They have transferred that excellence into the interiors of this car. The 2006 Audi S4 screams quality. Everywhere you look you will either be laying eyes on leather, metal, or high-quality plastic. The buttons and switches are laid out in a very pleasing manner. The car’s orientation of the electronics and ergonomics are perfect.
The design of the interior is reminiscent of German engineering excellence.
The car did not just get the S badge by fate. Step inside the driver’s seat and you will be greeted by Recaro sports seats and a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. The paddle shifters are just behind the wheel and their weight is enough to make you realize you are sitting in a sports sedan and not just any Audi. We’d go as far as to say you will get a feeling that transcends most sports sedans. The space might be a minor constraint for taller passengers; however, we reckon that space won’t be a deal-breaker.
The Avant and Cabriolet
The 2006 Audi S4 notably comes in two other models, the wagon Avant and the 2006 Audi S4 convertible, the Cabriolet. The Wagon is family-friendly and is stretched out to accommodate more cargo space. You get roof rails and a dual-loading cargo floor for easier storage. The S4 Avant is geared towards improving the space in the car and it can also fit five passengers.
The Cabriolet is a whole different story. The 2006 Audi S4 convertible is actually the second in the lineup for Audi, after the A4 Cabriolet. The grille is completely new, the spoiler is gone, and you get larger exhaust pipes. The rest of the car remains the same as the original S4.
Safety
The 2006 Audi S4 comes equipped with a slew of safety systems. You get ABS and a whole set of airbags in the car. The roll cage system is robust, even on the convertible. You can even get side airbags for the rear seats. The 2006 Audi S4 problems would be that there is no safety rating for this car.
The verdict
You can comb through any 2006 Audi S4 review and the result is the same. You get a car that does not compromise. It is brilliant in every way a sports sedan should be. The 2006 Audi S4 is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a smart and stylish car that comes with loads of power.
