New S Wagon (long-ish)

[Derek Daily]

Bit the bullet...

In possession of bright blue colored S4 Avant.  6-spd,
ultrasuede heated seats.  Little else. 
Except...torque.

First drive(s) report:
-  Too tight.  Shifter feels "wrong" next to the
former feel of my 300k old quantum, or the sloppy CQ. 
Clutch release is awkward.  Understand it is 'self
adjusting' but why can't WE decide how we like our
cars anymore?  I'll get used to it.
-  Steering is pleasantly improved upon CARKLR's A4q
sedan.  More feel, although on center still doesn't
have feel of earlier cars.  We knew this.
-  Only 120 miles now, so waiting to push it more. 
But, when I have, the motor almost feels 'tumbly'
there's almost a bit of hesitation prior to boost,
then boost, then slight off, then boost.  Feels a bit
wierd.  Waiting to see if this changes.
-  In the states the 4,5,6 gears are practically
useless.  3 is good for at least 80mph and that's
STILL in the 4.5-5.5k rpm range I think.  I haven't
pushed past 5.5k.  I'll have to be very careful in
this car.
-  Size is perfect for me.  Hockey bag fits
horizontally in lift area.  Came with typically $400
cargo net option.  Nice touch.
-  Seating is firm, sticky and BLUE.  Really, really,
really...blue.  Not my first choice, but had to have
the Al mirrors and trim.  Would have ordered blk/gry
w/o hesitation (tried to in fact).  Also would have
liked the anodized black rails per EC, but now that
the car is here...I really like the brushed Al mirrors
and rails coordination.
-  Lack of moonroof is great!  I was worried that I
would miss it, but I can tell that I will not.  I'm
not tall enough to care much, but it does add quite a
bit of extra headroom.  Those with helmets may really
appreciate the extra room.
-  P6000s on 17in wheels.  I'll wait to make
judgements on performance, but road noise is
relatively greater than our other car.
-  I believe that the wood dash would be much nicer in
the central console area than this plastic.  But I
really do like the Al trim, so...you do what you have
to.  For the money look...wood...or carbon fibre.

I'd like to blame this escape from rationality
entirely on Dave Eaton and his remarks after driving
the S4a next to his RS2.  Gee thanks Dave.

But...I'll have to take him off the hook.  I've really
always wanted a new S wagon and am all giggles to
finally have one.  Just opening the door and smelling
the interior almost makes me forget about the payment
that will be due every month...almost.

Sat in this car around 3 years ago at Ingolstadt...but
now I get to drive it on my own Autobahn.

I'll get pics up eventually.

Wheeeeee........

Derek Daily
01 S4 Avant...finally.



=====
Derek Daily
dtdaily at yahoo.com



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