It was only as recent as 1994 that Audi was officially pledged into the premium car league with its ultra successful Audi A4 (B5), trading on sleek, understated styling, exquisite interiors and sporting success from the 80’s with the Quattro. Astonishingly today, Audi outsells arch rivals BMW and Mercedes in several key sectors. And this week’s featured car, the newly launched Audi S4 explains the Ingolstadt’s seemingly unstoppable upswing.

But so far, the S4 has been anything but consistent. The 1998 offering was a 2.7 twin-turbocharged V6 and the 2002 model came with a 4.2 litre V8 that seem more suitable for motorway cruising than an outright sports car. For the 2009 model, Audi has opted for a new smaller supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine. Fickle minded or is Audi very in tune with these downsizing times?

To be honest, the direct-injection 2995cc supercharged engine has plenty of showroom appeal; 333 bhp and 440 Nm of torque from just 2,900 rpm. Mated with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic, the S4 is effortlessly quick. From a standstill, it hits 100 km/h in 5.3 secs. Such performance and with a claimed consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 km, the S4’s new 3.0 TFSI is a good balance between fuel efficiency and satisfying most speed junkies. One might feel that Audi needs to add more drama to the way the engine delivers the goods. Blame this on the somewhat muted soundtrack and overtly linear delivery.

However, we might be missing the point of the Audi S4, given the imminent more hardcore RS4. The S4 is intended as a sporting package for everyday use. Just take a look at the subtle lines; it can be easily mistaken as a regular A4 with adorned with the S-line bodykit. The understated looking S4 carries silver wing mirrors, quad exhaust pipes and 18-inch wheels. Even in our bright red press car, it just doesn’t seem too aggressive and almost socially acceptable in these “recession blues” days.

While Audi can afford to change the S4’s engine as many times like some of us here with our lovers, the German premium car maker has remained resolutely faithful to its famed Quattro permanent four-wheel drive for its sport models. Now it comes with 40:60 front:rear torque split – just make sure you spec the optional sport differential (S$4,316) to get the best out of the new S4. Audi’s fancy system is a complex torque vectoring gear set that acts very much like a traditional mechanical locking differential by varying the amount of drive going to each rear wheel. All of which results in a much more stable feel during cornering and higher apex speeds.

Fancy diff aside, the S4 has been transformed into an engaging driving device. The steering is both direct and well weighted. There is also excellent body control and expectedly, high levels of grip. Actually, we like to think that the S4 is a better driving tool than the S5 coupe, oops. Pity the ride can be too stiff over poor road surfaces; otherwise it’s all good here.

On the inside, the Audi S4 is very well built and has all the bells and whistles one can wish for. Standard equipment includes the excellent Bang & Olufsen sound system and S sports seats. Thankfully, the squared off bottom steering does not make an appearance here.

Retailing at S$225,000, the Audi S4 is a more compelling package over its closest rivals like the BMW 335i and the Mercedes C350. For now, the S4 leaves us wondering how good the next RS4 will be.