What's all this about?

Hot on the heels of the first drives of the fifth-generation Audi A4, Ingolstadt has revealed the first performance iteration at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This is the new S4, available as a saloon or an Avant estate.

How does power compare to the old model?

While it still has a 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine with TFSI badging, the method of forced induction has changed. Where the old S4 was supercharged, this model gets a turbocharger and direct injection, leading to peak power of 354hp and maximum torque of 500Nm. As with any S-model Audi, it has quattro four-wheel drive as standard (with a nominal 40:60 torque split front:rear, although it's able to send up to 70 per cent forwards and 85 per cent rear) and the transmission is an eight-speed automatic affair. This makes the S4 rather fast.

Do you have the stats?

The S4 checks off 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and is limited to 155mph, leaving little room for improvement for a likely RS model in the future. Audi also says the S4, for its performance abilities, is a green car, with CO₂ emissions of 170g/km and a 31.8mpg combined economy figure.

It doesn't look much in the pictures - are you sure you've got the right car?

Yes indeed, as S Audis are always understated. You need to clock the 18-inch standard wheels (19s an option), aluminium-look mirror caps, large 'singleframe' grille, discreet lower body kit, larger front air intakes and quad exhausts at the rear to register the S4's potential. LED lights with the sweeping indicators are standard, although Matrix LED headlights can be fitted as a cost option.

And the inside?

As wonderful as ever, what with the 'basic' A4 cabin being brilliant as it is. Add in S-embossed sports seats, some aluminium trim and other sporty details, and the S4 proves to be a visual hit. For reference, the saloon has a 480-litre boot, while the Avant can carry 505 litres of stuff with the rear seats up and 1,510 litres with them folded away.

What are we looking at on the weight front?

Not too bad for a 3.0-litre V6 with all-wheel drive - the S4 tips the scales at 1,630kg as a saloon and 1,675kg as an Avant.

Is there anything else on the chassis front I should know about?

Big brakes and 23mm-lower S sport suspension are standard fit, although adaptive dampers (known as Continuous Damping Control, or CDC) is an option.

And when can I order one?

Both S4 models will go on sale in early 2016.

Matt Robinson - 15 Sep 2015