Orlando Sentinel's view

The S4 should erase any lingering doubts about Audi’s survival. This sports sedan is evidence that the German automaker is not just back from the brink but back with a vengeance.

The last five years have been disastrous for Audi, which saw its U.S. sales unintentionally decelerate from 59,797 in 1986 to 12,823 last year.

Most of the sales plunge was caused by the old 5000 model’s unintended-acceleration problems, which the federal government blamed on driver error. Audi was cleared of any mechanical liability, but the damage to the company’s reputation turned away buyers in droves.

Now, on the strength of an overhauled product line, Audi sales are recovering.

If you are in the market for a high-performance sports sedan, the S4 deserves consideration, along with such stellar vehicles as the BMW M5, the Mercedes-Benz 500 E and the new Infiniti J30t.

PERFORMANCE

Under the S4’s gently sloping hood breathes a five-cylinder engine that has a turbocharger, two overhead camshafts and 20 valves.

This engine cranks out a robust 227 horsepower and, working through a five-speed manual transmission, it can deliver 0-to-60-mph performance in 6.5 seconds, according to a recent test conducted by Road & Track magazine.

A five-cylinder engine may sound a bit odd, what with fours, sixes and eights under the hoods of just about every vehicle built. But Audi’s engine is a smooth-running and capable performer that, when driven sensibly, consumes reasonable amounts of premium unleaded fuel. True to its EPA rating, the S4 returned 18 miles per gallon in city driving and23 highway.

Power comes on so evenly that it is sometimes easy to forget the engine has a turbocharger.

The five-speed manual transmission is the only gearbox available in the S4, and it would be faultless were it not for a sloppy shifter. It’s easy to shift inadvertently from second into fifth when accelerating.

HANDLING

With the weight nearly perfectly distributed – 51 percent rests on the front wheels, 49 percent on the rear – and a high-performance independent suspension, the S4 is one of those cars that lets you explore your driving skills.

The ride is smooth and solid. The suspension system is quite firm, but it absorbs rude shocks, such as those created by speed bumps and minor potholes, without punishing the driver.

The S4 comes with Audi’s terrific Quattro all-wheel drive. The drivetrain has a center torque-sensing differential that distributes the engine’s power in varying degrees between the front and rear wheels. To prevent slipping on rain-soaked or snowy roads, the wheels with the best traction get the most power. That’s what torque-sensing means, according to Audi.

Power-assisted, speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering and power-assisted four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard S4 underpinnings that help give the car its high-performance pedigree.

The steering is c risp and responsive, and the 34.4-foot turning radius means you can maneuver easily out of tight spots. The brakes could have more bite, but they are generally up to the task.

FIT AND FINISH

The interior of the S4 is warm and inviting. The black leather-covered seats and wood inlays, combined with a beautiful set of gray-faced instruments, give this car a bit of character.

Some might find the seats a bit too hard. However, on a long drive, you’ll come to appreciate the lower back and lumbar support provided by the electrically adjustable seats. They look good, too.

Rear seat passengers aren’t cheated out of head, leg or foot room. Three can sit comfortably.

Standard equipment includes a hands-free cellular phone concealed neatly in the center armrest, an electric sunroof and power accessories galore. There is also a fully automatic climate control system. But the fan switch is a bit too sensitive. A light touch sends the fan speed up or down the entire scale.

The car was assembled nicely.

There are, however, a couple of design items on the negative side of the ledger. First, there is no switch on the clutch pedal to prevent the car from being started while the transmission is in gear.

In light of the problems that Audi has had in this area, and considering the lengths the company has gone to complicate the shifters in its cars that have automatic transmissions, the fact that the S4 can be started in gear is amazing.

That said, the brawny-looking S4 best can be summed up as a high-tech sports sedan equal to or greater than most of its rivals – no small feat in a world crowded with excellent high-performance sports sedans.

Truett’s tip: Dollar for dollar, the S4 may be the best car in Audi’s lineup. It’s a quick and well-built sports sedan that comes packed with a long list of creature comforts. And the S4 includes something few sports sedans offer: all-wheel drive.