Audi RS4 Avant Gets A Facelift For 2020
It’s a new week, which means another new Audi Sport model to be revealed. This time it’s the 2020 Audi RS4 Avant which receives upgraded tech and a refreshed look.
The most obvious change brought with the facelift is, well, the face. The new single frame honeycomb radiator grille is wider than before, aligning it with the newer Audi Sport models like the Audi RS6 Avant and the Audi RS Q3 Sportback. The new matrix LED headlights incorporate a new daytime running LED pattern which Audi has revealed is actually a model-specific light signature. Going forward, each Audi model will have its own light signature to make it distinguishable from the rest of the model range. The light signature from the headlights is mirrored in the new LED taillights, with all of the light bezels on the Avant finished in a dark tint to emphasise the sporty appeal. A side view of the Audi RS4 Avant reveals flared wheel arches to accommodate the wider tyres and the standard 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, although there is a selection of larger 20-inch alloy wheels on the optional extras list.
The most exciting updates are found inside the RS4 Avant, specifically the new Audi MMI. The display-only screen and the rotary dial that controlled it is now replaced by a massive 10.1-inch touch display on the dashboard. It’s tilted toward the driver and features the latest Audi MMI, as seen in the Audi Q8. This allows the driver to have vehicle information, settings, media, navigation and even a g-force meter and lap timer at their fingertips.
Interestingly, Audi Sport has decided not to mess around with the engine. The same turbocharged 2.9-litre petrol V6 from the current RS4 Avant lives to see another day. It produces 331kW of power and 600Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h sprint happens in 4.1-seconds thanks to quattro permanent all-wheel drive and launch control through the 8-speed automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, but Audi will bump it up to 280km/h should you tick the box for the optional Audi RS Driver’s Pack.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 Audi RS4 Avant cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Audi RS4 Avant starts at around R1,450,000 in South Africa, making it one of the pricier performance estates on the market but still cheaper than its big brother the RS6 Avant.
Q: Is the Audi RS4 Avant worth buying over competitors?
The RS4 Avant is absolutely worth considering if you need a practical family car that can embarrass supercars at the traffic lights, especially with its 331kW V6 and quattro all-wheel drive system making it usable in all weather conditions.
Q: What are the key changes in the 2020 RS4 Avant facelift?
The 2020 facelift brings a wider honeycomb grille, new matrix LED headlights with model-specific light signatures, updated LED taillights, and most importantly a massive 10.1-inch touchscreen replacing the old rotary dial system.
Q: How fast is the 2020 Audi RS4 Avant?
The RS4 Avant rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.1 seconds thanks to its turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 producing 331kW and 600Nm, making it faster than most hot hatches despite being a practical estate.
Q: Does the RS4 Avant come with different wheel options?
Standard RS4 Avants come with 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, but you can upgrade to larger 20-inch wheels from the options list if you want to fill those flared wheel arches even more dramatically.
Should You Buy It?
The 2020 Audi RS4 Avant is a brilliant choice if you have R1,450,000 to spend on a car that does everything well. This facelifted version fixes the biggest complaint about the previous model with its new 10.1-inch touchscreen, while keeping the fantastic 331kW V6 engine that makes this estate genuinely quick. The best performance estate under R1,500,000 in South Africa is definitely the RS4 Avant, especially if you need to carry the kids to school on weekdays and embarrass sports cars on weekends. Just be prepared for the running costs that come with owning a high-performance Audi, because maintaining 331kW of German engineering doesn't come cheap.
