21 June 2017

Audi 2017 S4

Audi has added the performance-oriented S4 sedan to the local A4 range, adding more power but a lower price compared to the previous generation.

Styling enhancements are subtle – and inside the cabin the luxury feel is obtained through leather, matt-brushed aluminium and chrome. Standard equipment includes in-car wifi connectivity via a dedicated sim card, 8.3-inch centre display including satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Audi Virtual Cockpit and three-zone air-conditioning.

Power comes from a 3.0 TFSI turbocharged petrol V6 making 260kW between 5400rpm and 6400rpm (up 15kW compared to its predecessor), while peak torque of 500Nm (up 60Nm) is available from 1370rpm to 4500rpm. Power is transmitted via quattro all wheel drive through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic in place of the previous version’s S-tronic dual-clutch seven speed automatic, with torque converter and paddle shifters for the manual override.

The 90-degree engine sports the twin-scroll turbocharger between its cylinder banks, and integrated exhaust manifolds speed up the spooling process, thereby reducing lag.

The Quattro mechanical AWD system sends 60 percent of torque to the rear axle, but can apportion up to 85 percent if the car’s sensors detect a loss of traction. It can also direct 70 percent to the front axle.

The S4 Avant adds practical standard features including a powered tailgate with kick to open and close functionality, a retractable cargo cover, and 505 litres of boot space to the top of the rear seats or 1510 litres with the rear seats folded. All S4 variants feature adaptive suspension dampers as standard, a mechanical centre diff, with a static 40:60 front rear split that can vary torque up to 85 percent to either axle. An optional rear sport differential can apportion even more torque to the rear wheel with the most grip.

Audi claims 0-100km/h times of 4.7 seconds for the sedan and 4.9 seconds for the Avant – a reduction of 0.3 seconds compared to the old S4. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.7 l/100km for the sedan and 7.8 l/100km for the Avant. Safety systems include eight airbags, stability control, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and traffic jam assist, 360-degree surround camera system, Audi pre-sense front, turn assist, collision avoidance assist and high beam assist.

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What To Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

Coming back to find your parked car damaged is never fun, but knowing how to respond correctly can save you time, money and stress.

Firstly, understand that getting upset is natural, but taking a deep breath will help you make better decisions. Examine your car thoroughly and document any visible damage, taking multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches or broken parts, and capturing the surrounding area, such as road signs and markings, for context.

Next, see if you can locate the driver responsible. Sometimes, people leave a note with their contact information and insurance details. If there’s no note, look for witnesses nearby who may have seen what happened. You can also check for CCTV from nearby businesses, homes or on the street, as some areas have coverage. If you’re unsure, consider contacting the local council to find out whether cameras are in place that might have captured the accident.

If the driver didn’t leave a note, or if they did but are unresponsive or the information they provided seems incorrect, contact the police to report the accident and provide all the information you have, including photos, footage and witness statements. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, as it can be useful when dealing with insurance.

If you’re still having a hard time getting a hold of the at-fault driver and therefore cannot claim directly through their car insurer, it’s time to lodge a claim with your own insurance provider, if you have one. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the police report. From there, your insurer can determine whether your coverage, along with the information you have, will cover the damage to your car.

If your car insurer happens to find information about the at-fault driver and is able to have them lodge a claim so the costs of the damage are recoverable, you can contact Carbiz for a replacement car while your car is being repaired or until it’s been deemed a total loss. This ensures you’re not left without a car during this time, giving you peace of mind and the ability to keep your life moving.

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If your car has been involved in an accident, you may hear the term “write-off” from your insurance company or repairer. But what does it actually mean when your car is declared a write-off? Understanding this process can help you make informed decisions about your car, repairs and costs.

A car is considered a write-off when the cost to repair it after an accident is too high compared to its market value. Insurance companies often calculate the repair cost and compare it to the car’s value prior to the accident. If the repair cost is more than a certain percentage of the car’s value, typically around 60–75%, the car may be classified as a write-off. This doesn’t always mean your car is completely destroyed; sometimes the car could technically be repaired, but the cost would outweigh the benefits.

There are different types of write-offs. A total loss write-off is when the car is so badly damaged that repairing it is not financially viable. A repairable write-off is when the car can be fixed, but it requires significant repairs. In either case, the insurance company will usually pay out the car’s value at the time of the accident, minus any applicable excess or deductions.

The cost implications of a write-off can vary. If your car is declared a write-off, you may need to consider the cost of replacing it with another car. Some car owners opt to keep a repairable write-off, but this comes with the added repair costs, which can be substantial depending on the extent of the damage. Repair costs can quickly add up, especially if the accident involved structural damage or expensive parts.

It’s also important to understand that a car that has been written off may have a lower resale value even after repairs. Future buyers often view written-off cars as higher risk, which can affect the cost of insurance and overall value.

If your car is declared a write-off after an accident, speak with your insurance provider to understand your options. You may receive a payout for the car’s value, and in some cases, you can negotiate repair costs or even retain the car if it is repairable. Knowing what a write-off means, how it affects repair costs, and how it impacts the car’s value can save you time, money and stress after an accident.

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