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2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
 
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Audi S4
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This year's final was an all German affair again, only some of the names changed. BMW's M3, the reigning champion for the past three years, was up against the new Mercedes Benz SLK350, whose stable mate got to the finals last year and a newcomer from Audi in the form of its S4. And when the dust had settled the unthinkable has happened as the iconic BMW M3 was finally and for some, sadly been toppled from the top position. However it took a car with the grunt of a V8 and the technology of all-wheel-drive to vanquish the old winner. The judge's arguments over the years about this class have revolved around the purist view of rear-wheel-drive "feel", versus all-wheel-drive "ease" of driving. The purist view had prevailed, that is until the Audi S4. Audi have pioneered all-wheel-drive technology, and when coupled to the great 4.2-litre V8 engine it took the vehicle's performance and handling to a new level. And it didn't seem to mind whether the roads were wet or dry and there was a fair share of both during testing. The M3 and the S4 were neck-and-neck on the scoring when it came to on-road capabilities. But it was in the area of value for money and design and function area that caused the crown to change in this class as the Audi S4 outpointed both the BMW and the Mercedes with its better design and function scores and the SLK clawed back some points in the value-for-money stakes. This category obviously rewards those with the best engine technology and chassis/suspensions combination that is well sorted out. But when you are spending an amount with four or five zeroes behind it, you also want it to be comfortable and luxurious, while at the same time having seats with good lateral support and adjustments for all sizes of driver, and all the finalists delivered the goods in this area. Also the S4's sedan design made it a bit more practical that the two-door coupe design of the BMW M3 or the space limitations of the Mercedes convertible. Besides winning this year's award the Audi S4 has raised the bar on what a sports car can do and be, and a new era has probably begun in this hero car category.
Top 5
Previous Results
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