There are few changes for 2008 to Audi's sports car in wagon configuration. Reviewers, claiming that wagons are coming back, found Audi's unique combination of power, handling, and cargo capacity in the S4 Avant impressive.

At the heart of this sports car in wagon sheet metal spins the remarkable 4.2-liter V8 that produces 340 hp at 7,000 rpm. Crammed into this luxury performance wagon, the V8 tows the S4 Avant from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed Tiptronic paddle shifted automatic is also available. All of this power flows into the great Audi Quattro four-wheel-drive system, but don't expect your father's Quattro. The S4 performance version is set for a 40/60 front-to-rear power distribution giving the car a more aggressive cornering capability.

Audi employs a multilink front and rear suspension that is sport tuned through the use of stiffer shocks, springs, and anti-roll bars. In addition, the S4 Avant features a 30-mm-lower ride height than the standard A4. Larger 13.6-in. vented rotors in front and 11.9-in rotors in back also supplement the standard configuration.

Handling is set to moderate understeer and will only power-oversteer when flagrantly provoked. Yet, you can still do your daily city driving chores with the S4 Avant - all year round - and haul a significant amount of gear and the dog(s) that only a wagon can handle.

The interior radiates typical Audi elegance but with a performance touch. Leather covered, power adjustable Recaro sport seats are set in a leather and aluminum (or gray birch wood or carbon fiber) accented cabin. Yet, you'll have to be selective about the size of the rear passengers as the Avant similarly suffers from the A4 line's limited rear seat leg room.

The S4 Avant represents the rare car that seems to be able to do it all: go fast in a straight line, hold that speed through the twisties, and deliver the groceries, dog(s), camping gear, etc. Well, okay, it does have problems passing the gas pump, EPA estimates: 15/21 mpg city/highway; reviewers got 15.3 mpg overall.