This generation of the RS4 was not Euro NCAP crash tested, though the previous generation badged of the A4 – which is structurally similar – gained four stars. It comes with front, side and curtain airbags as standard with rear side airbags optional. Stability control is standard as are head restraints that help to counter whiplash. On the security front there is a Thatcham Category One alarm and immobiliser system fitted.

The boot volume on the saloon is 460 litres but the rear seats also split and fold, plus there’s a through-load facility for things like skis. The big advantage the RS4 has over the M3 is that there’s an estate version available in the form of the Avant. Like other estate versions of the A4 it offers 442-litres of space while if you drop the back seats this rises to 1184-litres making it a practical high-performance car.

The Cabriolet has a 315-litre capacity boot but this decreases with the roof down.