AUDI'S new 155mph projectile - the S4 - will carry a price tag of £36,610 when it goes on sale next spring. The 265bhp 30-valve twin turbo saloon develops 295lb-ft of torque and is capable of from 0-62mph in just 5.6 seconds.

The Avant version will cost £37,685 and both come with four-wheel-drive, a six-speed gearbox, alloy wheels, traction control, electronic brake force distribution and a host of creature comforts as standard. Every S4 customer will also be entitled to a free place on one of a series of special tuition days at the Audi quattro Driving School.