Audi has a good track record in Euro NCAP crash tests, so the S4 is in safe hands. Its tamer sibling, the A4, received five stars and scored top marks for side impact protection. It’s packed with six airbags – including driver, front passenger, side body and head airbags – and also comes with front seatbelt pretensioners. Isofix child seat mounting points on the outer rear seats come as standard, while additional points in the front can be specified at no extra cost.

Though a little daunting at first, Audi’s sat-nav and audio system (called MMI) gets easier to use over time and is primarily controlled by a large switch wheel on the centre console – keeping the interior simple and uncluttered. The boot is roomier than those of similar high performance cars this size and the flat, wide floor means it’s easy to load.

But buyers looking for something bigger should go for the S4 Avant rather than the saloon. It’s still lightning quick but comes with the added benefit of a bigger luggage area and larger access.