Sporty wagons and Kia with Soul

Audi South Africa is introducing two new sporty Avant models in the premium B-segment - the S4 Avant and the RS4 Avant.

The heart of the new S4 Avant is a completely redesigned 3.0 TFSI engine, the newest member of the Audi V-engine family.

The V6 generates its power from a displacement of 2995cc, is equipped with a supercharger, and delivers 245kW. The Avant sprints to 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h.

The V6 power in the new S4 Avant flows into a dynamic and efficient seven-speed S tronic .

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system sends 40% of its torque to the front wheels and 60% to the rear wheels - which gives it slightly rear-biased, sporty characteristics.

Some of the most striking modifications to the exterior design are the special aprons, the aluminium-look exterior mirrors, the 19-inch Rotor-designed light-alloy wheels, the side rocker panels, the restrained spoiler at the rear and the quadruple exhaust system.

The Audi S4 Avant costs R637000. The third-generation RS 4 Avant combines potent performance with a high level of everyday practicality.

Its 4.2-litre V8 produces 331kW, while the seven-speed S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfers that power to the road.

The RS 4 Avant uses the same high-revving, normally aspirated V8 engine that powers the RS 5 Coupé. The responsive V8 accelerates the RS 4 Avant from zero to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds on its way to a governed top speed of 250km/h. The 4.2 FSI engine combines its impressive power with efficiency consuming, on average, less than 11 litres of fuel per 100km.

This model will only be available in an Avant and not in a sedan version. Pricing will be confirmed at market introduction in February next year.

The Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is hardly the big seller many of the Korean manufacturers' vehicles have become, but that doesn't mean it is in any way a lesser car in the firm's ethos of providing quality products at competitive prices.

A few tweaks have been made to the Soul - originally launched in 2009 - and it was just outside Bela Bela in Limpopo this week that we managed to spend some time behind its wheel.

What is it?

This is the second generation to hit our shores and lovers of the unusual will not be disappointed. It will be available in both 1.6-litre (95kW and 157Nm - from R193995) and 2.0-litre (122kW and 200Nm - from R203995) guises and with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes.

How does it look?

Quirky. You could be excused for thinking it is French given its distinctive styling - and you will either love or hate it. There won't be much middle ground but I can imagine owners defending the wedge shape to the hilt.

What's it like to drive?

With all its features, quite adequate six-speed automatic gearbox and unique styling, the Soul is a fun drive. On the open road it swallows up those kilometres with ease at a fairly economical fuel consumption rate and its strong build quality means the Soul has an assured feel to its ride.

Any special features?

Maybe not "special" but worthy of mention are the rear view camera positioned in the rear mirror to assist with reversing, automatic light control, start/stop with smart key and cruise control.

While some of these features will only be found on the 2.0-litre model, the entry-level 1.6 doesn't disappoint when it comes to standard features.

Should you buy one?

Unlike many Kia products, such as the excellent Cerato and Sportage - which fly off the showroom floors - the Soul is a harder sell which is aimed at a small percentage of motorists attracted to this style of vehicle.

It's got character by the bucket full and, for the young - or young at heart - it's a viable alternative to the more mundane and predictable. Buy it, if you dare to be different!