Nice update Ian
Any comparison of a 4 against an 8 will fall short in the expanse and luxuries departments, although as you say the smaller car does have some benefits in town driving and parking scenarios.
But compare a B7 to a B5 or earlier S2 and it really is streets ahead.
Interesting comment on the fuel consumption as my 'long term' (about 3 months since I reset it) average in the B6 is just 20.6 and I'm lucky to get more than 22 on a long (and 'sensible') run. As it's the same engine, it must either be something to do with tiptronic vs manual or my dreadful driving!
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Present: S4 B8 avant, fully loaded, MRC Stage2, Milltek non-res, KW springs
Past: S8 D2 FL, S2 ABY coupe, RS6 C5 saloon, RS4 B7 saloon, S4 B5 saloon, S4 B6 avant, all gone but not forgotten