After a gap of five years the B7 Audi RS4 was eagerly anticipated, so when the 4.2-litre V8-powered B7 finally went on sale in 2006 demand was high. As a result, Audi shifted an impressive 3,393 UK cars over the next couple of years.
This time Audi produced not only an Avant, but also a saloon and a Cabriolet. All three cars came with the same aluminium 420hp 4.2-litre V8, which claimed a high 12.5:1 compression ratio and revved to 8,250rpm. Based on the unit found in the B6 S4 the quad-cam RS4 engine had four valves per cylinder (instead of five on the previous V6) and included a bespoke intake manifold with adjustable tumble flaps to aid low combustion at lower revs. Maximum torque was 317lb ft at 5,500rpm.
Once again a six-speed manual gearbox was chosen, with the latest version of Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, allowing the RS4 saloon to hit 62mph in just 4.8 seconds, with the Avant and Cabriolet just 0.1 seconds slower.
One of the best Audis to drive, the B7 was lauded not only for its accessible performance but also its superb handling. Despite acceleration which at points borders on brutal, the car always feels under control and the immense levels of grip make the B7 RS4 still capable of being enjoyed even in wet or slippery conditions. The manual gearbox has a positive action too, and the forgiving clutch makes the RS4 easy to drive in urban traffic too.
The rare Cabriolet version does lose some of the chassis stiffness - but nowhere near as much as you would expect - and the performance is just as exhilarating as the saloon or Avant. The optional Sport Plus suspension does affect the ride, but not unduly, and features a 10mm drop in ride height.
If you hanker after a saloon or a Cabriolet then the B7 is the RS4 for you, and it's the most affordable RS4 for now: "Values for the B8 are higher, and those for the older B5 are too - so the B7 is the best value right now," confirms Robert Redman at Glass's.
We expect B7 prices to fall for a while, before they start to rise again as supply dwindles. And in the meantime it's the most engaging of the RS4s to drive. That said none of the RS4s are ideal track day cars, as they're not cheap to run and are of course pretty sizeable. "But of all the RS4s the B7 would be my choice as it has a better chassis and is a better handling," claims Paul Farenden. "If you were going to actually build a track car out of one I still think a lightened B7 saloon would be the one to do."
And that enthusiasm for the B7 is shared by Dougal Bennett: "The B7 RS4 was an unlimited run but is by far the nicest RS4 to drive for feedback and enjoyment. Also, the B7 RS4 is cheapest to get into with least maintenance costs. It's the best for the driving experience on the track too - being normally aspirated it can be driven round and round all day." For true track die-hards, seek out a car with the optional front ceramic brakes.
Would-be buyers should check out our buying guide, and PHer Martin on the Audi RS forum insists you must also "Make sure the car's DRC valves have been replaced or are well maintained, and ensure the oil cooler pipes have been replaced." And bear in mind the vacuum system needs to be working to prevent sticky exhaust flaps. Entry to the B7 RS4 club starts at around £13,000, but we'd recommend you'd be wise to spend closer to £16,000 for a cherished car with a pristine provenance.
Buy if: you fancy a Cabriolet or you plan to take your RS4 on track
Don't buy if: you're seeking a quick return on your investment
We found: 2007 RS4 Avant Black Metallic, full service history, 78K miles, £18,490
Price Guide
Poor: Under £13,000
Good: £13,000 to £22,000
A1: £22,000+
Special Editions: Concours low-mileage examples can fetch more than £28,000