Is it a coupé? Is it a saloon? Is it an estate? Umm, actually it’s a hatchback but Audi claims its new executive express features the best bits of all the above.
Last week I spent a couple of days in southern Spain testing out the new Audi which the German manufacturer describes as a three-in-one; the character of a coupé, the comfort of an executive saloon and the practicality of an estate.
A pretty big claim to make you might think? Yes it is, but truth be told it’s actually a pretty accurate one.
Last week I spent a couple of days in southern Spain testing out the new Audi which the German manufacturer describes as a three-in-one; the character of a coupé, the comfort of an executive saloon and the practicality of an estate.
A pretty big claim to make you might think? Yes it is, but truth be told it’s actually a pretty accurate one.
In the back of the A7 you can comfortably fit two six-foot-plus passengers, in the boot there is plenty of room for several cases and as for its looks... well, just take another glance at the photo and I think you’ll agree it certainly looks the part with its sloping roof line and retractable rear spoiler.
When UK cars arrive in January 2011 (priced from £43,755, including 20 per cent tax) buyers will be offered four engines. The two TDIs kicking out 201bhp and 242bhp will swallow-up 90 per cent of next year’s total sales, while those wanting something a little less tame can opt for the supercharged 300bhp V6 TFSI. The fourth car is a 201bhp petrol 2.8FSI V6.
I drove the 242bhp 3.0 TDI and the 300bhp 3.0 TFSI and out of the two I would opt for the diesel for the simple reason there is less than £100 between the two models, yet the oil burner gives you a combined 47.1mpg compared with the petrol’s 34.4mpg. And let’s face it, 242bhp is anything less than real-world fast, with 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds.
On testing the two models I also found the diesel's extra torque (369 versus 325 lb-ft) gave it plenty of shove up to 60mph, but, as to be expected, the petrol had the edge beyond that.
Coupled with the seven-speed clutchless gearbox, the petrol felt punchy and responsive at all times. The petrol is a quick car - 0-62mph arrives in 5.6 seconds.
The supercharged petrol is only expected to account for a mere six per cent of the A7s total sales in 2011 and the reason for that is business-users, who ultimately will be the people buying this car, would rather travel to work in a diesel powered lounge, leaving the hustle and bustle to the joys of everyday living.
But looks and performance apart, perhaps the most impressive element about the A7 is its state-of-the-art technology. If you are the type of person who changes cars every 10 years then you are going to be in for a shock – you will have a lot of catching-up to do as the Sportback will steer and brake for you, park by itself, while lights in both mirrors ensure you don’t step into the path of oncoming traffic.
All A7s are fitted with a start/stop system as standard (cutting the engine as you stop at traffic lights or a junction in order to save fuel) while there are also some quite attractive optional extras you can purchase, none more so than the impressive Google Maps sat nav system. But be warned, opt for every conceivable extra and you could bump up the cost of your A7 Sportback to a staggering £94,000!
In conclusion the A7 is a pretty exceptional car and is sure to give its more expensive and less economical rivals from Germany – the [Richard Jones] (ugly) BMW 535 GT and the (attractive) Mercedes Benz CLS 350 – a headache.
Should you buy one? If it is a five-door coupe-styled hatchback combining saloon prestige, coupe elegance and Avant functionality you are looking for then, if you can afford one, it’s hard to see why you wouldn’t buy an A7 Sportback. But be warned, the A7 provides a sneak preview of the next-generation A6, with a much smaller price tag.
By Richard Jones
When UK cars arrive in January 2011 (priced from £43,755, including 20 per cent tax) buyers will be offered four engines. The two TDIs kicking out 201bhp and 242bhp will swallow-up 90 per cent of next year’s total sales, while those wanting something a little less tame can opt for the supercharged 300bhp V6 TFSI. The fourth car is a 201bhp petrol 2.8FSI V6.
I drove the 242bhp 3.0 TDI and the 300bhp 3.0 TFSI and out of the two I would opt for the diesel for the simple reason there is less than £100 between the two models, yet the oil burner gives you a combined 47.1mpg compared with the petrol’s 34.4mpg. And let’s face it, 242bhp is anything less than real-world fast, with 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds.
On testing the two models I also found the diesel's extra torque (369 versus 325 lb-ft) gave it plenty of shove up to 60mph, but, as to be expected, the petrol had the edge beyond that.
Coupled with the seven-speed clutchless gearbox, the petrol felt punchy and responsive at all times. The petrol is a quick car - 0-62mph arrives in 5.6 seconds.
The supercharged petrol is only expected to account for a mere six per cent of the A7s total sales in 2011 and the reason for that is business-users, who ultimately will be the people buying this car, would rather travel to work in a diesel powered lounge, leaving the hustle and bustle to the joys of everyday living.
But looks and performance apart, perhaps the most impressive element about the A7 is its state-of-the-art technology. If you are the type of person who changes cars every 10 years then you are going to be in for a shock – you will have a lot of catching-up to do as the Sportback will steer and brake for you, park by itself, while lights in both mirrors ensure you don’t step into the path of oncoming traffic.
All A7s are fitted with a start/stop system as standard (cutting the engine as you stop at traffic lights or a junction in order to save fuel) while there are also some quite attractive optional extras you can purchase, none more so than the impressive Google Maps sat nav system. But be warned, opt for every conceivable extra and you could bump up the cost of your A7 Sportback to a staggering £94,000!
In conclusion the A7 is a pretty exceptional car and is sure to give its more expensive and less economical rivals from Germany – the [Richard Jones] (ugly) BMW 535 GT and the (attractive) Mercedes Benz CLS 350 – a headache.
Should you buy one? If it is a five-door coupe-styled hatchback combining saloon prestige, coupe elegance and Avant functionality you are looking for then, if you can afford one, it’s hard to see why you wouldn’t buy an A7 Sportback. But be warned, the A7 provides a sneak preview of the next-generation A6, with a much smaller price tag.
By Richard Jones
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