Audi's Sportback body style
works beautifully on the A7, a
car that’s nearly as
long in the wheelbase as the A8 limo and offers comparable interior space. but
cornes with significantly lower pricetags.
Architecture and running gear
with the mid-sized A6. Drivetrains are also shared: a 180kW 3.0- lilre V6
turbodiesel TDi, priced at $142,750. and 220kW 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6
TFSi, at $147,300. Both corne with quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed
automated manual with stop/start.
The S7, with a 309kW 4.0-litre
V8, is $179,900.
Like the A6, the A7’s dynamics are markedly superior to
previous large Audis, thanks to relativity lightweight construction (with 30
per cent aluminum components], centralised mass and electromechanical power
steering.
The A7 is an agile and involving
of how you make a two-tonne behemoth go,
stop and handle, and these were reached a while ago.drive, in a class where
size and weight usually mitigate against a high enjoyment factor. Performance
from both engmes is ample. The turbodiesel is the pick for its superior torque
and fuel efficiency.
The A7 is also extremely
refined, with a beautifully crafted interior and space in the back seat, which
is designed to accommodate two.
The standard driver's seat,
though, is a plank. You’ll have to
head to the options list for a properly supportive, comfortable chair.
A few tall people will find
rear- seat headroom restrictive, while the low, coupe-style roof also
compromises boot volume.
If you can live with these
impracticalities, the A7 is a stylish, engaging and reasonably-priced
alternative to any $200,000-plus German rival.
The A8 is a credible rival.
Start money buys the 184kW 3.0-litre VO turbodiesel. The direct-injection 273kW
4.2-litre petrol V8 (tested) is $234,000, while the 258kW (and, ahem, 800Nm of
torque...) 4.2-litre twin turbodiesel is $238,000.
AU run an eight-speed auto and
quattro all-wheel drive.
Long wheelbase versions are
also available.
As with the Jag, the A8 uses
an aluminium body so it’s lighter
than most. It's a superb high- speed handler, with a range of adaptive
drivetrain/chassis options from comfort to sports-flavoured.
Audi Australia is also
considering the S8, which runs Audi s new 382kW/650Nm twin- turbo petrol V8
engine and can hit the 100km/h mark in just seconds. An A8 hybrid, also available in Europe, is
being looked at as well.
THINGSWE LIKE
• Falling asleep in the back
seat
• Incredibly refined drivetrain
• Fatigue-free long-range bomber
• Beautification design
• Engaging dynamics
• Superb interior finish
THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE
X Restricted
rear-seat headroom
X Restricted
boot volume
X Uncomfortable
driver's seat
X Space-saverspare
✓
Made in Germany
✓
3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol/seven-speed S-tronic/
all-wheel drive
✓
220kW of power al 5250rpm/440Nm of torque from
2900-4500rpm
✓
0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds Iclaimed)
✓
6.6l_/100km highway; 10.8L/100km city; 95 octane
premium; CO. émissions are 190gkm
✓
Warranty: Three
years/unlimiled kilométrés
✓
Standard: Eight airbags, stability control. 19-inch
alloys, lealher, tyre pressure monitoring, Bluetooth, navigation, power
tailgate, sunroof. adaptive xénon headlights, reversing
carnera
✓
Redbook future values: 3yr: 46%; 5yr: 31%
✓
Made in Germany
✓
4.2-litre V8 petrol/eight-speed automatic/all-wheel
drive
✓
273kW of power at 6800rpm/445Nrn of torque at 3b00rpm
✓
0-100km/h m 6.4 seconds (claimed)
✓
7.2L/100km highway; 13.3L/100km city; 98 octane
premium; CO émissions are 219gkm
✓
Warranty: Three years/unlimited
kilométrés
✓
Standard: Eight airbags. stability control, 19-inch
alloy wheels. Bluetooth. USB port, DVD. rear caméra, front and rear parking sensors, leather, navigation, swivelling
bi-xenon headlights, power boot lid. TV. voice récognition
✓
Redbook future values:
3yr: 40%;
5yr: 27%
