|
As the UK drifts inexorably towards
another potentially slippery winter, Audi is bolstering the defences of
its A7 Sportback range by offering quattro all-wheel-drive reassurance
for more versions of the acclaimed executive class fastback. New
3.0-litre TDI quattro 204PS models will be available to order early next
month to coincide with a new Standard trim level that will be available
exclusively with this engine. In new Standard form the A7 Sportback 3.0
TDI will lower the range entry price to £39,995 OTR, with the new A7
Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro just above at £41,675 OTR.
The ‘entry level’ V6 TDI engine has
until now been offered only in conjunction with front-wheel-drive and
the eight-speed multitronic continuously variable transmission. In this
form it powers the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 204PS to 62mph from rest in 7.4
seconds and on to a 146mph top speed, while at the same time offering
the potential for 55.4mpg fuel economy with low 135g/km CO2
emissions.
This configuration, which is now
available from £39,995 OTR, will continue alongside the new quattro
all-wheel-drive version. Equipped with the seven-speed S tronic
twin-clutch transmission, the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro 204PS covers
the 0-62mph sprint a fraction more quickly at 7.2 seconds, matches the
146mph top speed and offers up to 48.7mpg with CO2 emissions
of 152g/km. Benefit-in-kind liability for business users stands at 20%
in front-wheel-drive versions and 23% for the quattros.
Uncompromising standard
specification
Just as the latest A7 TDI models manage
to maintain impressive economy and emissions figures in quattro form, so
the new Standard specification versions of these models deliver all the
key features expected of a high end premium executive car. These include
18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps,
Milano leather upholstery, the Multi Media Interface (MMI) with 6.5-inch
colour display incorporating satellite navigation, Audi drive select
adaptive dynamics, powered tailgate operation and light and rain
sensors.
SE specification continues as before,
and adds features such as the Audi Parking System Plus with audible and
diagrammatical parking aids, cruise control, heated and electrically
adjustable front seats and the Audi Music Interface iPod connection. The
top rung belongs to the S line models, which upgrade further to 19-inch
alloy wheels, Valcona leather upholstery, S line interior and exterior
styling treatments, S line sports seats and S line sports suspension.
A new feature that will be common at
all levels is the addition of a third rear three-point seatbelt which
will enable the A7 Sportback to seat five adults when required. This
will add a further element of practicality to the spacious interior,
which can also provide up to 1,390 litres of load space when the
split/folding rear seat is deployed.
Elsewhere it is business as usual for
the range, which also includes a more powerful 245PS 3.0-litre TDI
engine and naturally aspirated 204PS 2.8-litre or supercharged 300PS
3.0-litre petrol units, all of which are linked to quattro
all-wheel-drive and S tronic transmission without exception. Innovative
Audi thermal management technology, engine load-reducing
electromechanical power steering, energy recuperation during coasting
and braking and the engine start-stop function are also features of all
models in the line-up.
Lighter than a conventional steel
equivalent by 15 per cent through the use of a high proportion of
aluminium, the streamlined body of the A7 Sportback is mounted on a
completely new and exclusive-to-Audi platform employing advanced five
link front and trapezoidal link rear suspension. This can be specified
with a firmer, 10mm lower sport setting, an even more intensively
handling-oriented S line configuration or an extensively revised version
of the Audi adaptive air suspension system with three ride settings.
Dedicated drivers can also opt for
advanced all-LED headlights, a thermal imaging camera for night vision
and, for maximum benefit from the quattro system, a sport differential
which can apportion torque between the rear wheels for even greater
handling agility and adjustability. Options with a more business class
slant include MMI Touch with its 8-inch monitor, fingertip sensitive
touch pad, 3D navigation mapping and sizeable hard disk; a UMTS module
with wireless WLAN link feeding the navigation system with Google Earth
maps and creating a WiFi hotspot in the car for mobile internet access;
and a head-up display.
The list of more indulgent luxuries
includes comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, a
parallel and perpendicular parking assistant, acoustic glazing, a
15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with 1,300 watts of power,
digital TV reception and ambient LED interior lighting. |
