There are a number of cars that have a very clear focus - it can be fun or practical or comfortable. And there are the cars that try to do everything. It is certain that, at first sight disturbing news, since very few cars that handle well.
But with few miles on the road now covers the United Kingdom, it is clear that the new Audi A7 Sportback one of the more eccentric bit has reached the race.
We tested the petrol 3.0 V6 TDI SE model comes standard with a chassis Audi Quattro, a seven-speed S-Tronic auto 'box and select the drive, which offers three different options to change the wheels, tires and engine response.See question 3.0 TFSI Audi A7 in action
How does it feel?
Riding on 19-inch alloy wheels standard steel springs (10 mm lower £ 410 option), is a ride quality that is really new here. Although it suffers from some companies compression damping at high speeds, typically offer flat A7 and well-insulated ride quality.
Body roll is kept in check without serious compromise cushioning, meaning an appeal to the stability and robustness, even when curves are involved.
And there will probably be heavily involved bending forces, because all of its obligations as a sedan, coupe, hybrid, driver price is one of the factors that best control. It was never really close to the exciting ride, but it is a sweet, balancing your weight and overall good driving well below the average B-road.
A large part of the driver of prices offered in our test car came from the driveline. 296bhp turbo petrol engine is really a joy to use. Its smooth nature and speed control of the A7 Sportback perfect chance to sing as well as an automatic transmission. It pulls strongly and provides a high degree of flexibility for the various tasks that can be used to A7. Moreover, with 34.4mpg claimed may not be as thirsty as many would take.
What is less impressive, select the drive system. At no time in any environment that can take to the cause of the "dynamic" and "comfort" setting reveal, it was not all advantages over setting the standard 'auto' to offer. Most owners leave it that way and remember that you can change the better.
So what are your skills as a high traffic? Well, usually it is a happy A8 - which is exactly what it means feeling. Tire roar is more intrusive than it should, but it does not work, switch, and engine noise and the wind shifted, both suppressed, but the cabin is so rich, as expected, all major luxury goods included as standard. In a meaningful way cruiser.
Main room in the rear is compromised a bit, but if it means anything, I'd buy a standard room, and elsewhere A7 is a compelling business and on the road. Under load the truck bay to swallow, 535-L equipment - just a 25-liter BMW 5-series Touring, and nearly 100 liters more than 5 GT.
Should I buy?
If you want something that is clearly not a sedan or wagon, but also offers a five-door convenience, high-end cabin and a decent quality of leadership is certainly one of the best opportunities.
It's not perfect. In this guise, it very well, about 80 percent of the time, and only a fine or a bit of bounce to rest, but which of the various suspension options you choose (with pneumatic suspension and reinforced steel springs are available) can change everything and cabin refinement is acceptable but not outstanding.
But it is shown that there is an audience for an elegant, coupe-like lounges and further development of the car started - Mercedes CLS - also just launched. Audi has some serious competition.
Vicky Parrott
Audi A7 3.0 TDI quattro SE
Price: £ 48,070, top speed: 155 mph (limited) 0-62 mph: 5.6sec; economy: 34.4mpg, CO2: 190g/km, Empty Weight: 1770 kg Engine: V6, 2995cc, turbo diesel, Power: 296bhp at 5250-6500 rpm, torque: € 325 m to 2900-4500rpm, Transmission: Automatic 7spd
