Yet another new Audi! What's this one?
Yes, this is yet another model in the ever-growing Audi range. It's the A7 Sportback, designed to fill the gap between the Audi A6 and the A8. The A7 is aimed at the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 5 Series GT, but it is infinitely better-looking than both. In the metal it is a truly stunning car and massive too. It is as long as a Porsche Panamera, yet it is a little shorter and narrower than the Audi A8 - and lower. Audi has really managed to pull off the five-door coupé look in a way that Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz really have not.
So what is the point of it?
It is for those who want their luxury car to perform several roles. The A7 Sportback is quite versatile, with a massive luggage capacity; it is expected to have quite a sporty driving set-up; and with the choice of engines it can also be pretty frugal.
What is under the bonnet?
There is a choice of four engines initially, with few in our market likely to opt for either the 204hp 2.8-litre FSI or the 300hp supercharged 3.0-litre FSI petrol options. These have a revised quattro all-wheel drive system keeping the power on the road and come with the S tronic automatic transmission. Emissions from these engines aren't too bad with 184- and 190g/km respectively.
Much more important to Irish buyers are the two versions of the 3.0-litre TDI diesel engine. The more powerful version has 245hp and 500Nm of torque and comes with quattro four-wheel drive, yet has emissions of just 158g/km. Cleaner still is the 204hp 3.0-litre TDI, which is mated with front-wheel drive and a Multitronic automatic gearbox. This has emissions of just 139g/km, which is incredible for an automatic car of this size.
So why would I want one?
Well first of all it is stunning. The rear three-quarters view in particular is exquisite in its detail. Plus, it comes with most of the technology that you find on the A8 and with the new engines it will be much cheaper to run than the A8 too. At a starting price of around €65,000 it is around €30,000 less than the cheapest A8 is likely to cost. With the money you save, you could add some of the extravagant options available such as 20-inch alloy wheel and massaging seats.
Okay, when can I have one?
The first cars are likely to come to Ireland in October, with the front-wheel drive 3.0-litre TDI model a little later, but still in time for January 2011.