Following the popular A5 Sportback, Audi have extended the 5-door coupe concept to the A7.

Core Specs
Audi will offer a choice of SE and S line specification in the UK. Core kit common to both lines includes Xenon headlights, LED tail lights, and a powered tailgate.

Space, Dimensions, Weight
The A7 Sportback is about the same size as the A6; 4.97 metres long (A6 4.93), 1.91 metres wide (A6 1.86) and 1.42 metres high (A6 1.46). The hatchback opening angle can be adjusted, and with the back seats lowered there is 1,390 litres of luggage space. Loading is easy with a powered tailgate as standard. The aluminium and steel body weighs 15% less than an all-steel equivalent would.

Suspension options
The suspension platform is new for the A7 Sportback and options include a firmer sport setting (which lowers the car 1cm) or a maximum comfort option with three ride settings.

Engine and Transmission
There will be a choice of four engines; a 2.8 litre petrol FSI (204PS), a 3.0 litre petrol TFSI (300PS), and two 3.0 litre diesel TDIs (204PS and 245PS).

The 4-wheel drive option (Quattro) is Audi's latest, with the differential first used in the R5 to automatically vary torque distribution from the standard 40% front axle / 60% rear axle as required, and also between the rear wheels. If you choose 4-wheel drive you'll also get the 7-speed 'S Tronic' twin-clutch sports gear system. The front-wheel drive models have automatic gearboxes.

Steering weight, throttle response and gear shift points can all be fine-tuned from the driver's seat as standard in all models.

Energy economy and Environment
All four engines come with the stop/start engine function and also incorporate Audi's coasting and braking energy recuperation system. Front-wheel drive versions have a variable automatic transmission for maxiumum fuel efficiency. The most efficient and eco-friendly engine is the diesel 3.0 litre (204PS) which will do up to 53.3mpg and emits C02 at 139g/km, which will also do 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, with a top speed of 145mph.

Interior
Inside, the audio, navigation and wireless systems are controlled using Audi's MMI (multimedia Interface) with its 6 1/2 inch monitor. The MMI Touch upgrade has an 8 inch monitor, and can store music and telephone numbers on its hard drive. The touch pad also allows destinations or numbers to be entered by being drawn on the touch pad with a fingertip.

Other Internal Options
Heated and electrically adjustable leather seats, SatNav, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth are standard. Options include a 15-speaker audio system and TV reception.

GPRS & Wireless
Another optional extra is the GPRS module, which will have the latest news and weather from Google. Detailed routes can be downloaded to this navigation system from home computers, as can images from Google Earth (satellite photos). The built-in wireless link means that passengers can access the internet from their own computers.

New Display
The A7 Sportback is the first Audi to feature a new 'head-up' display that projects navigation information (as well as the car's speed, fuel economy, and other important information) onto the windscreen in such a way that it will appear to be about 2.5 metres infront of the driver.

Park Assist
An advanced parking option can take control of the steering wheel completely at the push of a button. Sensors detect space all around the car; all the driver needs to do is apply the throttle and brake as the on-board computer parks the car.


Safety Extras
There are plenty of safety options including:

- a thermal imaging camera to highlight people infront of the car
- a blind spot warning system
- notification when you change lane on the motorway
- a system that activates hazard lights, closes windows and tightens seatbelts when the car brakes very hard or skids (the system can also be configured to brake the car automatically to avoid collisions with vehicles in front)

The A7 Sportback is available to order now. Prices start from £42,925 on the road (£43,745 at the new 20% VAT rate).

Article by Victoria Stubbs, Vindis Group. Vindis are new and used Audi dealers for all models including Used Audi A4 Avant.