Audi A7 review (16/08/2014)
One such was the coupe-esque Audi A7, which was a five-door hatch, albeit in a sporty guise — “Sportback” in Audi’s lingo — which was first seen in 2010.
Audi has just announced details of a facelifted version of the car, including a sleek V6 TDI ultra-model.
Audi say that the new A7 range will also feature new engine configurations, new transmissions, new headlights and tail-lights, and upgraded infotainment systems, and says models will first arrive with Irish customers in the last quarter of 2014.
The nuts and bolts of the new line-up indicate that, from launch, the A7 will be available with a choice of five engines — two petrol and three diesel units offering power outputs ranging from 218bhp to 333bhp, all of which comply with EU6 emissions legislation.
In the ultra version, with 218bhp and front-wheel drive, the 3.0-litre V6 is capable of returning 60mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 122g/km.
The top-of-the-range engine, the 4.0-litre TFSI, is available in the Audi S7. It delivers 450bhp and uses Audi’s innovative COD (cylinder-on-demand) technology.
We are told that the 3.0 TDI 320HP BiTurbo is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, but that all other engine configurations work with a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission.
Audi says that in the versions with front-wheel drive, S-Tronic replaces the multi-tronic CVT transmission and has been fully redeveloped.
For engine outputs of 272 bhp and above, quattro-permanent, all-wheel drive can be supplemented with the sport differential, which actively distributes power between the rear wheels.
The most striking styling changes are to the single-frame grille, which adopts the latest hexagonal design; to the bumpers, which have been subtly resculpted; and to the tailpipes, which now have wider, trapezoidal apertures. LED headlights also now complement the A7’s familiar LED daytime running lights, as standard, and can be further enhanced by Matrix LED headlights.
On the inside, the colour palette has been revised, and now offers additional colour options, including Valcona leather upholstery, available as an upgrade to the standard Milano leather in versions below the S line. In S line versions, which previously featured Leather/Alcantara exclusively in black as standard, a Lunar silver option is now offered for the first time.
With the introduction of the A7, Audi Ireland is introducing a new line structure to its C segment models.
The popular SE and S line versions will be complemented by a new SE business line for the first time.
Upgrades feature individual contour seats, with electric, 22-way adjustment finished in luxurious Valcona leather, fine-grain ash-wood inlays, four-zone climate control, MMI Navigation-plus and 19in 5 V spoke-alloy wheels.
A new technology package features MMI Navigation plus, Audi Connect, Bose surround sound, head-up display and reverse camera.
Audi’s Matrix LED beam headlights are fitted to S Line models for the first time. Touchpad control lets the driver scroll and zoom-in lists and maps.
The perfect supplement to MMI Navigation-plus is Audi Connect, which links the car with the internet via the 4G or LTE high-speed data-transmission standard. The Audi phone box connects the driver’s mobile phone to the car antenna, for improved reception.
Christian Gussen, managing director, Audi Ireland, says the A7 is a very important model for the company and has been number one in its segment since its launch in Ireland, in 2010.
“With these enhancements, for 2015, I am confident we can continue to keep ahead of our challengers and maintain our position as Ireland’s number one premium-car marque,” says Gussen.
“The new A7 perfectly encapsulates what the Audi brand stands for — stunning design and performance, which attracts new customers to the brand.”
The new Audi A7 is available to order now and will begin arriving at dealerships in October. Its entry price in Ireland will be €67,550. The Audi S7 is available starting at €113,450.
