Sunday, September 11, 2011

Audi A7

With the introduction of the new CLS from Mercedes-Benz, Audi has now
upped the game for the popular vehicle, by introducing their own
warrior—the new Audi A7 Sportback.
•        Design & Engineering:
Many say that with Audi’s interest in filling all niches, the A7 will
be a clear winner. Indeed, are they right. With Audi’s numerous sales
from the A5 Sportback, the A7 seems to be following the right path,
with the right people behind it all. The A7 seems to share a similar
profile with its younger sibling, the A5, albeit the better defined
elegance, and larger dimensions. From the front, hints of TT models
are available, but sport Audi’s new LED headlamps, which flank upwards
towards the sides of the vehicle. This new approach seems to make the
A7 more sinister, as if from a James Bond movie. A large variety of
rims are available on the A7, but unlike some models, the larger the
rims on the A7, the better. An optional S-Line trim is available for
the vehicle, which comes with 19-20 inch rims, a more aerodynamic
body, along with a silver-mesh interior. From the side, wide wheel
arches ooze masculinity. The sloping rear roof proves to be very
avantgarde, where the rear headlamps seem somewhat somber. Love the
proper use of chrome around the windows.
•       Interior
Audi has always been praised for making the best mass made interiors
in the auto industry. With the A7, they have taken simplicity,
comfort, and standard, to the next level. From the driver’s point of
view, the high center console creates a cockpit-like feel, especially
with the clarity and simplicity of the instrument panel. On the tested
3.0TFSI Quattro model, the speedometer reaches all the way to 300km/h,
and 8000 revolutions/minute. The ability to use exotic materials such
as wood paneling and aluminum, aids in raising the benchmarks for
rivals.   The driver’s seat is well proportioned and clad in durable
leather, offering fantastic views of the road, for an enhanced driving
experience. The center console features Audi’s improved MMI navigation
system, and comes with a touch pad next to the gear lever, which can
be used to input directions and addresses. Due to the expanding
Chinese market, the touch pad also reads the Chinese characters.
Through the MMI system, the driver has the option to select the
personality of the vehicle, displayed in four modes: comfort, auto,
dynamic, and individual, which allows one to fine tune the car’s
character. Just like the A8, the A7 (utilizes the A6 platform, just as
the A5 utilizes the A4 platform) features a magic screen, which sinks
and rises from its hiding place with the touch of a button. Being an
Audi, the standard sound system is up to notch with Mercedes-Benz, but
has the option of being improved with the optional BOSE or Bang and
Olufsen surround sound system. For a car placed in the luxury segment,
heads up display comes standard with the vehicle (depending on which
part of the globe one lives in), and does not have the tendency to
fade off in sunlight, as other car makes do. A sports grip,
intelligent steering wheel completes the touch. Back at the rear,
accommodates tall passengers, and provides plenty of head and legroom.
With such a spacious rear, the A7 would be able to accommodate a fifth
child, although it would have to be a young child. Keep in mind
though, that the A7 has been designed to seat only four passengers,
hence the two seatbelts provided at the rear. Is it not amazing how
Audi manages to build a luxury Sportback, which is about the length of
their flagship vehicle—the A8, using a mid-executive range A6
platform, while maintaining absolute comfort and spaciousness?
•       Ride & Handling
The base A7 comes with a 2.8-liter V6 engine, commonly found in the
A6. The best buy would be the 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged V6, taken
straight from the speedy S4. Gun the engine, and one gets a nice low
growl from the supercharger, and an ‘oomphy enough’ exhaust sound.
With 300BHP on hand, the cruiser is never lack of power. Even on the
toughest roads, during the toughest conditions, Audi’s renowned
Quattro four-wheel drive system will bring you home with ease. The
large sportback, feels agile enough for a car of its size, with
accurate steering and response. Being an Audi, bumps and humps will be
smoothed out even with optional 20-inch rims, due to the attention
Audi inserts into fine-tuning each and every single one of their
vehicles. The A7 is the type of cruiser, which always wants to keep
you going.
•       Verdict
An excellent rival to the CLS from Mercedes-Benz, and a considerable
one too—due to the wider range of engines, and more competitive
pricing. Lacking power? The release of an S7 should be here quite
soon.




o       Pictures from:
o       http://www.carsendse.com/2011/03/2011-audi-a7-sportback-five-door-coupe/2011-audi-a7-sportback-front-angle-3/
o       http://cars.vc/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2012_Audi_A7_Sportback-7.jpg
o       http://www.carsession.com/photos/audi/2011-audi-a7-8.jpg.html
o       http://www.motorcarhome.com/2011/04/09/2011-audi-a7-reviews-and-pictures/audi-a7-interior-view-pictures/
o       http://www.eurocarnews.com/media/pictorials/789/3775.jpg

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