The Audi A7 Sportback was launched in South Africa in March 2011 and has since drawn 335 customers with its sleek and elegant styling merged with five-door practicality.
Despite its size, the A7 Sportback is relatively light thanks to one fifth of the car’s construction being from aluminium. The reduction in unsprung mass results in relatively nimble handling and brisk performance, even for the entry-level 3.0 TDI V6, with 100 km/h coming up in 7.4 seconds.
The choice of engines in the current A7 range includes a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol and equivalent diesel in various states of tune, as well as the more powerful 4.0-litre V8 in the S7 Sportback. With the sportier character of the A7 Sportback in mind, however, Audi have expanded the engine line-up to include a performance oriented diesel option, powered by a twin-turbocharged version of their 3.0-litre TDI V6.
The BiTurbo TDI is a new engine for Audi and makes its debut in the A7. Producing 230 kW and 650 Nm of torque from 1 450 r/min, it offers around 25% more performance for increased fuel consumption of just 5%. Matched to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, the A7 BiTDI requires an average of 6.3 l/100km, helped by a brake energy recuperation, thermal management and engine start-stop systems. The performance figures are 5.3 seconds from 0 – 100 km/h and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Interestingly, the A7 TDI BiTurbo edges out its closest rival, the BMW 640d Gran Coupé, ever so slightly in the benchmark sprint (by 0.1 seconds), but can’t match the BMW’s 5.5 l/100km average consumption figure. We expect to see a few ‘real world’ comparative tests being performed to evaluate the manufacturers claims.
Complimenting the power output of their newest diesel, Audi have engineered a sound actuator into the exhaust system, which amplifies and modulates the exhaust note to give the flagship A7 diesel a sportier character.
Apart from new engine some the car’s standard equipment and highlights include: 19-inch alloy wheels; Audi Drive Select; keyless entry; Bluetooth cell phone preparation with wireless with audio streaming; cruise control; electrically adjustable exterior mirrors (heated), front seats, steering column and tailgate; leather seat trim; Audi MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch; Park Distance Control front and rear; sports suspension, as well as xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.
| Prices (incl. VAT & CO2 tax) | |
| Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI BiTurbo | R855 000 |
Pricing includes a 2-year/Unlimited km warranty and 5-year/100 000k maintenance plan.
