Acclaimed five-door coupe is enhanced by a raft of revisions to styling, engines and technology
A new 60mpg V6 TDI ultra model is just one of the highlights of the new generation Audi A7 Sportback range, which has also been refreshed by other new engine configurations, plus new transmissions, new headlights and tail lights and upgraded infotainment systems. The latest incarnation of the multi-talented five-door with the emotional appeal of a coupe, the comfort of a saloon and the practicality of an Avant estate will arrive with its first UK customers in the last quarter of 2014.
Back when the A7 Sportback first debuted in 2010, Audi was already setting new standards in automotive design. Its long bonnet, flowing C pillars and steeply raked rear end create a dynamic overall impression which has been amplified further in the new generation car by a raft of styling revisions.
The most striking 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 headlamps also now complement the A7 Sportback’s familiar LED daytime running lights as standard, and can be further enhanced by Matrix LED headlights.
By quite literally forming a beam using a matrix of individual Light Emitting Diodes, these advanced units can provide optimal lighting by dimming specific individual diodes to divert their pool of light around oncoming and following traffic without reducing their intensity in other areas. Dynamic indicators with a sweeping function in the direction of the turn are also standard at the rear and optional for the front light units.
The body of the new Audi A7 Sportback consists primarily of aluminium and high tech steel grades. It is extraordinarily lightweight and designed for maximum comfort in terms of noise. The cargo space under the long, electrically powered tailgate has a base capacity of 535 litres. When the rear seat backs are folded down this increases to 1,390 litres.
The sleek sophistication of the exterior is echoed in the car’s interior. The dominant element is the horizontal line surrounding the driver and passenger. The dashboard gives an impression of lightness and elegance which is now further enhanced by new interior materials, including aluminium/Beaufort walnut inlays. The colour palette has been revised, and now offers additional colour options now extending to include the 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 Valcona leather exclusively in black as standard, a Lunar silver option is also now offered.
The front seats can be optionally equipped with ventilation and massage functions, and there are four seat versions to choose from. The MMI radio plus operating system is standard and can be supplemented as an option with a head up display that projects all important information onto the windscreen.
From launch, the new generation A7 Sportback will be available with a choice of five powerful and highly efficient engines. The two petrol and three diesel units offer power outputs ranging from 218PS to 333PS, and comply with stringent EU6 emissions legislation.
Many aspects of the 3.0 TDI clean diesel with 272PS have been newly developed. In the “ultra” version with 218PS and front-wheel drive, the 3.0-litre V6 is capable of returning an outstanding 60.1mpg, corresponding to CO2 emissions of 122 grams per kilometre. The top of the range engine, the 4.0-litre TFSI, is available in the Audi S7 Sportback. It delivers 450PS of power and uses innovative COD (cylinder on demand) technology.
The 3.0 TDI biturbo, which delivers 320PS, works with an eight speed tiptronic transmission; all other engine configurations work with a seven speed S tronic transmission. In the versions with front wheel drive, the dual clutch unit replaces the eight-speed multitronic CVT transmission and has been fully redeveloped. For engine outputs of 272PS and above, quattro permanent all-wheel drive can be supplemented with the sport differential, which actively distributes power between the rear wheels.
The chassis, too, combines great precision with relaxed comfort. The new Audi A7 Sportback features wheels with diameters ranging from 18 to 21 inches. Some engine configurations are equipped with new lightweight brakes. The power steering system features an electromechanical drive for high efficiency.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard. Options include dynamic steering, two sports suspension options and adaptive air suspension; in the S7 Sportback, the air suspension has a firmer setup.
The new generation Audi A7 Sportback leads the competition in terms of infotainment. It now features the latest generation of the Audi modular infotainment system built around the Multi Media Interface. The top system uses a powerful new graphics processor from Audi’s partner Nvidia and includes MMI touch, enabling the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and maps via a touchpad.
The perfect supplement to MMI Navigation plus is Audi connect, and in the latest generation A7 Sportback this option now links the five door coupe with the Internet via the latest LTE high speed data transmission standard for ultra-fast 4G click-through and download functionality. The Audi phone box option is also now available – it enables occupants to connect their mobile phones to the car‘s antenna for improved reception simply by placing them in the phone box compartment. The top of the hi-fi line is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.
The assistance systems – including adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, the further improved night vision assistant and the Audi pre sense safety system – are also state of the art. Audi side assist and Audi active lane assist, now featuring new Active lane centring technology, work closely together to make lane changes even safer.
Article source: www.audi.co.uk