AUDI A7 SPORTBACK FULL REVIEW

Audi A7 Sportback full 9 point review

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Even the lower-powered petrol and diesel models offer decent, if not hugely exciting, performance. Power delivery is smooth, helped by the standard CVT automatic gearbox in the 202bhp diesel and the double-clutch S tronic semi-auto in other A7s. The lower-powered 3.0-litre diesel is the pick of the range because it combines decent performance with impressive efficiency.
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

Specify air suspension, and the A7 stays incredibly flat and composed on winding roads. True, the ride is a bit firm around town, but it smoothes out at higher speeds. There’s also bags of grip whether you get a Quattro four-wheel drive model or the entry-level diesel with two-wheel drive. However, the steering is vague around the straight-ahead position and rather inconsistently weighted.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

Part of the generous standard kit list of every A7 is Audi’s acoustic windscreen. Opt for double-glazed acoustic side windows, too, and you’ll have a car with luxury-car levels of refinement. There’s next to no wind noise and little road noise. Don’t expect rumbly diesels, either – they produce more of a growl than a rattle when you accelerate hard.

Buying & Owning

4 out of 5 stars

An A7 will cost you thousands more than an A6 with the same engine, but you get more standard equipment and resale values are expected to be strong. All models are clean and frugal, too, with the four-wheel drive 3.0-litre diesel averaging 47.1mpg and the lower-powered front-wheel drive version over 50mpg.
Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5 stars

Audi has built its recent reputation on quality, and the A7 doesn’t disappoint – there’s plenty of stunning detailing on the outside and the inside. In fact, the interior owes more to the bigger A8 than the smaller A4 and A5. It’s especially tasteful at night, gently lit and highlighted. We expect the A7 to prove reliable, too.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

There’s no need to question the A7’s safety credentials, even though having six airbags as standard isn’t overly generous these days. Audi provides bags of tech to help keep you safe, although some of the most advanced stuff (like blind spot- and lane assistance) is reserved for the options list. Thieves should find the A7 a tough nut to crack.

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

The A7 gets a dashboard that’s only shared with the latest A6 – many other Audis look rather too similar inside. All of the controls work well, including the latest, less cluttered version of Audi’s Multi-Media Interface. Forward visibility is fine, but over-the-shoulder visibility isn’t so good – the high rear will have you relying on the parking sensors or optional rear-view camera.
Space & Practicality

4 out of 5 stars

There’s loads of space for the driver and front-seat passenger, and a couple of six-footers will be fine in the back, despite the sloping, coupé-like roofline. This does limit boot space, but the big, powered hatch and folding rear seats add a welcome dose of practicality.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

All models get leather upholstery, satellite-navigation, heated electric seats and a powered tailgate, while the audio systems are iPod-ready, as well as having DAB radio and Bluetooth. You can even create your own wi-fi network in the car. The options will leave tech-lovers salivating: Google Earth on the sat-nav, an auto parking system, massaging seats, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and more.