Audi A 7

Audi continues to add to its almost bewildering array of vehicles from A1 to A8 with yet another new category.
The A 7 Sportback is a very stylish and exceptional piece of kit, looking very similar to its sibling the A5.
The "coupe" styled A 7 is powered by either a three litre turbo diesel or like the one on test a three litre supercharged petrol V6.
effortless performance is to be had with both but the diesel is much more frugal.
Under acceleration the supercharged engine is whisper quiet with windows raised but there's a sophisticated burble from the twin pipes when the windows are lowered.. it suits the car well. 
There's a sport and manual mode for the gearbox, and I couldn't fault the shifts in any of the modes selected.
Audi's all wheel drive Quattro system makes for very sure footed cornering, and the handling is neutral, with little evidence of understeer, even with cars fitted with the heavier diesel engine. 
The A7 has multi adjustable ride settings from Comfort to Dynamic.. a much more sporty ride and quicker engine response.
The comfort mode was ideal around town.On the open road there's very little wind noise, but as I found on a previous A8 test there's an annoyingly noticeable hum from the large 220 45 19 tyres.
A useful feature that's optional is a heads up speed display projected on the windscreen in front of the driver .. 
It's something that should be standard on all cars. 
It also displays the cruise control settings.
The car has active cruise control, slowing down by itself when a set distance is reached behind the car in front.
The enormous power operated hatchback is a welcome addition, operated by either the  key fob button or the latch on the tailgate itself.The boot while shallow is exceptionally long.
Headroom in the rear with a sunroof fitted is marginal, my head touched the roof lining.
No heated seats in a 147 thousand dollar car is a bit cheap.. especially when they are standard now in many lesser vehicles, including the latest Hyundai i30 Premium.
Audi's MMI car setup and entertainment system is very user friendly, and the Bose sound system is stunningly good.
The seats them selves are firm but not uncomfortable... a small lever extends the seat squab on the front seat for extra support if needed. 
The A7 has a reversing camera and a forward facing one as well, which is useful in tight spaces. 
I do like Audi's signature daytime running lights and taillights.....they are different on each model, and are very distinctive.
Keyless entry and start is standard.

At a tad under 150K the A7 is a worthy contender in the luxury segment and I'm betting it will steal customers away from BMW or Mercedes, at the upper end of the market.   Peter Sellen 

Peter Sellen