Audi A7 Sportback Range Expanded

(Monday 11 July 2011)

Audi has been busy with the A7 Sportback, adding several new models to the line-up. They are all fitted with the 201bhp 3.0 TDI turbo diesel engine, which is one of four on offer (the others being a 242bhp 3.0 TDI as reviewed here, a 201bhp 2.8 FSI petrol and a 296bhp 3.0 TFSI turbo petrol).

Until now, the less powerful of the diesels has been available only with front-wheel drive and a Multitronic CVT with eight ratio holds which essentially functions as an eight-speed automatic, though it uses less power than a conventional auto and is therefore better for performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The A7 3.0 TDI will continue in that form, but it's also going to be available with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox. The top speed of this version is the same as that of the standard car at 146mph, the 0-62mph time is 0.2 seconds quicker at 7.2 seconds, and combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions are 48.7mpg and 152g/km - not as good as the 55.4mpg and 135g/km of the standard front-wheel drive 3.0 TDI, but better than the equivalent figures for the 242bhp version.

The new S tronic quattro version will become available to order in early August, both in SE form and in a new trim level called, not very appealingly, Standard, which is also being introduced for the front-wheel drive CVT car (but isn't being offered with any other engine).

Standard specification includes 18" alloy wheels, xenon headlights, daytime running lights, Milano leather upholstery, the Audi Multi Media Interface (with a 6.5" colour display and satellite navigation), adaptive dynamics, a powered tailgate and automatic headlights and wipers. If you want the Audi Parking System Plus, cruise control, heated front seats and an iPod connection you have to buy an SE instead.

The FWD CVT A7 3.0 TDI Standard becomes the cheapest model in the range at £39,995. The S tronic quattro costs £41,675, making it the second cheapest.

In other A7 news, a three-seat rear bench is now standard on all models, turning the A7 into a five-seater and allowing for some flexibility with the load space. If you're not so interested in this, a sculpted two-seat bench is available as that rare thing from Audi, a no-cost option.

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