WHEN will Audi stop producing new models?
The up-market German car maker now has 35 models for prospective customers to choose from, with several more lined up for next year.
By now you would think Audi has every sector of the market covered, but no, its latest niche model, the stunning Audi A7 Sportback, is due in UK showrooms in January.
It’s a sleek, powerful grand tourer which is pitted against the likes of the Mercedes CLS and BMW 5 Series GT.
The luxury five-door hatchback is a real cracker to look at with a slinky yet aggressive appearance offering practicality plus power and a build quality you’d expect from an Audi.
The luxurious motor, which comes in SE and S Line specifications, offers four engine options: 2.8 FSI 204bhp and 3.0 FSI 300bhp petrol plus 3.0 TDI 204bhp and 3.0 TDI 245bhp diesel.
A7 Sportbacks have the ultra-smooth and rapid seven-speed S tronic twin clutch sports transmission wherever quattro four-wheel-drive is installed giving the new Audi excellent performance and secure grip under all conditions.
Economy and low emissions are surprising on such a luxury car. The front-wheel drive 3.0 TDI 204bhp is claimed to return up to 53mpg and CO2 emissions of just 139g/km.
And it is no slouch. This version has a top speed of 146mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.4 seconds.
If you want the ultimate in performance the 3.0 FSI 300bhp quattro has a top speed of 155bhp and hits 62mph in just 5.6 seconds.
The newcomer is probably one of the quietest motors I have ever driven. There’s barely trace of wind or road noise when on the move even at high speed.
On the road the A7, which has lightweight aluminium panels, is a very composed piece of kit.
I preferred the handling when driving the A7 with traditional sporty suspension. The optional air suspension, which has three different settings, was excellent in most circumstances but was inclined to sag a bit on tight corners leading to a bit of understeer.
The A7 Sportback is a four-seater which gives rear seat passengers maximum comfort with stacks of head and legroom.
Being a hatchback the A7 also offers loads of luggage space, varying from 535 to 1,390 litres with the rear seats folded.
Standard equipment levels are high on the A7 Sportback, including xenon headlights, LED tail lamps, powered tailgate, air conditioning, leather upholstery, alarm and immobiliser, light and rain sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, electric seat adjustment and heating, cruise control and parking controls, satellite navigation, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth phone point.
Starting price for the A7 Sportback is £43,755 but most buyers of luxury motors are in the lucky position of being able to add optional extras, and Audi has plenty of them, including a stop-start system, all-LED headlights, head-up display, TV reception, acoustic glazing, comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a night vision thermal imaging camera to highlight people in front of the car.
Audi UK is being allocated around 3,000 units in 2011 so if you want to get your hands on this excellent, exclusive piece of automotive brilliance get your order in quick.