08 September 2011

The scoop
The Audi A7 is a “sportback”, meaning a 4-door coupe with a hatchback rear. Oh and it’s stunning. It is an Audi, after all.

But beautiful cars don’t come cheap. If you have a spare $150,000, then you’re ready to look at the Audi A7.

The drive
The Audi A7 drives as beautifully as it looks. Smooth and has just enough power and assistance when you need it.

The A7 is comfy, roomy and long – so it’s no surprise the boot’s spacious. There’s lots of room for passengers to stretch out, particularly because the car only provides seatbelts for four passengers (Audi could have easily made it five.) The interior is a heady concoction of leather and wood finishes. Groovy baby.

In terms of standard features, you definitely get your money’s worth. For the $150,000 pricetag you get the total package – folding mirrors, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensitive wipers, Xenon headlights with built-in washers, parking sensors and reversing camera, four-zone climate control air conditioning, keyless entry and push-button start, tilt-and-slide sunroof, and leather trim.

The Audi A7 is a lazy driver’s dream. There are features that make it reverse-park for you, dim the lights when entering a residential community and apply full braking for those times you’re just a little too slow. Not to mention a night-vision camera, internet browsing and a trip computer linked to Google Maps.

Safety
ANCAP is yet to crash-test the Audi A7, so stay tuned.

Green factor
The A7 automatically switches the motor off when the car stops. According to the Government’s Green Vehicle Guide, the A7 earned 4.5 out of 5 eco-friendly stars with a 6.5 greenhouse gas rating (out of 10). It comes in both unleaded and diesel (the latter earning a 3.5 eco-star rating).

Describe the car in 4 words
Athletic with systems overload.

Best thing about the car
Its luxurious look and feel.

Downsides of the car
The lack of a fifth seatbelt.

Soundtrack for this car
Coldplay.