Tue
Jul 27 2010

Inside the Audi A7

John McIlroy
Prodding around the A7 Sportback reveals that it does stand apart from both the A6 and A8.

Sit behind the wheel, for example, and you feel much more cocooned than in either of the other ‘big’ Audis. That wraparound dashboard line sits proud of a fascia that seems very compact. And the two distinct bonnet creases look terrific as they disappear over the nose.



Read Autocar's full story on the new Audi A7, plus see exclusive pics and video


Keep the front seats in the same position and slip into the rear and it’s comfortable enough. Clever curves in the roof mean that although the back of my head just about touches the lining, I can still sit upright. And there are no worries on knee, leg or shoulder room.

It’s not quite as airy as a BMW 5-series GT’s cabin, then, but as an interior/exterior package, the A7 Sportback looks better resolved. I can see how this will become a lifestyle choice for A6 and A8 buyers.

And given its nomenclature, that probably means it’s about to fulfil its brief.



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About John McIlroy

Used to report on the WRC for Autosport magazine; jumped to Autocar in '05. Career high? Driving McRae's Ford Focus WRC. Career low? Crashing McRae's Ford Focus WRC. Former Autocar news editor, now Whatcar? editor.

Comments

Vidge 123 July 27, 2010 10:26 AM

i would still rather have the 5GT, and i think that car is unattractive, but at least its interesting, rather than this boring and unimaginative lump of metal!

dutchmaestro July 27, 2010 10:40 AM

"It’s not quite as airy as a BMW 5-series GT’s cabin"

Let's be fair, John. The 5 GT is a '5-series' in name only, as it's based on the 7-series' floorpan dimensions, which explains it's greater internal size - vast rear seat legroom and lateral shoulder width - in contrast to the A7, which is of course on the one class-size smaller new A6 floorpan. With the A7 and 5GT you're basically comparing a limousine 7-series to an exec A6.

Those who dismiss the 5GT as ugly miss out on the fact the 5GT is 7-series space and money-for-metal at basically just-above 5-series pricing, which as Hilton Holloway said in a blog a while back, makes it a great 'in-the-know' buy, for those who can see past subjective aesthetics to real functional value. A 530d GT

VelSatis23 July 27, 2010 11:09 AM

This ugly thing is almost 5 meters long, and looking at the picture, this dude sits rather cramped, what a waste of metal and space.

dutchmaestro July 27, 2010 11:27 AM

I meant to add, a £42k 530d GT is a hell of a car for the money compared to a £55k 730d or a £42k basic A7.

'VelSatis23' has confirmed what I knew - anyone looking at you sat in the rear would call that cramped.

Latebreaker July 27, 2010 11:38 AM

Im sorry but if you saw the car in your rear view mirror then, it could be any Audi clung to your bumper

Interior looks quality as ever from Audi, but I still rather have a CLS

scoch July 27, 2010 12:53 PM

MMM, Dullsville, Dullsilvania for me im afraid.

Audi wouldnt recognise style if they ran into it!

trocadero July 27, 2010 4:41 PM

Only three articles on what is essentially an A6 Hatchback. <p> <p> Generic styling as well.

Latebreaker July 28, 2010 1:10 PM

In terms of design, I thought it would of gone something like...

1)Take the A8 and make it smaller

2)Take the A6 and make it slighter bigger

3)Make it a hatchback

4)Add a hydraulic spoiler so everyone knows your speeding on the motorway

5)Charge alot of money

Or something like that

kiroshimasylvia July 31, 2010 4:23 AM

I think that you need to check and see, my understanding is that flood insurance is available. One of the problems that the public may encounter is an agent that has not been to flood insurance education to sell it. That might have alot to do with it.. I think he said the other day that 33% of the claims for flood, were not in the flood plain. But, most people will not buy due to paying another premium….

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