By Staff Reporter

Audi launched its first-ever A7 Sportback in 2010 using the MLB platform. The sleek four-door coupe was based on Audi’s Sportback Concept which debuted in 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show. Fast forward eight years, Audi revealed the second generation A7 Sportback and promises a more dynamic design, digital interior, sporty driving experience and versatile space.

A Classy Four-door Coupe

Up-front the new A7 comes standard with narrow HD Matrix LED dynamic headlights with the single-frame grille slotted in between them. Sharp lines on the bonnet and along the frameless doors make the 4,969 metres long A7 Sportback look aggressive. For added aggression and a sportier look, customers can kit-out their A7 with the optional S-Line package. A total of 15 exterior colours are available on the new A7.

For improved downforce, the liftback boot lid has an integrated spoiler which rises when the car reaches 120 km/h. A flat-light strip made of 13 vertical segments makes up the rear lights which have a gimmicky animation.

The classy exterior design is carried over into the futuristic looking interior. The interior looks clean and airy, especially with the standard panoramic roof. The luggage area has a capacity of 535 litres and 1,390 litres with the rear seats folded down. Milano leather seats are fitted as standard whereas with the optional S-Line package the A7 will be fitted with Valcona leather Sport seats embossed with the S badge. Ambient lighting has 30 colours to choose the colour which best suits your mood.

Futuristic Technology

The centre console has high-resolution intuitive dual-touchscreens (upper one for MMI Plus and lower one for climate control) with haptic and acoustic feedback and an optional voice control therefore eliminating the need for physical buttons. The rear passenger climate control is also touchscreen. The A7 gets a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display as standard whilst the heads-up display is optional. Customers will enjoy listening to their favourite songs through the standard Bang & Olufsen Premium 3D Sound System.

Safety Systems

The new A7 Sportback has a host of safety systems designed to make daily driving easier for the driver. These include adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, efficiency assist and swerve assist to name a few.

Under the Bonnet

The A7 Sportback is powered by a 3-litre turbocharged V6 engine developing 250 kW. A new 48-volts mild-hybrid system makes the A7 smoother to drive and more fuel-efficient. Audi claims it can achieve 6.8L / 100 km. At speeds between 55 and 160 km/h, the A7 Sportback can coast with the engine deactivated then restarted by the belt alternator starter (BAS). It is mated to a 7-speed S Tronic. It takes the A7 5.3 seconds to sprint from 0-100 km/h.

Pricing and Future Models

The A7 55 TFSI Sportback quattro S Tronic is priced from R1,250,000. It comes standard with the 5 year / 100 000km Audi Freeway plan, inclusive of all taxes. The more powerful S7 will be launched in SA during the first quarter of 2020 followed by the bonkers RS7 during the second quarter of 2020.