October 28, 2010. Copyright 2010, Graphic News. All rights reserved

New A7 Sportback is Audi's latest weapon in the battle against BMW
By Neil Winton

LONDON, October 28, Graphic News:  Audi's new A7 Sportback is the German manufacturer's latest weapon in its quest to overtake compatriot BMW as the world's biggest selling luxury carmaker by 2015.

In 2010, Audi will have introduced 12 new models including the little A1 city car and the massive flagship A8 limousine. Audi and Mercedes Benz are fighting over second spot at the moment, with both expected to sell just over one million cars compared with BMW's stated goal of 1.4 million in 2010. But Audi reckons its ambitious product plan will push its sales to 1.5 million a year by 2015 and into the lead.

Audi, owned by Europe's biggest mass car manufacturer Volkswagen, describes the A7 as a coupe-style, five-door, four to five-seater. Coupes used to have two-doors, but manufacturers now use the coupe moniker to laud their car's sleekness and sportiness, and perhaps subtly warn of their lack of room in the back. The A7 uses engineering known by its German-language acronym MLB, which enables it to use common parts and designs from other models. This means that cars like the A4, A6, A8 and even SUVs like the Q5 and Q7, might look very different, but under the skin use many common parts. Bentley, the British-based luxury supercar maker owned by VW, also uses common parts from the MLB toolbox.

The A7 is a technology showcase, and for a little extra money, buyers can opt for automatic parking, all-LED headlights, fighter-like head-up displays and adaptive air suspension. The satellite navigation is programmed to take details from your route to decide which gears the automatic transmission chooses to maximize fuel economy. Standard equipment includes xenon headlamps with LED tail lights, a powered tailgate, leather seats with electric motors which, for a little extra, will massage you. Prices start at 51,650 euros when the car goes on sale in November across Europe.

You can choose from four engines -- two petrol, two diesel -- all of which will propel you quickly from a standing start, and cruise quietly on Germany's still unrestricted highways at speeds of up to at least 145mph. You can opt for Multitronic CVT automatic transmission for front wheel drive versions or a twin-clutch, seven-speed automatic for four-wheel drive. There's no manual option. Audi says despite their power, the cars are impressive sippers of fuel. The 3.0 litre V6 diesel can achieve an average 53 miles per Imperial gallon or 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres, thanks to a lighter body using more aluminium, and to EU regulations which allow car makers to measure fuel consumption with a ridiculously unworldly series of tests.

Audi goes from strength to strength, beating its sales targets and reaping huge profits. Because it can draw on parent company VW's massive output for many components, engines and designs, Audi has a huge cost advantage over BMW and Mercedes. Strange, but when Ford tried to do a similar thing with its luxury subsidiary, its Jaguars were called Mondeos in disguise. So far, Audi has avoided that cheap shot.
/ENDS

Audi A7 Sportback 2.8 FSI quattro

Engine: 2.8 litre V6 petrol
Power: 201 hp @ 5,250-6,500
Torque: 280 Nm @ 3,000-5,000
Drive: all wheels
Gearbox: 7-speed twin clutch automatic
Acceleration: 0-62mph/100km/h 8.3 seconds
Top speed: 146mph-235km/h
Fuel consumption: claimed combined: 35.3mpg-8.0 l/kms
C02: 187g/km
Emissions class: EU 5 
Suspension: four-link/self-tracking trapezoidal
Service intervals: up to 19,000 miles-2 years
Warranty: 3 years-60,000 miles
Length: 4,969mm
Width: 1,911mm
Height: 1,420mm
Wheel-base: 2,914mm
Weight: 1,720kg
Boot capacity: 535/1,360 litres
Price: from 51,650 euros