AUDI A7 SPORTBACK 55 TFSI / Vorsprung’s svelte executive
Audi will have one of its busiest years in recent times. With a slew of new and updated models from across its product portfolio earmarked to arrive on Mzansi shores during 2020, buyers are, indeed, spoilt for choice. One such vehicle is the A7 Sportback
Audi’s second-generation A7 Sportback takes over the baton from the previous generation which, for all intents and purposes, was the marque’s first stab at the four-door coupe genre and aimed at netting an altogether unique audience to that of the conventional A6. Niche it may have been, but the original A7 Sportback proved to be a rather practical expression of a sloping roofed salooncumhatchback as it offered generous boot and passenger space. It was also penned with a great level of creative strokes from the designers – save for the slightly droopy rear-end – and commanded one of the brand’s most unique model adage at the time.
TIMES ARE A CHANGING
The new-from-the-ground-up A7 Sportback is the first advocate in the brand’s local saloon line-up to bring the company’s new corporate face ahead of its A6 and A8 siblings, the former’s local debut now imminent. Sporting a new rhombus grille, a much wider front façade and a more sculptured bonnet – the new A7 is quite the looker and garnered positive nods.
And the rear with its new LED taillights replete with the connecting light strip is a far cry from the previous generation and gives the model a more cohesive and congruent design disposition. Our tester came with the optional Matrix LED with Laser headlights (R19,300) that work an absolute boon under the night sky with an almost 180-degree lighting radius in high-beam mode. It also featured a Black styling package option (R10,450) that comprises of a gloss black-trimmed grille, front and rear valance, and a side-window trimming, which creates a welcome exterior contrast.
FURTHER OPTIONAL STYLING ELEMENTS
These include the sporty exterior S Line Package (R31,350) that counts items such as the sportier front bumper with cooling air vents, wider side sills, and 20” alloy wheels as standard, but you can opt for the 21” option Audi Sport wheel that is finished in titanium (R21,000) and truly gives the A7 an even more assertive stance.
The adaptive air suspension comes highly recommended at R34,900, which endows the model with one of the most comfortable ride qualities I have ever experienced in recent years – more on that a bit later, though.
Cabin appointments remain of a high standard and features the new architecture we recently experienced in the flagship Q8, which brings a dual touchscreen interface for the infotainment
and climate control, therefore minimising the number of buttons available. It is an intuitive system with haptic buttons that confirm inputs and are a cinch to operate even while on the move. The sumptuous S sports seats (R28,350), which are electrically operated, heated and cooled for further convenience – have a great scope for adjustment relative to the steering wheel.
CABIN AND BOOT SPACE
Despite a sloping roofline, the A7 is a wellpackaged vehicle with exemplary legroom, while the