SLEEK SILHOUETTE GIVES AUDI TOUCH OF GLAMOUR

It’s a niche car which appeals to those wanting something out of the mainstream and an alternative to the never-ending launches of SUVs. The A7’s sleek profile is matched to an aggressive grille and a rear end that is Porschelike.

Sales are not firing, down 45 per cent for the year with only 22 registered in 2020. This category has slumped by 53 per cent with its A6 stablemate the only one with an increase in sales by 142.9 per cent to 34 units in 2020.

The four-cylinder version, the 45 TFSI quattro S tronic, is $126,307 in Cairns, while the vehicle as tested, the V6 turbo 55 TFSI quattro S tronic, is $147,835 on the road.

The review vehicle also had premium paint for $2200 and an $8000 “premium plus package” that included adaptive air suspension, massive 21in wheels, a sunroof, four-zone airconditioning and 30 shades of ambient lighting.

While it commands a hefty price, the Audi’s cabin is one of the best in the business, with high quality finishes and hi-tech attractions including a digital dash display, Wi-Fi hotspot, a large 12.3in high resolution centre screen, smartphone mirroring, wireless charging for late model phones, a head-up display and because of the high window line, but at least the sunroof allows more light in the back.

The boot is big and practical, thanks to the liftback design providing more space than in the A6 sedan.

It’s quite hard to prang the A7 unless you are not paying attention.

The Audi has one of the more advanced and comprehensive driver assistance arsenals. It can stop and go in traffic, keep a safe distance to the car in front, steer the driver back into the correct lane if it wanders and even pick up the telltale signs of tiredness and provide warnings.

Its automated emergency braking will detect and brake for pedestrians at up to 80km/h and will mitigate crashes up to 250km/h.

The car can also detect a rear-ended collision or whether backing out into oncoming traffic. It can also stop the driver from opening a door on a passing cyclist.

The A7 is somewhat of a dark horse.

A tap of the accelerator reveals a very potent turbo V6 that produces 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

Moving away from the Mulgrave Rd dealership into the traffic gave me an insight into the 3.0-litre turbo V6’s capability.

It delivers good acceleration off the mark (0100km/h in 5.3 seconds) and plenty of power on