Audi expands A7 Sportback range

Audi has improved the A7 Sportback range with the launch of a lower powered 3.0 TDI quattro plus a new Standard specification which includes satellite navigation and is priced at £39,995.

The new 3.0-litre TDI quattro with 204PS sits alongside the more powerful 3.0 TDI quattro engine with 245PS and gets the same seven-speed S tronic gearbox rather than the eight-speed multitronic CVT that's fitted to the standard front-wheel drive 3.0 TDI 204PS.

Despite being four-wheel drive, it offers stronger performance than the front wheel drive version, with a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds. However, economy drops slightly with a claimed average of 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 152g/km. Benefit-in-kind liability for business users stands at 20 per cent in front-wheel-drive versions and 23 per cent for the quattros.

The 3.0-litre TDI quattro 204PS model will be available to order in early August to coincide with a new Standard trim level that will be available exclusively with this engine. In new Standard form the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI will lower the range entry price to £39,995, with the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro just above at £41,675 OTR.

The new Standard specification comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps, Milano leather upholstery, the Multi Media Interface (MMI) with 6.5-inch colour display incorporating satellite navigation, Audi drive select adaptive dynamics, a powered tailgate and light and rain sensors.  

SE specification continues as before, and adds features such as the Audi Parking System Plus with audible and diagrammatical parking aids, cruise control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats and the Audi Music Interface iPod connection. The top rung belongs to the S line models, which upgrade further to 19-inch alloy wheels, Valcona leather upholstery, S line interior and exterior styling treatments, S line sports seats and S line sports suspension.

A new feature that will be common at all levels is the addition of a third rear three-point seatbelt which will enable the A7 Sportback to seat five adults when required. This will add a further element of practicality to the spacious interior, which can also provide up to 1,390 litres of load space when the split/folding rear seat is deployed.

Elsewhere the range continues as before with a more powerful 245PS 3.0-litre TDI engine and naturally aspirated 204PS 2.8-litre or supercharged 300PS 3.0-litre petrol units, all of which are linked to quattro all-wheel-drive and S tronic transmission.