Audi A7 2011 review

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one.

What is it?

This is Audi's big, four-door, four-seat "Coupe", a car you'd buy if the A8 limo was too big or didn't offer enough panache. A7 comes only in V6 guise - petrol and diesel and has a seven-speed auto with quattro all wheel drive as standard.

How much?

The supercharged petrol variant we drove is $147,800. The diesel is a bit less.

What are the competitors?

Mercedes-Benz CLS is a direct competitor and maybe that awful BMW 5-Series GT hunchback. Lexus GS perhaps.

What's under the bonnet?

This one gets a 3.0-litre, direct injection, supercharged, petrol V6 with variable valve timing on the inlet side and twin intercoolers. It's good for 220kW/440Nm output - fairly conservative when you consider the technology at play here. There's a twin-clutch seven-speed "manumatic" offering slick gear changes with performance and economy gains.

How does it go?

Really well with the 0-100kmh sprint passing in a scant 5.6 seconds. Roll-on acceleration from highway speeds is strong and it's quick out of the gate too. Makes pretty much no noise and is smooth as silk.

Is it economical?

Well, that depends on the right foot as always. Audi claims 8.2-litres/100km, we got close.

Is it `Green?'

Yep, passes Euro 5 emissions regulations and has energy saving technology like engine stop/start and regenerative braking functions.

Is it safe?

Five stars, a super strong body 30 per cent in aluminium, the rest in high strength steel. Has eight air bags as far as we can tell, stability control - the works. Optional safety features include radar controlled cruise and other stuff.

Is it comfortable?

Supremely especially with the three mode drive select system, we went for dynamic but "comfort" is supple and smooth.

What's it like to drive?

Loved it. Big and stylish, crammed with luxury goodies including a brilliant Multi Media Interface system with a huge info screen and clever satnav. Audio is a Bose 14 speaker system, can't see why you spend more on the optional B&O system. We cruised on the freeway, took it down a winding mountain road and commuted - all excellent. The paddle shift is handy, the brakes are up to the 1770kg task and the thing corners like a sporty sedan once you dial it in.

Is it value for money?

Tax, tax, tax - ouch. Value is good against its direct rivals especially when you consider you are getting all wheel drive AND torque vectoring (power delivery to each wheel monitored electronically). Plenty of kit - glass sunroof, xenons, auto headlights and wipers, leather, electric seats, 19 -inch alloys, four zone climate control, Bluetooth. Wrap around dash is among the best around.

Would we buy one?

Yes, love the looks, the performance, the features, safety, pity about the exhaust note. Swoopy good looks from Audi A7.