Topic: Audi A7 Sportback

[PlanB]

I may be unusual cross-shopping these two but the S4 is just too small for four adults to go cross country.

Just guessing this model (A7) will be between $75, 000.00 and $90, 000.00 CND - don't know how many of these buyers will be driving them 'cross country' as you say, vs. to the nearest mall/sushi restaurant? 

[gord_boyd]

Confirmation this will be at Toronto Auto Show just received(whereas I had an
invite from Acura a week ago to see their 2012 TL there).

[gord_boyd]

At six feet my head barely fits the sculptured area for back seat (of course length of your trunk portion
is more important than height).  Knee space quite good.  It will be better than A6 I believe but no one was getting in the A6.  Driver's seat very audi tight vs. A8--nice.  Better than Panamera--definitely not bulbous.
People closed doors by swinging on upper corner of unframed window--not a good thing for a long time
sealed closing. 
Highs:  My wife liked it.  Twenty inch tires not necessary.  She liked that the screen disappears.  She did not mind chrome strip on top of door handles.
Power shutting hatch sounds solid.  Better looking than anything viewed on internet. 

Lows:  Little insight by staff into technologies.  I believe weight on front wheels only 54% and this accomplishment not known by anyone there.  (Battery
in back.).  85% torque going to rear, when required, unknown by anybody there.  Display, considering Audi expectations for this model, taken too lightly by Audi.
They are not prepared for Customer wants when it comes to decision-making.
In addition "NO TEST DRIVES IN ADVANCE OF FIRST DELIVERIES" appears to be policy (completely inconsistent to VW's policies).
First deliveries will be late June/early July.  Modify Note: Now told Demos coming first week of May.     

[PlanB]

At six feet my head barely fits the sculptured area for back seat (of course length of your trunk portion
is more important than height).  Knee space quite good.  It will be better than A6 I believe but no one was getting in the A6.  Driver's seat very audi tight vs. A8--nice.  Better than Panamera--definitely not bulbous.
People closed doors by swinging on upper corner of unframed window--not a good thing for a long time
sealed closing. 
Highs:  My wife liked it.  Twenty inch tires not necessary.  She liked that the screen disappears.  She did not mind chrome strip on top of door handles.
Power shutting hatch sounds solid.  Better looking than anything viewed on internet. 

Lows:  Little insight into technologies.  I believe weight on front wheels only 54% and this accomplishment not known by anyone there.  (Battery
in back.).  85% torque going to rear, when required, unknown by anybody there.  Display, considering Audi expectations for this model, taken too lightly by Audi.
They are not prepared for Customer wants when it comes to decision-making.     

Sounds like they very unprofessionally, blew a deal with you?  Funny, I always thought that when buying a premium luxury automobile - one would/could expect premium customer service? 

[gord_boyd]

I finally test drove A7 this past Friday and it was terrific.  (Raleigh, N.C. at the moment).
The model was equipped with window display of speed and blind spot indicators and twenty inch wheels.
It is smooth; powerful with lots of torque; very comfortable; great handling; and a better looker in person.

I tried to imagine extended lengths of driving with four and think vehicle nicely suitable to cross-country trips.
Also, it is quiet, and seems well built.  However on a windy day, at highway speeds, some quietness disappears
as noted by my wife in back seat.  Not too intrussive but could be better IMO.

[JSCC]

USA configurator up and running.
http://models.audiusa.com/a7/configurator

Expecting 15-20% more in Canada. 


No V8 yet, guessing 4.0L V8 Turbo with 400HP+, and named S7!

[mmret]

That angle really elongates the front overhang, and that's not good.

[JSCC]

I finally test drove A7 this past Friday and it was terrific.  (Raleigh, N.C. at the moment).
The model was equipped with window display of speed and blind spot indicators and twenty inch wheels.
It is smooth; powerful with lots of torque; very comfortable; great handling; and a better looker in person.

I tried to imagine extended lengths of driving with four and think vehicle nicely suitable to cross-country trips.
Also, it is quiet, and seems well built.  However on a windy day, at highway speeds, some quietness disappears
as noted by my wife in back seat.  Not too intrussive but could be better IMO.

Are you sure you don't want to wait for the most logical choice?

2012 A6 wagon.

[JSCC]

Canadian pricing is out, CAD$68,600.

http://www.audi.ca/ca/brand/en/models/2011_Audi_A7.html

[gord_boyd]

The reasons I have ordered A7 and gave up on Acura TL Sh-AWD which I tried several test drives ( since I own a 2006 and believe
in Honda engineering long term--am a share-holder as well) and which obviously has better value and reliability are the following:

One: I wanted something iconic that could be a luxury standard longer term.  TL's will be changed at the whim of where Accord
goes in next overhaul.  The reduced beak just doesn't do it for me.  The style and driving are a combination of old hat & artificial.
Yes, economics driven by A6 volumes too but there is a bit more uniqueness and a better branding going on at Audi, to say nothing
of quality improvements.

Two: It is more functional as well as sporty.  46% weight to rear and 60% torque to the rear under normal drive that you can defintely feel right away
as far superior.  (vs. 10% to rear with SHAWD).  Space utilization is better.  Real life it looks better than pictures and it is best looker out there IMO.
It's dash is "best" (and putting away the GPS maps for local roads that you already know makes sense to me.  Sometimes you have to reduce clutter.)

Three: The pop you get from 3 l. engine supercharged is a real safety issue on two-lane highways I face, plus the huge torque makes this
a thrilling car to drive.  I believe torque in low rev.s have put the Germans way ahead of Japanese.  It was time to face up to that reality.

Four: I've returned to driving enjoyment.  Long trips or short.  I believe the A7 will win AJAC's December tests.  They've won my criteria anyways.
(Yes I've done extensive tests '5' series; M Infinity; Panamera.  Also did tests "E" Class)  This has been a work in progress for more than 2 years and finally it is over)

It is 4th Quattro I've owned but newer 'crown-geared centre diff' has to be driven to feel the improvements.  Of course the RX8 will be still my best handling
car owned but with all this lake-effect snow in Southampton and changed needs, this quattro was needed.

For anyone else researching in this category I recommend clicking 'Audi' under www.TFLcar.com 

[JSCC]

According to www.goodcarbadcar.net, the A7 (61) outsold the A6 (46).

Yes the A6 is in it's final year,but that's still impressive when you consider the A7's price of entry to be almost $15,000 more expensive.

[JSCC]

I finally test drove A7 this past Friday and it was terrific.  (Raleigh, N.C. at the moment).
The model was equipped with window display of speed and blind spot indicators and twenty inch wheels.
It is smooth; powerful with lots of torque; very comfortable; great handling; and a better looker in person.

I tried to imagine extended lengths of driving with four and think vehicle nicely suitable to cross-country trips.
Also, it is quiet, and seems well built.  However on a windy day, at highway speeds, some quietness disappears
as noted by my wife in back seat.  Not too intrussive but could be better IMO.

Are you sure you don't want to wait for the most logical choice?

2012 A6 wagon.

Looks like this will further confirm gord_boyd made the right choice.

http://www.insideline.com/audi/a6/2012/no-plans-to-bring-2012-audi-a6-avant-to-the-us.html

[gord_boyd]

My first road trip was a circumnavigation counter-clockwise up to Sault Ste Marie; then Thunderbay; then MN along Lake Superior; then WI/MI to Toronto and home--
3700 kms and 9.2 l./100kms.
The most advantageous option has been Adaptive Cruise Control.  It works in rain and stop and go traffic.  Very Relaxing and confidence-inspiring.
This is one excellent road trip car.  Even my wife impressed with car's technology.

[JSCC]

The most advantageous option has been Adaptive Cruise Control.  It works in rain and stop and go traffic.  Very Relaxing and confidence-inspiring.

Are you confident enough in the machine to not have you foot over the brake pedal yet?

[gord_boyd]

I'll give an example.  Saturday non-commute traffic from Kitchener was huge volume with people passing in right lane
or pace in 'passing' lane just changing constantly along 401.  I did not touch brakes once (except south of airport where it was a bit crazy)
all the way into Toronto.
It has not been written about very much.  I checked AJAC and Audi chose not to participate (and not sure who else is introducing this besides the Germans) but this option not even on their radar--sorry for the irony.
but you have to drive it to really get the picture.  Probably a $28. upgrade on the chip and costs for 'radar' (where the fog lights would go)
but I'm guessing all cars will incorporate it with "Cruise" option over next decade.

It will bring the car to a stop if necessary.

Just wanted to add with Blizzak LM60's (19 inch) she is terrific on our winding shore roads iced up and snowing today--Dec. 9th.

[gord_boyd]

Not surprized that engine wins amongst Wards' best (today) and highest initial quality for luxury segment announced last week.  The low torque and fuel economy have exceeded my expectations
(and did I say she handles really nicely).  Thought I'd just bring this forward today because of A6 review.