An executive decision?
Thursday, January 13, 2011I drove Audi’s new A7 before Christmas.
Now, this is an interesting car.
A7 has all the key Audi strengths, with the latest technology (much from the new A8) powerful efficient drivetrains including a 245PS 3.0 TDI Quattro returning 47.1 MPG & only 158g/km emissions – so suppressing Benefit-in-Kind tax to 23%.
A great looking, fast, refined executive cruiser, the car handles and rides very well. But what makes it really interesting is that it’s a hatchback. Albeit a little larger than most, and at around £45-50K it’s also more costly.
The UK doesn’t have a tradition of successful large, executive hatchbacks but people may forget that Audi has some real legacy in this area going back to the 100 coupe produced from 1970 – 1976.
Nevertheless versatility is king and A7 has great flexibility and certainly provides ample room for golf clubs, although the 4 seat format may not suit everyone.
The key is for A7 to establish executive-sector credibility quickly, essential if it is to compete against the non-standard competition such as Mercedes CLS and BMW 5 Series GT as well as traditional saloons and estates.
Personally I think this is a great executive car, and with such a strong fleet proposition it should find plenty of buyers.
