The Audi A7 Sportback, released in South Africa in March 2011, was designed to fill the gap between the C-segment A6 and the D-segment A8 - and to date 335 South Africans have agreed with that.
Now the Fellowship of the Four Rings is hoping to boost that number with an upmarket version boasting an all-new three-litre biturbo diesel, complete with recuperation system, thermal management and idle-stop function as standard.
This top-of-the-range TDI spins freely to 5200rpm, delivering a quoted 230kW and 650Nm - and all that torque is available from 1450-2800rpm, according to the maker, giving it an immensely muscular mid-range, especially at high altitude.
Mated to an eight-speed Tipronic transmission and quattro all wheel-drive, it takes the A7 from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.3 seconds and on to thoroughly naughty speeds, at an average cost of 6.3 litres per 100km and 166g/km of CO2.
TALKING THE TORQUE
All of which is accompanied by "a rich and sonorous tapestry of sound" (we kid you not!) thanks to what Audi calls a "sound actuator" in the exhaust system. This is essentially a speaker in a side channel that modulates a defined oscillating pattern over the typical diesel sound to damp out the characteristic clatter and accentuate its deep V6 rumble.
Standard kit includes 19" Y-spoked alloys, drive select with efficiency mode, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, four-zone air conditioner, cruise control, trip data computer, power-adjustable front seats, steering column and side mirrors, power-operated tailgate, leather upholstery, touch-control satnav, front and rear parking sensors, sports suspension and xenon headlights with LED daytime running.
BOTTOM LINE
The A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI BiTurbo retails at R855 000 which includes a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan.