Audi has finally unveiled its A7 Sportback. The model was teased via the Audi Sportback concept at 2009’s Detroit motor show, and it’s taken until now for us to see the production version.
 
The styling bears some resemblance, though the sculptured lines of the show car have been toned down. Critics will likely lament its lack of originality alongside other Audis: increased dimensions aside, it’s not a whole lot different to the A5 Sportback, and its front-end is nigh on identical to the A8 saloon.
 
Four V6 engines will be available from launch. Two petrols – a 201bhp, 207lb ft 2.8-litre that returns 35mpg and emits 187g/km of CO2, and a supercharged 3-litre with 296bhp, 325lb ft of torque and a 5.6sec dash to 62mph with near identical sensible figures (34mpg and 190g/km). Both get Quattro all-wheel drive and an S-tronic twin-clutch automatic gearbox.
 
Diesel choices are two tunes of Audi’s 3-litre TDI engine – an entry-level 201bhp/295 lb ft option that is front-wheel drive and boasts 53mpg and 139g/km, and an uprated 241bhp/369lb ft, all-wheel-drive version that combines a 6.5sec 0-62mph time with 47mpg and 158g/km. The former gets a regular auto, the latter an S-tronic twin-clutch ‘box.
 
Cars with Quattro fitted get the new, updated system found in the mighty Audi RS5 sports coupe. It’s designed to give the A7 a rear-wheel-drive slingshot when exiting corners, and does so by being able to fire 85 per cent of the engine’s power to the back wheels. If necessary, 70 per cent can go to the front. The default is a 40/60 front/rear ratio.
 
Talk of suspension revolves around comfort, with adaptive air suspension an option, though buyers can specify sportier options, including a 10mm ride-height drop.
 
Unsurprisingly, lots of technology packs out the options list, including front and rear LED lights, power-assisted doors, a fighter jet style head-up display, a heated steering wheel and garage door opener.
 
Sales of the A7 Sportback begin this Autumn, with UK prices expected to start at £42,925.

evo's live at the Audi A7 launch - click for the latest

There is also a brief video here

Join evo's Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages