Delight to drive

IF you’re looking for a car that not only looks great, but also delivers impeccable performance, look no further than the Audi A7.

Yes, the Germans have done it again – seamlessly combined practicality and luxury with enough horse power to put Seabiscuit to shame.

The A7 is a vehicle that screams ‘class’ and is perhaps the best looking Audi I have ever seen (not including the R8). It’s wide, long and has flawlessly smooth finishes that will definitely evoke a sense of envy among drivers of lesser cars.

This five-door luxury-class coupe blends together the benefits of a saloon, a coupe and a station wagon while still managing to project a sporty look. In the front, the grille is smaller than its predecessor, giving the A7 a tighter image and the back is simply beautiful, it slopes down like a throw back to the Audis of the past.

I got the impression that everything about this car has been thought out with great detail including the cockpit which is as comfortable as it is impressive. High-grade new materials such as layered wood veneers give off a refined feel and an optional ambient lighting system highlights the fine finishes.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the A7 is that although it has more gadgets and gizmos than a NASA space shuttle, it’s still remarkably simple to work.

Admittedly, the more impressive features such as Touch Pad are a challenge to find without a little initial assistance from a salesman. In fact, it was only when I returned my gleaming mean machine that I was made privy to some of its technological delights.

Touch Pad is a really cool feature that makes you feel more like you’re driving an iPad than an Audi. The touch-screen pad, located by the handbrake, displays both numeric and alphabetical functions on the screen and can be used to control the radio and navigation systems via the flick of a finger.

Its makers say the settings of the A7 have been specially developed for the Middle East, particularly with regards to the climate control. Standard equipment includes four-zone automatic air conditioning.

As if that’s not enough there is also a DVD changer and Bluetooth mobile phone interface, heat insulated windows and a sunscreen for the rear window, glass sunroof, electric boot lid and key-less go, 18 inch alloy wheels, parking system with rearview camera as well as Audi pre sense basic and a five year service package.

Under the bonnet, the A7 boasts a 300bhp 3.0-litre TFSI engine which rockets you from 0-100 in about five seconds. The sporty seven-speed S tronic transmission sends power to all four wheels, converting grip into momentum – the result – a smooth ride with lots of power.

A colleague recently asked me why I think the A7 is so incredible, my response – ‘you’ll know once you’ve driven one’.

Prices start from BD27,950. For more information, contact the Audi showroom on 17459933.