Audi A7

The 2012 Audi A7’s sleek, sexy design makes it unique among luxury large cars. Reviewers are floored by the A7’s combination of beauty, technology, power and refinement, but some note that the Audi A7 is not the most affordable car in its class. Still, the A7 earns top honors from the automotive press. Automobile Magazine writes, “Mesmerizing to look at and seductive to drive, the Audi A7 is a car to aspire to -- and an entirely worthy Automobile of the Year.”

The praise doesn’t end there either. The 2012 Audi A7 was named one of Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars for holding its own against pricier super luxury cars. Car and Driver reports, “The A7 is so good that it has already trumped, in a comparo, the V-8-wielding Mercedes-Benz CLS550.”

Inside, the A7 features stunning interior materials, which include soft leather and variety of available woods to accent the dash, console and door trims. Audi continues to push the envelope with class-competitive cabin electronics as well. Models that carry Audi’s MMI navigation system also come with Audi Connect, which uses a SIM card to turn the A7 into a wireless hot spot. The data connection also provides real-time updates to the navigation system, displays Google Earth views and informs with timely weather, news and point-of-interest information.

Despite the A7’s triumphs when it comes to interior features and class-leading cargo space, most reviewers note that the back seat of the A7 is not the most comfortable place to be. With coupe-like designs come coupe-like problems, and the sloping roofline that adds to the A7’s attractive appearance also takes its toll on available headroom in the backseat.

Under the hood, all models are powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Power is put to the ground through an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Test drivers are generally quite pleased with the power and refinement of the drivetrain, and the A7 earns praise for its handling prowess. However, a few critics comment that the A7’s steering and brake feel leave something to be desired.

Other Cars to Consider

While the Jaguar XF’s V8 provides significantly more grunt than the A7’s supercharged V6, Audi does have a leg up thanks to two key features: standard all-wheel drive and class-leading cargo space. The XF can’t hold a candle to the available trunk space in the A7, and Jaguar also doesn’t have an all-wheel drive option. However, the XF does offer navigation as standard equipment – a feature that will require you to upgrade to the Premium Plus trim on the A7.

If you’re looking for all the features available on the Audi A7 but also want a comfortable back seat, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo may be your best bet. It’s not nearly as attractive as the A7, but the 535i GT has better seats, with more headroom and legroom. However, the 535i GT doesn’t have as much cargo space. While the 535i GT offers optional all-wheel drive, Audi provides it as standard equipment on the A7.

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 has drawn in the crowds in terms of sales in India. No doubt, its larger sibling the Q7 commands a solid presence and the smaller Q3 exudes a more chic appeal, but when it comes to a practical product offering in the premium SUV space, the Q5 is second to none. Further, Audi India has steadily and successfully been offering their latest products in India, usually within a few months of their global debut. This has not only provided them with a solid impetus in the market but has also resulted in the company having a rather young fleet in its product offering. After all, who wouldn’t want to buy the latest vehicle that’s out there and judging by the sales figures, this strategy is working well for the company. In the light of that, the Audi Q5 was due for an upgrade and sure enough, the new version is now available right here on Indian shores.

Unlike other mid-life product upgrades, the Q5 has gone through a rather substantial metamorphosis. The exteriors have been treated to offer a sportier and sharper profile compared to the outgoing model. The design ethos, which borrows heavily from the Q7, still exists but the vehicle just looks bolder thanks to the kinked hood design with fine contoured lines and the front bumper which boasts of a trapezoidal design that adds a robust flair. Another significant change that catches your attention right away are the all-new Xenon plus headlights and LED daytime running lights.

 
While every manufacturer has jumped at the opportunity to offer the LED treatment to their respective products, nobody does LEDs like Audi - after all they started the trend and continue to dominate on that front. Such are the changes on the new Q5 that even our resident photographer couldn’t get enough and while I tried to decipher his take on the vehicle including how captivated he was with the way the light bounced off the contours and made for photographer bliss, I was keeping to my agenda that involved better things than just staring at this machine. It was time to get inside and drive it!

Once firmly seated and buckled up, I found myself in familiar territory. After all, I have had the opportunity to be behind the wheel of just about every Audi vehicle on offer and there is a welcoming sense of familiarity in terms of how all the equipment is laid out and of course the fit and finish of some rather fine material. Now, before I fired up that beast of an engine, I took the time to admire my surroundings. The first change that I realised was already in my grip, namely the new leather covered steering wheel that boasts a 4-spoke design that is specific to the Q model range.

Audi Crosslane Coupe Review

Audi lifted the cover sheet from their latest concept car in the 2012 Paris Motor Show to unveil the new Hybrid Crosslane Coupe. Audi gave us the hint of what we can expect from the future Q models by uncovering the Crosslane.

Audi claims that the Crosslane is a crossover, a convertible and a coupe all in one go. As crossovers it is a vehicle body style which is a combination of a Sports Utility Vehicle and a Minivan. The Crosslane has an option of removing the roof which puts it in the convertible category and since it has a closed body style available with two seats or 2+2 seating option it is definitely a coupe.

Having Features like removable rear seats and movable trunks the Crosslane might have the potential to be a member of the next Transformer. With Audi’s remarkable ultra-light weight embodying principal the Crosslane’s body work is made of “Multi material Space Frame”.
With newest fusion of technology, engineering and design the Crosslane provides the answer to future Audi Q model bodywork. The chassis of the car is mainly build with aluminum, carbon-fiber re-enforced polymer and fiberglass re-enforced polymer. It results a lightweight rigid structure. The overall weight is 3064 pounds.

The Crosslane has a length of 13.81ft, width of 6.17ft, and a height of 4.95ft. A Single-frame aluminum grille is merged with the “Multi material Space Frame” to support it. Audi kept in mind about the looks of the car, which is important for reaching high sales figure. So they came up with the idea of using their Matrix LED technology for the slim ‘trapezoidal’ head lights.

The curves in the body and the sleek and sharp front give the car a great look. Having a wheelbase of 8.4ft, the car got a great ground clearance. There are two CFRP shells in the roof which can be detached and attached by only an electric drive. The roof can be totally removed from the body of the vehicle and fitted above the trunk.