There's a saying that change is the only constant. Things do not stay the same forever, just like cars.
First introduced at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show as a concept, the A7 Sportback is Audi's way of blending the comfort of a saloon with the practicality of a stationwagon, all wrapped up in the sleek shape of a coupe.
Six years later, the car underwent a mid-life revision, featuring new technology and improvements as well as revised aesthetics that aim to set a new standard of elegance and desirability.
Up close and Personal
From virtually any angle, the A7 Sportback looks superb. The redesigned and visually streamlined sills, together with new three-dimensional bumpers, excel in giving the car a well-defined frame.
In front, the Singleframe grille adopts a slightly wider, more angular style that includes eight chrome horizontal struts. And for the first time, wider and sportier air intakes connect with each other under the grille. Gone are the Xenon head lights, replaced across the range with redesigned units that feature Matrix LED technology as seen on the A8.
The long, sloping roofline falls consistently down to the rear end, which also features subtle revisions, such as new taillights, new bumpers and a new rear diffuser that houses twin trapezoidal tailpipes.
Fewer changes have been made to the A7's interior, apart from the introduction of a new gear lever, some new fabric and trim options, as well as acoustic glazing that is now a standard feature on all models.
More importantly, the lavish feeling inside the pre-facelifted model has been elevated in this car with improved lovely textures, lush leather and excellent quality all round.
Practically continues to be had with generous passenger space and a sizeable cargo area with a very generous aperture for ease of loading and unloading.
The Drive
If you think that the new 2.0-litre TFSI engine under the hood may be too small a heart for this car, think again. Pairing up with a slick operator, that is Audi's seven-speed S-tronic transmission, there is a creamy power delivery of 252bhp and 370Nm of torque that will propel the A7 Sportback from standstill to the century mark in a respectable 6.9 seconds.
Once you find the opportunity to stretch the A7 Sportback's legs a bit more on the expressway, you'll also notice how this car excels in balancing comfort with driving dynamics.
It doesn't matter what you do with the car or how you drive it, the vehicle always makes sure that it provides the appropriate level of comfort. The ride is on the softer side of firm but unlike the A8, which cossets you in some kind of suspended pillow, the A7 Sportback subtly reminds you that it is the sportier sibling.
Audi's drive select system that enables performance characteristics of the car to be adjusted is a standard feature. For those keener on economy, there is now a coasting mode when the efficiency setting is activated. This said function effectively allows the car to freewheel for longer distances when you lift off the throttle, akin to popping into neutral with a manual transmission.
If you think that the new 2.0-litre TFSI engine under the hood may be too small a heart for this car, think again. Pairing up with a slick operator, that is Audi's seven-speed S-tronic transmission, there is a creamy power delivery of 252bhp and 370Nm of torque that will propel the A7 Sportback from standstill to the century mark in a respectable 6.9 seconds.
Once you find the opportunity to stretch the A7 Sportback's legs a bit more on the expressway, you'll also notice how this car excels in balancing comfort with driving dynamics.
It doesn't matter what you do with the car or how you drive it, the vehicle always makes sure that it provides the appropriate level of comfort. The ride is on the softer side of firm but unlike the A8, which cossets you in some kind of suspended pillow, the A7 Sportback subtly reminds you that it is the sportier sibling.
Audi's drive select system that enables performance characteristics of the car to be adjusted is a standard feature. For those keener on economy, there is now a coasting mode when the efficiency setting is activated. This said function effectively allows the car to freewheel for longer distances when you lift off the throttle, akin to popping into neutral with a manual transmission.
Also helping to improve on efficiency is the enhanced start/stop system, which sees the engine being switched off at speeds below 7km/h (for the front-wheel driven car you see here) and 2km/h (3.0-litre TFSI quattro).
Weight reduction in the A7 Sportback is helped by plenty of aluminium, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still a very big car, weighing in at 1,730kg. Nonetheless, Audi has accomplished its mission, because the car does handle very well and feels incredibly agile for its size. The fact that the car sports an impressive balance around corners further enhances its sporty credentials.
Additionally, thanks to supreme refinement as well as amazing sound insulation from the acoustic glazing, travelling in the A7 Sportback is a delight for all on board.
Conclusion
What this restyle has done to the A7 Sportback is quite unwavering. It's much more unique than before and has, thus, distanced itself further from its rivals. A formidable cruiser and fashion statement in one, this is a car for customers seeking something special.
If change is the only constant in the case of the A7 Sportback, it makes us really wonder what the second generation car could possibly entail.
