The car that began life on a website configurator docked in Port Elizabeth’s harbour in May and was licensed and registered in time for me to drive it to Cape Town, its home for the next 12 months.
As part of Audi SA’s Exclusive programme – allowing owners an extensive choice of individu- alisation – CAR magazine was given free rein to specify an A7 Sportback that would then become part of our long-term test fleet.
Faced with such a wide array of options, I have to admit I felt a tinge of trepidation as the delivery date neared and I got to see my virtual creation in the metal. Thankfully, the Northern Light Blue paintwork with corresponding (two-tone) grey Valcona leather trim (an eye-watering R126 640, bumping the car’s total price to just over R1,2 million) and brushed aluminium inserts gel as nicely as I had hoped.
With a mere 14 km on the odometer, I set course for Cape Town aware of the fact that the 3,0 BiTDI engine, mated as it is with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, would benefit from a leisurely 722 km cruise to the Mother City to begin its life. I wasn’t sure, however, whether I’d have to stop for diesel en route.
With my preferred seating position stored in the car’s memory and music-filled USB stick plugged into the optional Bose sound system,
I went about adjusting the car’s cruise-control function to correspond with the varying Garden Route N2 speed limits. I ultimately averaged 95 km/h and 7,31 litres/100 km on the A7’s maiden voyage, making it to Cape Town with an indicated fuel range of 70 km.
Impressive consumption aside, I was taken with both the refinement of the package as well as the sumptuous ride quality, a result of both the relatively conservative (given the car’s overall size) 255/40 R19 tyres and optional adaptive air suspension.
Arriving at my relatively narrow driveway entrance, I was surprised to discover that electrically folding side mirrors aren’t standard, something I had expected on a vehicle that measures 1 911 mm in width.
I’m looking forward to spending time in the Nordelicht Blau Audi A7 as it accumulates mileage as both an everyday commuter and weekend cruiser.
Mileage on arrival: 14 km
Current mileage: 1 783 km
Average fuel consumption: 8,7 L/100 km
We like: impressive ride and superb overall comfort
We don’t like: absence of folding mirrors, restraint required while running in
