- Long body means plenty of space inside
- Big boot is easily accessed via hatchback
- Five seats, but best for four
The A7 is a five-seater, but it’s really a four-seater. The transmission tunnel running through the centre of the car seriously impinges on legroom for a passenger in the middle seat, meaning that it’s only suitable for a small child on a short journey.
Occupants of all shapes and sizes will get comfortable easily in the front of the A7, although it’s quite a drop down into the car in the first place.
Those in the bag will be fine for legroom, too. Taller passengers may struggle for headroom due to the sloping roofline, but it’ll be a pleasant place in which to spend time if you’re not too hunched over.
There’s no escaping how big the A7 is – the main thing being just how long it is. While it’s shorter overall than the previous-generation A7, it’s a still a big car and you’ll notice it when manoeuvring in a town centre or a narrow street, for example.
Luckily, a reversing camera and all-round sensors are standard to assist with manoeuvring because visibility out the back isn’t the best. Extra systems are available to help you park, though, but the good news is the A7 doesn’t actually feel as big and chunky to drive and manoeuvre as it looks.
The A7’s boot is the same size as its predecessor at 535 litres, but its big selling point is that the huge hatchback-style bootlid means access to the load area is very impressive indeed, and much more practical than an equivalent saloon like the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The standard-fit electric tailgate helps this access, too, but there’s still a bit of a lip to get heavier items into the boot.
If you do need more space, the rear seats will fold down to free up a total of 1,390 litres of space, which is almost estate-car level. However, that sloping roofline means you won’t be able to get big, chunky items in the car like you would an estate without worrying about the rear window.
Safety
- A7 comes with full suite of safety systems and airbags
- Expected to achieve a full five-star Euro NCAP rating
- Technology is already there for advanced autonomous driving
The A7 Sportback hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP yet (nor has the larger A8), but it should receive a five-star safety rating, as it comes with a host of standard safety kit that includes autonomous emergency braking and various driver assistance systems.
There’s also a full complement of airbags throughout the car, while rear side airbags can also be added from the options list.
Family buyers will be pleased with the two Isofix child seat points found on the two outer rear seats.
