Getting behind the wheel of an Audi A7 is a He-Man kind of experience

Let's face it: not too many women test drive cars. I don't know if it's because they are intimidated by uber-sophisticated wheels, or whether it's just not their style to salivate everytime an engine revs up. Either way, I met with raised eyebrows and bemused, "Are you planing to drive it ?" type of reactions as I slid into the driver's seat of the Audi A 7 and prepared to take it down the dusty NH8 to Lakshman Sagar in Rajasthan. Seven hours later I could not stop grinning. I was on a high fuelled by one-on-one time with this extraordinary machine (not to mention the envious glances and even open gapers who were encountered en route). I felt like I had arrived.



The A7 Sportback 3.0-litre V6 diesel is meant for those who care about the ergonomics and geometry of a car; for those who love technology; and above all else for those who understand and appreciate a sportback and know how to treat it right. It's large windows, ample boot, LED daytime running lights, and deliciously curved behind, come together to create a car that's the perfect weekend getaway drive.

The interiors are top notch like all Audis, but wedged as it is between the A6 and A8, this car has that extra oomph factor with its sophisticated cream, luxe leather seats, teak wood panelling and other fancy trimmings. These give the impression of being in your own firstclass coupe (with more leg room).

Ok, so I get enamoured rather quickly and a combination of the fancy multimedia interaction screen that glides out from its secret place on the dashboard, two-zone climate control, parking assist feature (yes I needed it), Bang & Olufsen system, and much later, the 18-inch alloy wheels, had me floored.

SPECS ENGINE 3.0 l TDI V6 MAX POWER 245bhp at 4000-4500rpm TORQUE 118 Nm @10,000 rpm WHEELBASE 18-INCH ALLOYS HIGHWAY MILEADGE 11 km/litre FUEL TANK 65 LITRES AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEARBOX DIMENSIONS 2045x720x1130 mm EX-SHOWROOM PRICE (DELHI) Rs 64 LAKHS

The car is rather low but it's a happy vantage point to be. The computer gives you the option of customising your drive depending on the road and the driver. Fancy, adjustable seats, paddle shift gears and dynamic steering are not new to the Audi, but the chance to tweak suspension on selecting the comfort, automatic, dynamic, or manual mode, depending on your mood is unique. The car's pick up is phenomenal and as you overtake, or turn a nasty corner, it manoeuvres beautifully, keeping pace with the manic mood swings of the driver. Even at 180 km/ hr on the highway the car felt stable, and safe. My one complaint: while the raised suspension works well, the car remains low enough to feel the nudges (albeit gentle ones) when going through potholes. It also uses the Quattro system like other Audi's which translates into roughly 60 per cent of the power being channelled to the rear axle.

This four-door coupe is thoughtful, silent and responds to the lightest touch. The cruise control feature which I set at 100 km/h meant I could afford to search for my favourite music without worrying about smashing into the next car; and the night vision feature meant I could drive after sunset without squinting in the dark as it outlined people in my screen well before they were too close to the car for comfort.

Cars like the A7 have been made for those who can afford excessive luxury on four wheels and for those (like me) who want to feel good about their driving skills. I came away from the test drive feeling like a powerful, better driver. With the car doing most of the work, the actual driving really was a piece of cake.