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Need to get a new car sorted out sooner rather than later as the ML is likely going back in April as that's when the 3 yr pcp is up, got a guaranteed residual from Mercedes which is more than the current value so more likey to just hand it back, don't like the new ML and the cls cars have the full transmission tunnel in the back, meaning rear space is a bit more limited.. They offered a new shape E63 for £699 a month though, although £8k down, before official release and already with a 9k "dealer contribution" So anyway the audi's,it was the A7 first of all, in 3l BiTdi guise,Quattro, s line spec so 20's nav etc etc. The one in the showroom was actually the black edition , with 21" wheels with 4 x 275/30/21 :shock about £280 each, I checked)! Under the lights it looked great, and after wondering around the mercedes, Audi and BMW dealers it makes you realise audi have got the styling really spot on, they are all very generic but compared to bmw especially they are just so much nicer to look at.. Anyway back to the A7, away from the showroom lights and with the test cars 20"s I just can't decide about the looks, nice from the front but a saggy arse! The engine, after reading reviews I was expecting great things but this lump takes diesel to a new level, it's a genuinely quick car, over 300bhp, oodles of torques, and reall world mid range pull from 50-80 that i have really missed having the ML where I have not gone for overtakes because it just does not have the grunt. the gearbox is the great 8spd auto with paddles which actually work compared with the ML's 7 speeder, checking the figures afterwards it does 5.3 to 60 FFS  It even sounds good, I am not joking here, a throaty growl and parked up it has a distinctive engine note, it makes the ML engine which is the latest gen blue efficiency version seem coarse. Driving wise It's a typical audi, loads of grip, firm suspension, but the road noise was worse than expected, other than that It was pretty standard fare, big boot, good spec, still a big car but compared to the 4x4's and with the coupe styling you get the high shoulder lines which means the kids visibility is reduced, also would struggle to get 2+car seats, recaro young sports in our case but then I suppose nothing other than people carriers would and they aint an option (neither are estates btw according to her) 
The Q7 was a top spec s-line plus with 21" wheels and the 245bhp 3l tdi but it felt like it was pulling an anchor even compared to the merc, rode well even on 21" wheels with the air ride.. Long and short of it none the wiser, with a 3 and 5 yr old and maybe another in the foreseeable I really can't decide, "sensible" option of the two audis is the A7 with Lease deals being £100 cheaper than the Q7, who's interior is really looking its age now, the A7 dash is absolutely fantastic, Q7 replacement is imminent as well so the spy shots Indicate anyway. We also popped in to have a quick look at land rover as she likes the evoque, although a quick squint and it's far too small, the new Range Rover is awesome though but the one in the showroom was an eye watering 101k  X5's are off the list as too expensive to buy and likewise big money to lease.
I need a drive of the M5, it's the only thing that's actually interesting me and at "reasonable" lease prices.
Updated February 16, 2013 at 7:18 PM
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A yellow loltus
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