Latest news with #AudiA7


BBC News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Motorcyclist dies in three-vehicle crash near Swyre
A motorcyclist has died in a three-vehicle crash on a Dorset coast Police said a grey Audi A7, a blue Ford Mondeo and a Kawasaki motorbike collided on the B3157 near Swyre shortly before 11:00 rider of the motorbike - a man aged in his 50s - died at the scene. The drivers of the other vehicles were not injured, a police spokesperson said. Road closures have been put in place and police have appealed for witnesses to come forward. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.


The National
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- The National
MG 7 2.0T road test: Sporty sedan is a cut above the norm for its price
In a bygone era, MG was known for turning out characterful and engaging roadsters that were nonetheless blighted by being rust-prone, leaky and generally unreliable. The formerly ubiquitous MGB exemplified all these traits. Today's MG (under the stewardship of China's SAIC Motor since 2007) sits in a different universe, having traded in the romanticised charm of the marque's yesteryear offerings for practicality, impeccable build quality and keen value for money. Although the modern-day MG line-up is primarily SUV-focused (with combustion-powered models, hybrids and EVs making up the mix), a stylish recent addition is the MG 7 sedan, offered with a choice of 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbo engines. Its tapered surfaces and a broad footprint endow the MG 7 with a pleasingly dynamic stance, and its eye-catching visuals alone could be enough to lure some buyers. There's more than a hint of Audi A7 in the MG's profile, and that's no bad thing. MG 7 pricing in the UAE starts at Dh95,445 for the entry-level 1.5-litre turbo, rising to Dh117,059 for the significantly more potent 2.0-litre turbo flagship. Its price point puts the MG 7 in the same ballpark as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima et al. We tested the 2.0-litre range-topper, which thrashes out 261hp and 405Nm, eclipsing even Volkswagen's Golf GTI hot hatch, which cranks out 245hp and 370Nm. Our seat-of-the-pants impression is that the MG would dispatch the 0-100kph sprint in just over six seconds. That said, the nine-speed auto tends to be a bit lazy in Normal mode and overeager in Sport, so you're stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place. This is by no means a deal breaker, though, and it's easy to adjust your driving style accordingly or use the flappy paddles to shift manually. The MG's steering has a pleasing crispness and heft, and the throttle and brake pedals are also progressive and well weighted, contributing to a confidence-inspiring connection between car and driver. Road and wind noise are well suppressed and ride quality is decently compliant without reducing the car to a roly-poly blancmange. The MG 7 is entertaining to hustle across winding roads – up to a point. Fling it into corners with moderate vigour and the sedan remains composed and faithfully tracks the intended line. Push harder than this and the front wheels scrabble for grip. Considering the MG 7's keen price point, the standard of fit, finish and materials inside are better than the norm for its segment. Our test car was swathed in a dubious shade of mauve leather/suede upholstery, but even the garish colour didn't overly detract from the cabin's aesthetic appeal. There's an expansive Mercedes-esque glass display panel that sits atop the dashboard, and this houses both the digitised 10.25-inch virtual instrument cluster, as well as the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment screen is generally intuitive to use, but among the annoyances is a seemingly pointless birds-eye graphic of the car that pops up on to the screen – overriding the navigation map – whenever you approach a junction. This necessitates a click on the screen to get rid of the graphic and get back to the map so you can see where you need to go. There's also a plethora of irksome warning chimes and beeps that I needed to quickly deactivate to ensure I didn't blurt out a stream of colourful expletives. On the plus side, the seats are comfy and supportive, and six-way electrical adjustment means you can easily conjure up an agreeable position behind the wheel. Boot capacity of 450 litres is reasonable, but by no means class-leading for this segment. That said, luggage space can easily be extended by folding down the rear seats. Overall, the MG 7 earns a thumbs-up as its svelte looks, borderline premium cabin ambience and equipment levels are a cut above the norm for its segment. Its performance and driving dynamics, too, are commendable for its price. The MG 7 might not be as characterful as the venerable MGB, but it's a far superior car.


Top Gear
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Audi A6 Review 2025
It's the new Audi A7! Except it isn't. You see, Audi's plan was to name its all-electric models using even numbers, while its internal combustion-engined cars would take on the odd numbers. It's why the new petrol and diesel-powered A5 is actually a saloon and estate replacement for the old A4. And yes, the two-door A5 is dead as a result. Unfortunately, after it had made that change to the A4/A5, Audi then agreed with its customers and dealers that this was a stupid idea, so it announced that it would return to its old system… starting with the new A6. Advertisement - Page continues below So, the A6 is just an internal combustion car still? Erm, no. There are now many flavours of A6, with the A6 e-tron all-electric version that's available as a super slippery Sportback or a more practical Avant. We've covered both of those off in a separate review that you can find by clicking these words. On these pages we will just focus on the combustion-engined Sixes in Saloon and Avant form, although before you head off to the full EV it's probably worth noting that there is a plug-in hybrid A6 on the way that'll manage 66 miles of electric range as an Avant and 69 miles as a Saloon. Impressive. What other engines can I have? This oily A6 still comes in both petrol and diesel forms, but on UK shores you only get the option of 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot engines. You'll get a seven-speed auto gearbox and 201bhp no matter which fuel type you pick, although the diesel gets mild-hybrid tech, quattro all-wheel drive and 295lb ft of torque, while the petrol makes do with front-wheel drive and 251lb ft. What else is new? Well, the first thing to note is that this car looks quite different to the A6 e-tron. The EV is based on an entirely different platform and gets split headlights, a closed-off 'grille' and the option of cameras for wing mirrors. Advertisement - Page continues below The combustion-engined A6 is slightly more conventional, although it's still super streamlined and manages a drag coefficient of 0.23Cd in saloon form and 0.25 as an estate. You'll notice the slimmer lights compared to the previous gen, plus the giant new air intakes in the front bumper, the flush door handles and the lack of chrome trim. It's also slightly longer than before. The saloon gets a little 'notchback' spoiler and the rear lights on both now include a full-width lightbar and strange little fang-like brake lights that hang down and look a little bit like fake vents until they're illuminated. We like the design overall, but that final detail doesn't really work to our eyes. What's it like inside? Hope you like screens. The A6 is full of 'em, with an 11.9in 'Audi Virtual Cockpit' driver display and a giant 14.5in central touchscreen merged together in a curved dash unit. There's also a configurable head-up display and an optional 10.9in touchscreen for the front seat passenger. Want to know more? Click through to the interior tab of this review. How much will it cost me? Great question. Prices currently start at £50,560 for the petrol-powered saloon, or £54,830 if you want the same shape and the hybridised diesel engine. The Avant is £52,510 as a TFSI and £56,780 in TDI form. What's the verdict? ' Audi knows how to play the large exec game, although this one does feel a little underpowered at times ' Can we all just take a moment to thank Audi for not calling this the A7? We're only just getting over the confusion caused by the new A5. Now that's out of the way, we can conclude that the new combustion-powered A6 is an attractive thing that works from most angles. We're not completely sold on those new rear lights and the interior is a bit of a tech fest, but generally this is a smart-looking saloon or estate. It's a bit of a shame that it borrows its engines from the A5 and Q5 and isn't offered with six-cylinders on our shores, because fully-loaded even the torquier diesel feels a bit stretched. But keep things sedate and this can be a properly comfortable cruiser. Loads of space for dogs in the Avant too – which of course is always the most important metric to judge these things by.


Sunday World
11-06-2025
- Sunday World
Man and woman arrested over Christmas hit and run deaths of Blanchardstown couple
Anthony and Georgina Hogg died following the crash last December A man and woman have been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run which left a couple dead last Christmas. Anthony Hogg (40) and his wife Georgina Hogg Moore (39) died after they were hit by a car in Blanchardstown on St. Stephen's day. This morning, Gardai confirmed that two people, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s- were arrested. Both are being detained at Garda stations in Dublin. Anthony Hogg (40) and his wife Georgina (39) News in 90 Seconds - June 11th 'Gardaí continue to investigate the fatal hit-and-run road traffic collision involving a car and pedestrians that occurred at Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, on Thursday evening, 26th December 2024,' a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said. 'Gardaí have arrested two persons this morning in relation to this fatal road traffic collision. 'A man, aged 40 years was arrested in connection with this investigation and he is currently detained under Section 30 Offences Against the State Act, 1939 at a Garda station in the Dublin. 'A female, aged in her 30s was arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in Dublin.' John Halpin of Whitestown Avenue in Blanchardstown, Dublin, was previously charged in connection with the deaths. The court heard Halpin was a neighbour of the Hoggs. John Halpin is charged with dangerous driving causing the deaths of a husband and wife in Blanchardstown The 45-year-old was charged with two offences of dangerous driving, causing the deaths of Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg Moore, and two counts of hit and run and failing to offer assistance at the scene. He was released on bail of €200 in his bond and an independent surety of €2,000. No driving restrictions were attached to the conditions of his bail, however, he was required to sign on at his local garda station, and ordered to have no contact with witnesses directly or indirectly, or any contact with the deceased couple's family. While he had already surrendered his passport, he was ordered not to apply for a new one, or any other identity or travel documents. Read more 'Obsessed' man accused of blackmailing and threatening ex partner refused bail A woman in her 30s was arrested last December, but released without charge as Gardai prepared a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The deceased couple were struck by an Audi A7 while crossing the road with their daughter. Georgina was pronounced dead at the scene. Anthony was rushed to hospital but tragically later died.


Auto Blog
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
10 Vehicles Dying in 2026 (And What to Buy Instead)
Say goodbye to these iconic vehicles hitting the end of the road in 2026. From beloved sedans to fan-favorite SUVs, here's what's leaving and the best new cars to replace them. These cars are out after 2025—time to swipe right on something new Not every model in the dog-eat-dog automotive world can survive. Vehicles get killed off for numerous reasons: poor sales, dated styling, changing consumer tastes, replacement by a new model, etc. There's already a hit list for 2026, and at the end of this year, more than 20 models will get the axe. We're truly heartbroken to see some of them go, but there are some we will not shed any tears for. Here's the list of all 2026 discontinued vehicles and our recommendations for alternatives. Of course, if you've had your heart set on any of these, you'd better get moving while these 2025 models are still on dealer lots. Audi A7 Sportback Audi A7 Sportback — Source: Audi It's not official, but the A7 Sportback ($72,000) is probably not going to make the cut for 2026, and Audi is eliminating its Sportback moniker to focus on sedans. The new A6 is just around the corner, which will likely exist as the replacement for the handsome 2025 A7 Sportback powered by a 335-horsepower turbocharged V6. We think the A7 Sportback is currently the brand's best-looking vehicle now that the R8 is no more, but it looks like it will follow in the R8's dodo-like footsteps. What to buy instead: Audi A6 Audi A6 — Source: Audi The refreshed midsize A6 sedan arrived in 2024, but the new one is just over the horizon as a 2026 model. The fully redesigned A6 will get a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. Perhaps most importantly, the exterior styling is more daring with a larger grille and more dramatic creases. All trims will get a 14.5-inch central touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital gauge display with an option to have a 10.9-inch passenger display. Pricing has not yet been announced. BMW M8 BMW M8 Competition — Source: BMW The attractive and monstrously powerful M8 ($140,000) in coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe forms won't make it to 2026. Each one is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, good for 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic powering all four wheels. We're sad to see them go because they were all genuine head-turners and truly opulent inside. It looks like BMW is extending the life of the regular 8 Series in coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe forms for one more year. What to buy instead: Lexus LC 500 2025 Lexus LC 500 — Source: Lexus If it's a beautiful grand tourer with a burly V8 under the hood you crave, the LC 500 ($101,100) is the perfect choice, and it's quite a bit cheaper than the M8, although not as powerful. Who cares, though, because the 471-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine sounds amazing, and the cabin is even better than the M8's. Plus, the LC 500's reliability ratings are about as good as a sport-luxury coupe can get. Ford Escape 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite — Source: Ford The Escape ($29,150) sells incredibly well. So, why is it getting axed after 2025? Ford wants to focus its energy and resources on the excellent Bronco Sport, which is better in almost every way. We will miss the Escape for its conservatively handsome styling and its four variants. The Escape comes in two gas engines (181 hp and 250 hp) and two hybrid powertrains (hybrid and PHEV). Both the ride and interior quality fall short of the Bronco Sport's, and Ford is hoping customers will flock from the Escape to the more rugged model. What to buy instead: Ford Bronco Sport 2025 Ford Bronco Sport — Source: Ford The Bronco Sport ($29,795) is barely more expensive than the Escape, but it comes with standard all-wheel drive and more ground clearance. Engine choices are a 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder or a more powerful 250-hp turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Every Bronco Sport now gets a bigger 13.2-inch display with Ford Sync 4. It's great to drive on pavement and off-road, so it's the best of both worlds, unlike the Escape. Lexus RC / RC F 2025 Lexus RC — Source: Lexus The Lexus RC ($46,695) is showing its age after a decade, and it never really sold in big numbers. Sales have tanked for the past few years, and it's all the more reason for Lexus to say goodbye. Engine choices are a 241-hp turbo four or a 260-hp V6. The more powerful V8 RC F ($94,000) with its 475 horsepower is also getting killed off, and it's the one we're sad to see go because it's one of the few front-mounted V8 engines left on the planet. What to buy instead: Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback 2024 Ford Mustang GT The Mustang GT ($51,080) might end up as the last V8 standing in the not-too-distant future, and it's currently the only gas-powered American muscle car left. The V8 'Stang is the perfect replacement for the RC F because it's sporty, angry, visceral, and visually arresting in the best kind of way. It's also way cheaper than the RC, more powerful with 480 horsepower, and better looking with its redesigned interior and exterior. Most importantly, it's a much better driver's car and can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission. Porsche 718 Boxster / 718 Cayman Porsche Boxster GTS — Source: Porsche Porsche was waffling on the decision to end two of the best driver's cars on the planet, but it looks like they will hammer that last nail into the coffins of both the hardtop Cayman ($72,800) and the convertible Boxster ($74,900) after all. The 718 series is marvelous to drive, no matter the trim. Available engines are a 300-hp turbo four, a 350-hp turbo four, or a flat-six with 394 horsepower. Both sports cars will return as EVs, but even that is getting pushed out due to the market and development issues. What to buy instead: BMW Z4 M40i BMW Z4 M40i — Source: BMW While not as dynamic as the 718 Cayman or Boxster, the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i ($67,150) now gets a proper 6-speed manual transmission mated to its silky 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine that produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a luxurious interior with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, high-end materials, and a 9.9 cubic foot trunk, more than twice that of the Porsche convertible. Porsche Macan Porsche Macan — Source: Porsche The Macan ($63,100) is easily the best driving luxury compact SUV in its class, and we mourn its impending demise. Its replacement is the Macan EV, which is already here. Of course, it's still possible that Porsche could extend the gas Macan's life since it's the brand's best-selling vehicle, and Porsche is questioning its all-hands-on-the-EV-deck approach. The Macan comes in four trims: base, T, S, and GTS, with outputs of 261, 375, and 434 horsepower, depending on trim level. The base engine is turbocharged, and the other three get twin-turbochargers. What to buy instead: BMW X3 M50 xDrive BMW X3 M50 xDrive — Source: BMW The 2025 BMW X3 has been completely redesigned inside and out, but the part that matters most is its driving prowess, which has been made even better for the new generation. The X3 M50 xDrive ($72,050) is the Macan's best substitute with its 3.0-liter inline six with a 48-volt hybrid system for a combined 393 horsepower. It also has a standard adaptive suspension system. It's probably not as engaging as the Macan, but it should be pretty close. Subaru Legacy 2025 Subaru Legacy — Source: Subaru The Legacy, in its current form, is extremely competent, if not thrilling to drive. The venerable Legacy started the all-wheel drive sedan class, and it's famous for its standard AWD traction, top safety ratings, and great value. The 2025 Legacy ($25,210) comes in five trims: Base, Premium, Limited, Sport, and Touring XT. The two engine choices include a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, both mated to a CVT. We will miss it for what it represents and for its 35 years of excellence. What to buy instead: Toyota Camry 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD — Source: Toyota The refreshed Toyota Camry ($28,700) is a gem, and that's why it sells so well in a world of crossovers and trucks. Full hybrid power and available all-wheel drive make it a supremely efficient and tractable family sedan. With up to 232 horsepower, it's no street slug, either. Comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency with up to 53 mpg city and 50 mpg highway in FWD or 51- and 49 mpg in AWD make it more than a good replacement for the Legacy. Volvo S60 Volvo S60 — Source: Volvo The S60 ($43,795) never got the sales love it deserved. When it debuted in 2000, the S60 quickly caught the attention of sports sedan shoppers with its turbocharged engine, manual transmission, and all-wheel drive platform. Sales were never overwhelming, however, and now the S60's demise comes just halfway through the current generation's life cycle. The base engine is a 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or you can upgrade to a plug-in-hybrid version with 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and 41 miles of all-electric driving. What to buy instead: Acura TLX Type S 2024 Acura TLX Type S — Source: Acura The Acura TLX Type S ($45,400) sports sedan is better than ever, especially with its rakish styling and improved driving dynamics. The 355-hp turbocharged V6 is powerful and smooth, the steering is engaging, and the 10-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly. This top trim performer comes standard with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, a Sport+ driving mode, Brembo front brakes, adaptive dampers, leather seats, and an ELS premium audio system. It's also quite a bit roomier than the S60. Volvo S90 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 AWD — Source: Volvo The S90 ($59,490) is a stunning Swede, and nothing from other brands looks or feels as elegant. It has one of the most beautiful interiors of any car, but Volvo sedans have always struggled against the Germans, and the S90 is another victim. Now, with potential import tariffs on the Chinese-built S90, it's curtains. It's powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid mild-hybrid system for a combined 295 horsepower. There's also a PHEV with 38 miles of all-electric range and 455 horsepower. What to buy instead: Genesis G80 2021 Genesis G80 — Source: Genesis The G80 ($57,100) might not be as elegant as the S90, but it's extremely close. The Bentley-esque exterior styling turns heads, and the regal interior is one of the best in the mid-size luxury sedan class. The G80 has two available engines: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower or an optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower. The 2025 model has received fancier tweaks in a refresh, including a revised grille and a huge 27-inch OLED display. Final thoughts The automotive industry is a cutthroat one at times, and not every vehicle can live on to the next year. We don't always understand why some mediocre vehicles remain, while great ones fade into the shadows. 2025 is no different; more than twenty vehicles are going into that great garage in the sky. Some we won't miss at all, but the demise of these ten vehicles has us misty-eyed already.