Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Audi A7 named Best Model in Strategic Vision and ALG Total Value™ Index

Author: Jack Edwards
by Jack Edwards
Posted: Feb 23, 2015

On October 15th of this year, the Audi A7 was named the best model in Strategic Vision and Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) Total Value™ Index (TIV) study. The A7 also took the Luxury Car category, the Audi Q5 claimed the top Near-Luxury category, and the Q7 was named the best Luxury CUV. Scott Keogh, President of Audi of America stated, "This recognition is a special achievement because it reflects the enduring value customers place on these three iconic Audi models… Hitting that emotional note with premium car buyers is the foundation of Audi brand momentum." The study takes into account new vehicle owner input and ALG residual value information. The study included participation from 46,173 new car buyers. Read further to find out why thousands of new car buyers named the Audi A7 as the best of the best.

Strategic Vision

Research-based Strategic Vision has been in business for over thirty-five years, analyzing the decision-making processes of consumers for automotive manufacturers and many other Fortune 100 clients. Strategic Vision uses Dr. Darrel Edwards’ ValueCentered® methods to examine an individual’s emotions and values that are the true essence of reaching a decision, and the process of evaluating the goods or services after the decision has been made. Studies are in-depth, and often involve one-on-one interviews. ValueCentered® methods were used to create the New Vehicle Experience Study (NVES) for new vehicle buyers, which has been available to the auto industry since 1995. Data from the study is used to determine the annual Total Quality Award.

1. Total Quality Index (TQI)

The first report involved in NVES is the Total Quality Index (TQI) which measures the complete ownership experience, specifically incorporating the buyer’s emotional responses to every aspect of vehicle ownership. The index uses statistical techniques that weigh independent variables such as product and dealership against dependent variables, which include:

  • Vehicle ownership satisfaction;
  • Owner’s opinion of quality;
  • Owner’s statement of delight;
  • Intent of owner to purchase in the future;
  • Emotional attachment.

Responses are tabulated into a 1000 point scale to allow vehicle comparisons. Scores above 800 are considered to be outstanding, and differences as small as 3 – 5 points can be significant.

2. Total Value Index (TVI)

The second report examines financial aspects of the vehicle ownership. TVI has two parts:

  • Buyer evaluation of entire ownership experience, including car characteristics and the dealership experience;
  • Buyer analysis of their financial expectations and aftermaths.

The Total Value Index combines these two parts to create a value score, with the highest score being 1000.

The Initial Value Score (IVS) measures:

  • Final negotiated price;
  • Warranty terms;
  • Anticipated resale/trade-in value;
  • Affordability;
  • Durability;
  • Operating costs.

The TQI and IVS are weighed against other measures that include the buyer’s:

  • Overall satisfaction;
  • Happiness with the deal;
  • Confidence in getting a good deal;
  • Likelihood of repurchasing.

The Total Value Index is then calculated from the compiled data. Strategic Vision announces the automotive industries’ best-of-the-best in three categories:

  • Total Quality Award which measures total ownership experience;
  • Total Value Aware which measures financial considerations of ownership;
  • Most Delightful Vehicle Aware which measures owner’ delight in purchase.

With more than 46,173 new car buyers, owners of the Audi A7 helped establish it as the Best Model overall in the 2014 Total Value Index (TVI) study, presented by Strategic Vision and ALG.

Why Owners Love the Audi A7?

The Audi A7 is considered by professionals to be the most versatile, and appealing, 4,200 pound luxury car on in the market. The Audi A7 3.0T features a stunning fastback roofline, an 8-speed automatic transmission, Quattro all-wheel drive with 40/60 front/rear torque split, and a powerful 3-liter, V6 engine rated at 310 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives a rating for the A7 of 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway. An optional, 3-liter, turbodiesel (TDI) V6 model is also available that gets 36 miles per gallon on the highway, and generates 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. The EPA rating for the turbodiesel A7 is 24 mpg city/38 mpg highway. The vehicle seats four adults and has a sizable cargo space that can easily transport their luggage. All A7 models include a middle rear seat and Audi Connect, with Wi-Fi, is now standard.

The Audi A7 includes a variety of package options that offer different features for buyers to select.They are:

  • Sport Package – sport-tuned suspension and sporty steering wheel;
  • Cold Weather Package– heated steering wheel and rear seats;
  • Black Optic Package – Requires Sport Package and adds 20" wheels and glossy black trim;
  • Driver Assistance Package – upgraded cruise control, collision mitigation system, corner-view camera, and a lane-departure warning system;
  • Innovation Package – Includes Driver Assistance Package and adds infrared night-vision, and a head-up display.

Audi A7 purchasers also experience exceptional safety features, which are standard in the vehicle, an exceptionally well-crafted interior cabin, and a driving experience like no other.

Safety

Safety features of the Audi A7 include stability control and four-wheel, anti-lock brakes. Eight airbags are standard in the A7 with optional rear side airbags.

Interior

As gorgeous as the A7 is from the outside, reviewers are most impressed with the interior. The cabin is finely crafted, rattle-free, and the subtly angled dashboard and door inserts look sculptured. The materials used for knobs, levers, and buttons are first-rate, the upholstery is soft leather, and trim accents are wood or aluminum. The only vehicles that may have a better interior than the Audi A7 are -the Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Driving

Both the 3.0T and TDI engines promote flowing, powerful acceleration from zero to sixty miles per hour in 5.5 seconds. Many reviewers find the TDI to be more enjoyable when driving around town because of its greater torque. With the TDI’s 38-mpg highway rating, it’s hard to beat the power and efficiency combination of the TDI.

The Audi A7 definitely hit the right emotional notes with luxury car buyers. A7 customers choose the A7 as the best-of-the-best. That is a true endorsement for Audi.

About the Author

a href=http://www.keyesaudi.comKeyes Audi in Los Angeles is your full-service Audi dealership, providing new and preowned Audi cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Jack Edwards

Jack Edwards

Member since: Feb 25, 2014
Published articles: 5

Related Articles