2. Audi Q7

On test: Audi Q7 3.0 TDi (2006 onwards model)

Overview

• Model: Audi Q7 3.0 TDi quattro
• Body style: Seven-seat 4x4
• Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
• Transmission:six-speed automatic, quattro four-wheel-drive
• Date of Test: April 2006

What is it?

Audi’s contender in the SUV class. It might be rather late to join the much-maligned 4x4 market but the Audi comes with many years of four-wheel-drive expertise with road cars with its quattro system and also benefits from seeing all its competition before it introduced its Q7. It’s an impressive effort too, blending the driver appeal of cars like the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, with the class of the more traditional Range Rover and the seven-seat ability of rivals like Land Rover’s Discovery and Volvo XC90. Against Mercedes it faces no less than three rivals, the M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class.

Where does it fit?

Right at the top of the SUV pile. It’s huge, particularly with its length of over five metres, its size allowing it to offer vast interior space. With the third row of seats stowed the boot area is a massive 775 litres, and even with the two small seats occupied the boot is still usefully sized. It’s narrower than a Discovery though, making it slightly more wieldy around town, it proving rather an enjoyable drive. The standard air suspension helps here, allowing you to choose between a more aggressive sporting set up or a comfort orientated ride. In the Audi range it’s their first true SUV, the Q7 slotting in above the crossover A6 Allroad. Audi is confident that they’ll compliment rather than compete with each other.

Is it for you?

If you’re male then yes. Audi predicts around 78% of buyers will be in possession of a Y chromosome. What it doesn't reveal though is how many will be left at home when commuting to work to subsequently be used dropping the nippers off at the local school. Despite seemingly endless vilification by a vociferous minority, SUVs remain a popular choice among many drivers who like their style, practicality and size. You could certainly argue that an estate or MPV will cope with the kind of day-to-day driving that the majority of Q7s will be used for, but there are a few buyers out there that actually want it to pull a trailer, or even cope with a bit of off-roading. They might even use all seven seats, too. For the most part though Q7 buyers will want it purely because it’s big, comfortable and very nicely appointed inside. And being an Audi it comes without many of the negative brand associations that some of its rivals suffer.

What does it do well?

It may be massive but it’s remarkably agile. Not quite able to offer the dynamic wizardry that Porsche conjures with the Cayenne it’s not far behind. It feels sharper than Land Rover’s hugely popular Range Rover Sport and given its size that’s quite an achievement. The interior is beautifully finished, Audi’s MMI interface very intuitive to use, it featuring as standard on all models. The third row seats (which can be removed as a no cost option) offer decent space for smaller adults and children, the second row very comfortable and spacious. Similarly, luggage space is excellent, seats up or down. The steering is nicely weighted and accurate, the six-speed automatic gearshift smooth whether you’re shifting or it’s left alone and the 229bhp 3.0-litre TDI provides not just ample power, but an unusually pleasingly sporting note when pushed.

What doesn’t it do well?

We’ve still to be convinced by the styling, Audi’s once clean style having been corrupted of late with more fussy details. It’s certain to win us over eventually though. The steering could do with a bit more feel and the air suspension settings could be slightly more distinct. As it is the comfort setting doesn’t feel that far away from the more focussed dynamic one. Getting in the front is hindered slightly by its sleek roofline, taller drivers likely to suffer the odd knock to their head compared to more boxy, upright rivals. The boot floor is high, and oddment stowage space isn’t as good as some rivals either. Emissions and consumption are bettered than rivals too, the pay off for its performance and size.

What’s it like to live with?

I should imagine life with the Q7 would be very pleasant indeed. The diesel engine and automatic transmission work very well together, it providing an engaging drive and an interior that’s beautifully appointed and very comfortable indeed. Its big boot, four-wheel-drive, towing ability and standard seven-seat layout make it a car for all occasions, Audi offering it with numerous options to make lit even easier to drive. The option list includes kit like a rear view camera parking system, adaptive cruise control with automatic distance regulation, anti-blindspot lane changing system, adaptive light cornering system and an electrically operated tailgate among others.

How green is it?

Not hugely, though this 3.0-litre V6 diesel is the choice against its petrol alternatives. Its 26.9mpg official combined fuel consumption figure isn’t that great against its rivals. Neither are its CO2 emissions with the Q7 emitting 282g/km. Audi will inevitably point out that the 3.0-litre TDI is one of the most powerful engines in its class though, which it is. Change your lightbulbs for low energy ones at home, be sure your loft is properly insulated and take one less cheap light a year if you need to salve your environmental conscience as a result of running a Q7.

Would we buy it?

Despite its not brilliant green credentials we’d certainly consider it. It’s the best driving of the seven seat SUVs out there, though we’d be tempted by Mercedes’ R-Class crossover SUV/MPV with its six-seats as an alternative. Comfortable and spacious for both passengers and luggage it’s well specified as standard. It can be had with some innovative (but ultimately unnecessary) options, SE specification coming with pretty much everything you’ll ever need or want for an additional £2500. Sensibly priced new, residual values are predicted to be very good too, making it an appealing choice for private and company buyers alike.