Audi Q7 (06 on) - Review

Two engines were available from launch, both of which come with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine pumps out 345bhp and gives the Q7 strong performance despite its bulk with a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds but this is only for those with deep pockets as it has a thirst to match, returning a woeful 21mpg. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel is a far more cost effective option and the most popular engine. It averages 27mpg and it doesn't feel much slower on the road thanks to its strong pulling power. In early 2008 this was replaced by a more powerful but cleaner and more economical 3.0 TDI which covers a further 2mpg. In 2007 two other engines were introduced, a 280bhp 3.6 FSI which is smooth and refined and an excellent 4.2 TDI. With huge reserves of in-gear punch and a refined nature, the V8 TDI diesel is easily the best engine available while economy is an acceptable 25mpg. In January 2009 a new 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 TDI engine was launched and with 500bhp and immense pulling power it propels the Q7 from 0-62mph in an astonishing 5.5 seconds. It's not as hugely thirsty as you'd expect, averaging 25mpg, but the engine is very noisy and not particularly smooth, while the £95,000-plus list price is ludicrously high. In July 2009 the Q7 was given a subtle facelift with a different grille, restyled bumpers and new LED rear lights. A new 3.0-litre TDI 'clean diesel' was introduced alongside the existing 3.0 TDI. Thanks to an energy recovery system, CO2 emissions are reduced by 5g/km of CO2 while economy goes up to 32mpg. The 4.2-litre TDI was also tweaked and now returns 29mpg instead of 26mpg, which is even more impressive considering that power actually increases from 326bhp to 340bhp.

The Q7 weighs well over two tonnes and takes up a lot of space on the road, so it's not best suited to tight twisty routes, although body roll is well controlled for such a big vehicle. Open roads are more its natural environment and here the electronically-controlled damping and variable-height air-sprung suspension make it feel secure and responsive. The driver can choose more sporty or comfort biased settings too. If you do decide to tackle off road terrain the air suspension can be raised for better clearance and there's scope to further raise the suspension for extreme obstacles - however the road tyres lack grip. A sophisticated four-wheel-drive system automatically ensures the Q7 retains traction even when conditions get really slippery but there's no low range gearbox option.