It’s a substantial looking machine the Audi Q7. As 4 x 4 s’ go, only the Range Rover seems to match its’ bulk and size. Both are very popular with the ‘well to do’ for the school commuter run – ‘it makes me and my children feel safe’ says Mum(s); well you can’t knock that can you? – So whilst the Q7 may not be very ‘PC’, for families it’s the next best thing to a house on wheels.proper car
So we expected the Q7 to be boring for exactly that reason. A ‘big’ carriage for child seats, prams, and shopping bags, rather than a real car. Well we were wrong, and should have known better. Being an Audi, the Q7 turned out not only to be a ‘proper car’ but a highly enjoyable daily commuter at that.
Still on the family thing, the Q7 has 7 seats and the Range Rover hasn’t. The two back seats just push down flat on release of a lever, and you’ve got loads of flat space for your luggage.
You’ll have to cough up a fair amount of dough for the privilege: prices start at £32 grand for the entry level petrol powered 3.6 FSI , rising to £38 – 40 k for the 3.0 litre turbo diesels, and the big 4.2 diesel hits a whopping £50 grand plus, and prices can creep to 90 grand!. They are all pretty good, so you’d be as well to go entry level money and pocket the rest.
Niggles
Lots of browny points then? Well yes, bar two practical niggles. First the electronic push button located on the inside of the bottom of the rear hatch to close it, closes it a bit too sharpish! - so you need to move out of the way quickly or you ll get a sore head. I didn’t…so I got one, so I know.
Second, whilst electronic aids make parking in general a doddle, the car is a bit unwieldy around a multi storey. I know that because I got stuck in one with the car – the lanes were too narrow for the Q7 to get around without the threat of painful alloy scratches and the parking spaces were just too small for us to park the Q7, and actually open the doors and get out.
On the road
Our 3.0 litre diesel ‘S’ line (top spec) was particularly well equipped with distinctive S Line trim, Sat nav, blue tooth, and electric everything; its all idiot proof to use aiding that feeling of luxury and comfort for day to day use.
On the road, the diesel’s hum is subdued and progressive – with spritely performance and enough urge to satisfy even the most demanding. It’s an exceptional cruiser of course, and the permanent all wheel drive is reassuring when the going gets tough. In time, and odd as it may seem, you’ll find there’s not much around that offers all the Q7 does for the same money, and of course, if size is an issue for you, there is always the smaller, and slightly more composed Q5.
Maybe the Q7 is an acquired taste, but it is also an ‘informed’ choice – it delivers so well for the day to day needs of a family; one car to satisfy all needs.
Kevin Haggarthy
Audi Q7 3.0 litre tdi S Line
Price: £40,850
0-60 mph: 8.5 secs
Top speed 134 mph
Average Consumption: 28.8 mpg
(published in The Voice newspaper)
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