7 February 2011
In the few days since Audi's New Zealand press launch of the Q7, some of the mighty seven seaters have already been noticed towering over traffic throughout some of Auckland's more affluent suburbs.
For weeks now, which to some is a lifetime in a vehicle's fashionable applicability, soccer mums and dads have been itching for a fresh-faced urban tractor. Something to make the Jones' rue that day last month they brought the 'Rangie', now deemed too stuffy, the X5 - sooo passé, Cayenne - pretentious.
Indeed, at the time this review was written Audi confirmed over 20 pre-ordered Q7's have now been delivered in the Auckland area alone, around half that of the national take up.
But as we discovered, the popular new kid on the block, Q7 is more than just a fashion accessory for the new yacht, or conversation piece in the school car park, we even took it off-road!
The best, or perhaps the easiest way to view the Q7 is from a slight distance, mainly because up close its sheer enormity tests the focal range of the human eye. At a length of 5086mm, and 2177mm wide it'll be more like the Q.E. 2 to manoeuvre in an inner city car park building. Mercedes Benz's behemothic new GL-class is the only SUV to match it dimensionally.
To make life easier there are some nifty driver assistance features available, naturally there's parking assistance, with an audible alert as well as a visual display to gauge when the vehicle is approaching an object. Then there's Audi's 'advanced' parking system, (standard on V8 petrol, $1500 on Diesel) it not only shows a high resolution display of what the tailgate-mounted reversing camera is seeing, but also shows what the vehicle's current trajectory is relative to steering angle.
When reversing, orange guidelines on the vehicle's multi info display can be aligned with empty parking spaces to easily point the vehicle exactly where you wish it to go.
For the open road, a lane change assist system can be optioned. At speeds above 60km/h sensors monitor the Q7's blind spots, if a vehicle is detected in the adjacent lane a signal in the appropriate wing mirror alerts the driver.
Build quality is typical Audi, and impeccable. The interior's fit and finish appropriately high calibre given the $121,900 entry price for the 3.0 TDi variant. The more generously equipped 4.2 FSI V8 petrol adds $20,000, but includes 20-inch wheels over the diesel's 18's, adaptive air suspension system that utilises five modes of dampening and height levelling, the advanced parking aid system with reverse camera, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, an electric steering column with easy entry function and a 3-spoke sports steering wheel incorporating shift paddles for the auto transmission's manual mode.
Performance wise, we noticed only little difference on road between the V8 and the diesel, Audi performance figures place the 171kW diesel variant a mere 1.7 seconds behind the V8 petrol (257kW) in a sprint from 0-100km/h. Though delivering 500Nm of torque from a low 1750 rpm, a 60Nm benefit over the petrol, the diesel power unit offers the better pulling power for towing. The torque is also advantageous during off-road excursions, though we doubt many Q7's will venture off the tarmac.
Audi Q7Dynamic handling is achieved in both the standard, coil-sprung suspension package and adaptive air suspension packages. The former, uses double aluminium wishbones front and rear to reduce unsprung mass, isolated suspension subframes give added refinement and anti-roll bars keep the vehicle flat during cornering. The result impresses, and the Audi remains remarkably agile considering its large proportions and near 2-½ tonne weight. S-line variants feature more sporty suspension tuning and 10mm reduction in ride height.
Adaptive air suspension versions allow for greater refinement still, and improved ride comfort. But it is the off-road suspension settings that are this systems biggest advantage, raising the vehicle a few centimetres for rough and tumble can be done by the flick of a switch. Left alone the system continuously adjusts shock absorbsion rates by pressurising the airbags that replace conventional springing. Decent control is standard on both models, giving maximum control to the driver whilst navigating down steep embankments.
Audi, forefathers of all-wheel drive technology specify a 60/40 front bias torque split is the optimum way to deliver power to the ground, and all future systems in the Quattro family will now deliver power in this same ratio. The engine's torque is permanently relayed through a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic trans and self-locking centre differential, an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) systems brakes slipping wheels individually to maintain maximum forward motion.
Unusual for most seven-seat SUV's the Q7's third row is surprisingly comfortable, the additional comfort clearly a by-product of the vehicle's size, as is the maximum 2035 litre luggage capacity. All occupants are cocooned in the latest safety features; dual-stage front airbags, front and rear side airbags and curtain airbags are standard. The curtain bags also offering head protection for the sixth and seventh seating positions. Front active head restraints, ISOFIX child seat restraints and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) are also included across the range.
Our pick? No question the 3.0 TDI. As it comes, at $121,900 it only offers improved fuel economy and price over the V8 petrol, lacking much of the status symbol goodies the $141,900 4.2 FSI picks up as standard.
Add on all the kit to bring the diesel up to spec with the V8 however, and you'll save $5000 in overall retail price, enough to opt for either the Lane Change Assist system and a TV tuner, or dynamic cornering Xenon headlamps. Furthermore you'll continue to save with fuel efficiency gains of 1.4 L/100 over the petrol counterpart. (TDI's claimed combined average fuel use 9.1 L/100)
New and prestigious, the Q7 is Audi's first foray into SUV territory. So then, the perfect new curb-hopper for the well to do's? Well, initial flurries indicate it could be flavour of the month, if you want one, best get in now...or form an orderly queue.