Audi's big off-roader
29/12/06 08:33 Filed in: Road
tests
It certainly is impressive. Almost
everyone remarks about its size. So, if Audi’s intention was to
make an impression with their first ever off-roader, they certainly
succeeded with the new Audi Q7.
Big, it certainly is. At more than five metres, it is longer than most of its obvious competitors (114mm longer than a Range Rover). It also tips the scales at a substantial 2.5 tonnes.
Exaggerating its gargantuan size is that deep Audi grille on the front and the bonnet, which comes up to your chest. In reality it is actually slightly lower than the Range Rover.
Whereas the products of Land Rover are clearly aimed to cater for those who really will get the tyres muddy, the Q7’s lower height perhaps gives the clue that it has been designed with more focus on its road performance. The slightly lower centre of gravity translates into flatter cornering, with less lean and sway than some.
That’s not to say the Q7 won’t yomp over Aberdeenshire moors. Having selected the higher ride height, I ventured onto my off-road course. It performed well, despite the lack of a low-ratio gearbox. However, it was obvious that the tyres were chosen for their grip on the black stuff, rather than the green stuff. As a result there were a couple of points where various wheels spun momentarily, but no drama.
I found the thought of driving such a big vehicle on our crowded, narrow roads a little daunting. But the Q7 proved surprisingly easy, even in the tight confines of some of Aberdeen’s older multi-storey car parks. It needed a little more time to manoeuvre, but with the optional parking system and a rear-view camera that helps guide you into a space, it all proved relatively painless.
The most important market for the Q7 will be the USA. Audi has long needed an SUV to compete with other manufacturers. In the States , where it will be in the company of hordes of giant off-roaders and trucks, size will not be an issue. The fact that it has seven seats will simply increase its appeal we can expect the freeways will soon be populated with Audi’s latest offering.
On this side of the Atlantic, however, off-roaders have not been having such a good press thanks to the attention of anti-4x4 eco warriors. In truth the Q7 proved to be surprisingly economical. The three-litre diesel engine returned 24 mpg on dual-carriageway trips – not at all bad for a vehicle of this type.
Switch to commuting mode around Aberdeen, using the twisty back roads that serve as our unofficial by-pass. Factor in the wasted fuel resulting from the few frustrating traffic ‘pinch points’ that blight our city, and that consumption tumbles to 18 mpg. That’s still better than many others in this class.
Whether on dual carriageways or twisty country roads the Q7 is a pleasant place to be with its air suspension soaking up the bumps. There is a little road noise from those big tyres, but it does little to dent the feeling of refinement.
On the twisty sections, the Q7’s handling feels very secure – as indeed it should with the Quattro heritage behind it. The steering feels well weighted and precise, if lacking a little in the feedback that some enthusiasts might crave.
The six-speed automatic gearbox has a sports mode and the option to change gears manually, using Formula One style paddles behind the steering wheel.
As you would expect for a vehicle of generous dimensions the Q7 provides comfortable accommodation for five with rather more restricted space for the two rearmost seats, which fold out of the boot floor.
With these seats stowed, the boot floor is big and flat and the test car had the optional electrical tailgate. Inside is a button that drops the suspension to make loading and unloading easier.
As Audi’s first entrant into the off-road market, the Q7 is keenly priced. At £40,730 it undercuts even the Land Rover Discovery, let alone the Range Rover.
Big, it certainly is. At more than five metres, it is longer than most of its obvious competitors (114mm longer than a Range Rover). It also tips the scales at a substantial 2.5 tonnes.
Exaggerating its gargantuan size is that deep Audi grille on the front and the bonnet, which comes up to your chest. In reality it is actually slightly lower than the Range Rover.
Whereas the products of Land Rover are clearly aimed to cater for those who really will get the tyres muddy, the Q7’s lower height perhaps gives the clue that it has been designed with more focus on its road performance. The slightly lower centre of gravity translates into flatter cornering, with less lean and sway than some.
That’s not to say the Q7 won’t yomp over Aberdeenshire moors. Having selected the higher ride height, I ventured onto my off-road course. It performed well, despite the lack of a low-ratio gearbox. However, it was obvious that the tyres were chosen for their grip on the black stuff, rather than the green stuff. As a result there were a couple of points where various wheels spun momentarily, but no drama.
I found the thought of driving such a big vehicle on our crowded, narrow roads a little daunting. But the Q7 proved surprisingly easy, even in the tight confines of some of Aberdeen’s older multi-storey car parks. It needed a little more time to manoeuvre, but with the optional parking system and a rear-view camera that helps guide you into a space, it all proved relatively painless.
The most important market for the Q7 will be the USA. Audi has long needed an SUV to compete with other manufacturers. In the States , where it will be in the company of hordes of giant off-roaders and trucks, size will not be an issue. The fact that it has seven seats will simply increase its appeal we can expect the freeways will soon be populated with Audi’s latest offering.
On this side of the Atlantic, however, off-roaders have not been having such a good press thanks to the attention of anti-4x4 eco warriors. In truth the Q7 proved to be surprisingly economical. The three-litre diesel engine returned 24 mpg on dual-carriageway trips – not at all bad for a vehicle of this type.
Switch to commuting mode around Aberdeen, using the twisty back roads that serve as our unofficial by-pass. Factor in the wasted fuel resulting from the few frustrating traffic ‘pinch points’ that blight our city, and that consumption tumbles to 18 mpg. That’s still better than many others in this class.
Whether on dual carriageways or twisty country roads the Q7 is a pleasant place to be with its air suspension soaking up the bumps. There is a little road noise from those big tyres, but it does little to dent the feeling of refinement.
On the twisty sections, the Q7’s handling feels very secure – as indeed it should with the Quattro heritage behind it. The steering feels well weighted and precise, if lacking a little in the feedback that some enthusiasts might crave.
The six-speed automatic gearbox has a sports mode and the option to change gears manually, using Formula One style paddles behind the steering wheel.
As you would expect for a vehicle of generous dimensions the Q7 provides comfortable accommodation for five with rather more restricted space for the two rearmost seats, which fold out of the boot floor.
With these seats stowed, the boot floor is big and flat and the test car had the optional electrical tailgate. Inside is a button that drops the suspension to make loading and unloading easier.
As Audi’s first entrant into the off-road market, the Q7 is keenly priced. At £40,730 it undercuts even the Land Rover Discovery, let alone the Range Rover.