Audi Q7 3.0 Diesel

The Q7 on the other hand comes brilliantly equipped and has a sumptuous interior with seats that are the most comfortable

Published on Dec 07, 2009 08:00:00 AM

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Make : Audi

Model : Q7

Size is something the Q7 has no short supply of. Raised to its full ride height, that massive grille, slit headlights and wide haunches make it look like Mike Tyson’s pet tiger. . If anything, it’s the rear styling that’s a bit generic and uninspired. It looks too round and maybe even a bit old-fashioned. Also, the Q7 is so long that it hangs over the edge of most parking spaces like a portly stomach over a belt. The recent facelift has given the Q7 numerous detail improvements. On the outside, the headlights are new and get Audi’s LED daytime running lights and the turn indicators are now LED’s, there’s the subtle redesigns for the grille, notably the thick chrome vertical highlights, the front and rear bumpers and their under-protectors are marginally altered, the door mouldings are new as are the tail-lights, which are now LED’s. There are new wheels too, but you would need to be a Q7 addict to really spot some of these changes.

Apart from a minor visual refresh, the key change is the new brake energy recovery system. All Q7s now get this feature. It works like this. When you brake or when you are coasting, the kinetic energy you are carting is converted into electrical energy and temporarily stored in the on-board electrical system battery. When you accelerate hard, the stored charge in the battery supports the car’s electrical system, reducing the load on the alternator and marginally improving fuel economy. Atleast, that’s the theory. It’s extremely non-intrusive and if you weren’t told about it, you wouldn’t realize its there.

Its built on a monocoque chassis, however doesnt have dedicated 4WD transfer case as standard and all rely on electronics and full-time 4WD system to get it through off-road sections. It uses double wishbone independent suspension up front and multi-link suspension at the rear – the layout is more ‘Sport’ than ‘Utility’. It comes with an adjustable air suspension system, And given its size and supreme highway abilities, it’s only fitting that its massive fuel tank and diesel engine gives it fantastic continent-munching ability. It comes with run-flat tyres, however Audi provides a space saver with the Q7.