IF there is one thing I like about the German car maker Audi, it's that it is consistently inconsistent.
It has become so successful in recent years that it could afford to rest on its laurels with tried and tested designs, yet it still continues to push back the boundaries with exciting new concepts.
And one of the latest of these to go on sale is the Q7, a car unlike anything else in its range and one which opens up a whole new market.
The Q7 is a giant of an SUV with the most macho 'face' of any car in the Audi stable, and one you are unlikely to miss.
It's dynamic styling sets it apart and despite its dimensions it has the streamlined, stylish appearance of a sports coupe.
This three-litre V6 diesel-powered test car was a seven-seater, making it an obvious alternative for large families who have to buy an MPV to accommodate everyone.
The seats are in a two-three-two configuration and the centre row seats can be moved backwards and forwards to free up more leg room when needed at the rear.
For passengers travelling in the second row of seats there is a vast amount of leg room, allowing you to stretch your legs out fully.
But the beauty of this car is that the two rear seats - which are really designed for use by children or for adults on short journeys - fold completely flat into the floor, creating a vast amount of luggage space, some 775 litres.
And if you really have to collect that item of furniture from the sales you can also fold the centre row down to create more than 2,000 litres of space. You can even lower the rear of the vehicle to help you load it.
The car also came with the optional electrically operated rear tailgate, which is useful if you approach the car with an armful of parcels.
Unlike MPVs, however, the Q7 is a superbly sporty drive, true to its Audi pedigree. And despite being the size of a large off-roader there is no wallowing on bends or drifting on corners. The diesel version may not be as quick as its 4.2-litre V8 brother but it is no slouch, and once on the move its acceleration is impressive.
Being a quattro power goes to all four wheels, transmitted via a six speed tiptronic/automatic gearbox with both a normal 'Drive' setting as well as 'Sport'. Formula 1 style paddles behind the steering wheel allow you to change gear manually when you opt to.
The Q7 is exceptionally well equipped, as one would expect for a vehicle in this price range. The five-mode air suspension allows ground clearance of between 180mm and 240mm, so it can cope easily with the rough as well as the smooth and you can set it to everything from comfort to dynamic, depending upon your style of driving.
Standard features cover everything from parking sensors to climate control, cruise control, roof rails and a roller blind-style luggage cover.
It is also packed with numerous smaller items which make the car easier to live with, such as a double layer boot floor with lift out tray for carrying wet items, nets for holding down parcels and no less than four 12-volt socket outlets.
The S line specification adds features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, front sports seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery and the S line body styling kit, which really sets the car apart from standard models. Jump from standard to S line, however, and it will cost you an additional £3,400.
On the road the Q7 is supremely quiet and offers one of the best rides I have come across for this type of vehicle. Unlike large off-roaders it is superb at speed on the motorway and supremely stable.
It may be a break from the norm for Audi but it certainly looks as if the German car maker has found yet another winning formula.
FAST FACTS
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI S line
Price: £41,380
Mechanical: 233bhp, 2,967cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 9.1 secs
Combined mpg: 26.9
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 279g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust