AS manufacturers strive to develop the ultimate people carrier, models seem to be getting bigger, bulkier, taller and, in very many cases, uglier than ever.
Not so however the Audi Q7 - the German giant's first venture into the sports utility vehicle market which, despite being high on versatility, is a real head-turner on the looks front.
Okay, so it's not cheap and the extras would pay off a hefty deposit on a new home, but the Q7 oozes style, class and performance - basically everything Audi is world-renowned for.
With three rows of seats, the Q7 holds seven people, although the back row passengers really must be of the very small variety with little space or legroom.
That aside, though, the Q7 delivers on every count.
The drive is outstanding as the automatic transmission eases through the gears both in and around town and on the open road and the handling is excellent throughout, with the extra peace of mind guaranteed by the permanent four-wheel-drive.
The high seated driving position adds to the ease of the drive although visibility through the rear window is virtually non-existent due to the abundance of headrests. But this downside on the visibility front is aptly rectified by the massive heated wing mirrors.
Equipped with class-leading technology, the Q7 boasts a host of top-notch features including the Multi- Media Interface which controls most in-car functions such as climate control, navigation and music settings.
Throughout the cabin are numerous storage compartments and the amply-sized boot area is further enhanced when the rear seats are folded flat.
Safety features are in abundance too with anti-lock brakes, parking sensors, stability control and a warning system that alerts you if you inadvertently start to drift lanes.
When it comes to economy, the Q7 is not cheap. After a 200-mile plus journey, I noticed the fuel tank had only dropped to half, but then I realised the tank holds 100 litres (22 gallons) - enough said!
But, in reality the Q7 is not a vehicle for penny-pinchers - if you can afford the initial layout costs, the price of fuel is hardly going to cause you to lose sleep.
FAST FACTS
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI SE
Price: £40,480
Mechanical: 233bhp, 2,967cc, 6cyl diesel engine with 6spd automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 9.1secs
Combined fuel: 27.2
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 279g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust