What they said when the Audi Q7 was new... (2007)
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AS a manufacturer that doesn't do MPVs, Audi was faced with a major challenge.
How was it going to produce a seven seater that maintained the company's ethic of sporty, dynamic cars?
The man with the answers was Canadian designer Danny Garand, who came up with a compelling formula - a car which combined the qualities of a luxury grand tourer with a serious 4x4 while providing space and comfort for seven.
There's no doubt he hit on a winner. You can walk round the big Audi, peer in the windows, sit behind the driver . . . and not realise it can carry seven people. Mission accomplished.
The Q7 has opened up a whole new frontier for the German marque because it's unlike anything in its perceived area of the market.
Let's be clear, this is an imposing vehicle with a huge wheelbase but at the same time instantly recognisable as an Audi.
Despite its size, the Q7 retains the looks of a sports coupe and the beauty of its interior configuration is that the two rear seats fold completely flat into the floor, with the minimum of effort.
While space for five is fantastic, there is a downside. Even though the centre row seats can be moved forwards or back to maximise legroom, those in the rearmost pair are not best served unless they happen to be young children.
The sloping nature of the tapered roofline means that headroom is limited and even when all the seats are set in the optimum position there's not too much room for back row legs.
But that's the only criticism you can level at this car because overall it's a triumph.
There's a choice of two engines, the tested three-litre TDI common-rail turbodiesel and a flagship 4.2-litre V8 direct injection petrol.
The oil-burner is both silent and smooth, delivers 233bhp of punch and as an Audi 'quattro' its power goes to all four wheels, transmitted through a six-speed automatic transmission with both a normal Drive setting and more dynamic Sport mode.
And despite being a substantial all-terrain vehicle it is first class to drive - all air-cushioned ride quality, composed handling and reassuringly stable at speed on the motorway.
For those intent on using the Q7's mud-plugging abilities to the full, there's a raft of technology ranging from five-mode air suspension that allows ground clearance of up to 240mm, which means even major obstacles can be negotiated at moderate speeds.
There's also a special assist function for downhill driving, an off-road mode that optimises brake performance and traction on loose surfaces and a trailer stabilising set-up that reduces the risk of dovetailing.
Even in standard trim the Q7 is luxuriously equipped with the likes of cruise control, parking sensors, eight-speaker CD sounds, roof rails, 18-inch alloys, air conditioning and Audi's Multi Media Interface concept for controlling most in-car functions.
Those prepared to shell out an extra £2,500 for SE trim can enjoy full leather upholstery, exclusive wheel design, electrically adjusted heated seats and additional chrome exterior trim.
Another classy touch is the electric tailgate operated by a switch in the driver's door or the remote control, and the boot area itself also lowers on its air springs to make loading easier.
Words: Mike Torpey
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