IF you want to be noticed, the only car to match a Range Rover is the massive Audi Q7.
Its sheer size gives far more presence than a Mercedes M-Class or BMW X5.
Precise steering makes it quite easy to drive and manage in confined spaces and it has the feel of a much smaller vehicle.
It corners better than most off-roaders and still gives a superb ride.
It’s right up there with the X5 in every way and is likely to be rarer, giving it more cachet.
Best buy is the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel which is refined and quiet and almost as smooth as most petrol engines. The other choices are 3.6 V6 and 4.2 V8s for die hard petrolheads.
Drive is to all four wheels through Audi’s excellent Tiptronic six-speed automatic gearbox with full auto, sport and manual modes.
The only downside is the MMI climate/stereo/sat nav control system, which is tortuously difficult to master.
Interior
Space is massive and seven seats come as standard. The middle row offers good head and legroom, while the rear pair come easily up out of the boot floor.
Access to them through the side doors is a squeeze, but they have space for two adults, and they are perfect for children.
FAST FACTS
Audi Q7
Price: Pay about £21,000 for an ’06 06-reg SE, or £33,000 for an ’08 08-reg S line
Mechanical: 230bhp, 2,998cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 9.1 seconds
Combined mpg: 27
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 279g/km
BIK rating: 35%
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: BMW X5, Range Rover