First Drive

Excellent driving dynamics coupled with a range of lusty engines make the Audi Q7 the large SUV of choice for those looking for something big and sporty.

And now for 2010, Audi has upped the ante with a new range of engines and an eight-speed gearbox for its Range Rover rival.

There are some changes inside the 2010 Audi Q7, but you won’t be able to tell just by looking at it.

That’s because Audi’s designers gave the car a tiny nip and tuck in 2009 – the latest revision is all about its performance and running costs.

We tested the latest 3-litre TDI engine, which traditionally makes up the bulk of sales for UK buyers. The engine is a significant improvement on the old unit, once on the move.

The previous 3.0 TDI wasn’t exactly an old tractor engine, but its replacement is supremely refined and under load makes a surprisingly un-diesel like noise.

Power is up from 233bhp to 240bhp and pulling power (torque) increases from 369lb/ft to a stonking 405lb/ft. These new figures cut the 0-62mph time by 0.6 seconds to just 7.9, while the 135mph top speed is unchanged.

Despite the welcome boost in performance, running costs are drastically reduced. Fuel consumption is reduced by 19 per cent to 38.2mpg, while CO2 emissions drop from 279 to 195g/km – both helped by a start-stop system – and adds up to some impressive figures for such a big vehicle.

On the move, the 3.0 TDI has a wide power band and feels like a far bigger engine.  We’d argue it offers all the performance you’d ever need.

High-performance 4.2 TDI

That’s not stopped Audi though. We also tested the revised 4.2 TDI which covers two more miles per gallon than its predecessor – the official rating is 30.7mpg – and offers hot hatch performance, with a 0-62mph time of just 6.4 seconds.

The larger diesel is undoubtedly the choice for performance fans, but it’s less refined than the 3.0 TDI and the performance isn’t marked enough to justify it over the smaller unit.

Audi has also replaced the 3.6 and 4.2-litre petrol engines with a pair of supercharged 3.0 TFSI engines, which improve economy by 12 and 16 per cent respectively. We’ve tested a version of this engine in the Audi S4 and loved its punch and refinement, but in the Q7, the 0-62mph times match the diesels blow for blow, while their running costs are substantially increased.

It’s not just the revised engines that have contributed to reduced running costs; the standard eight-speed automatic transmission makes a huge difference.

Audi Q7 gallery:

Intuitive gearbox

Based on the old six-speed version, the new gearbox is said to improve fuel economy by around five per cent. In Drive and Sport modes, gearshifts are quick and happen exactly where you’d expect them to, while a manual mode can be operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gearstick.

Elsewhere the Audi Q7 does exactly what it did before. Its driving dynamics belie the car’s bulk with sharp steering and excellent chassis control. The ride is still very good, although the larger wheels which come as part of the S Line pack can upset the otherwise silky ride.

The Audi Q7 is available in a range of interior configurations, which see conventional “5+2” seat arrangement offered alongside an option to delete the third row of seats for a pure five seat layout for no extra cost. Buyers can also specify a cost option to have a more spacious “4+2” configuration.

Either way, interior space is first rate, and luggage space can expand to a vast 2,035 litres.

Audi’s changes might not be obvious to the bystander, but with improved performance and running costs, the Audi Q7 is now better than ever.

Key facts:

Model tested: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI S Line
On the road price: £44,690
Price range: £40,160 – £98,255
Date tested: May 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne