Audi Q7 3.0 TDI 218 review 2016

Lower-end luxury and Q7 are as polite as any, though still not quite a model to plump for

Entry-level version of the Audi Q7, the second generation was introduced to the UK market last year. With 53 bhp and 74 lb-ft less than its sister models, it was just under a second slower to 62mph from rest of versions of 268bhp - although still climbing two-ton SUV capable of topping 130mph itself, and quite obviously far from being underpowered.

Offered in SE and S trim levels the same track and with all the same equipment and options available, Q7 lower-end instead of a car with the sophistication of the technology that is less than or extent of the ability of the stronger brother. And, given that the equivalent gruntier not exactly a good driver's car, the Q7 can this be choosing from the range?

How does it feel?:

Exceptional old-school Audi in many ways, in terms of perceived quality, refinement, comfort, occupant space, on-board technology and exceptional ease of use. Almost all the ways in which we praise the diesel version of the full house last year, then. That said, this is probably not buy astute you might expect it to be.

Although the car did not have quite the same swagger, a kind of neat as rangemate its smooth performance, some may complain about how the forced gets in the way. The engine feels quite potent when a mass accelerates the car from the pace of the city, and the eight-speed automatic gearbox ratios cleverly chose when overtaking, keeping the tacho needle is in, or near, the peak torque.

Wind motors up to 3500 rpm and the car unbeaten mask slip a little, early V6 to get breathless in a higher gear. But it was only ever likely to be a factor when doing this type of highway speeds outside lane Audi driver became famous. Frankly, their speed every right-thinking Q7 owners will rarely even approach, as is readily apparent maturity and improvement of the car's character and sweetness of his gait at a leisurely pace.

Completing the Q7 with adaptive air suspension, as it comes fitted to our test car, and you'll find a trip that patient bending in Comfort mode and the cabin insulation top-drawer every time. Light steering on average and were not bothered by any potential wear as contact Patch felt, but it was quite eloquent. Body control is respectable, and the car steer faithfully and safe - although wobbly eyes vertically in the water at higher speeds at times, potentially disruptive passengers if you are in a hurry.

Cycle through the modes of the drive-up play Q7 and you will realize the folly of your actions fast enough. The smooth steering becomes replaced by the weight does not help and sticky clear and buoyancy of the trip was the more uneasy compromise that, while it improves handling response and lift control bit, is not worth the trade-off. Audi at the time was actually uncomfortable, or something like that, but the dynamic calling cards is undoubtedly less attractive when it pretends to be 'sporty'.

Very well built car interiors exude an aura of integrity and class that can be matched by no other large SUV. Its infotainment and comfort functions are second-to-none, too, and there is room for even large adults to lie down in both the first and second rows, with an average size that is relatively comfortable in a row three.

Should I buy one?:

Large SUV does not get any more suave or fancy. Assuming comfort, class and ability 4x4 impressive are the ideals that want to devote your new SUV, you're shopping at the right place here.

Well, almost exactly. The fact is, the lower the Audi Q7 gives only a very marginal increase in fuel economy over a high-powered equivalent, there is no benefit at all to the benefit of both the company car tax and will only be worth £ 35 per year road tax savings to private buyers.

Given that the price difference between the showroom lower and larger diesel engines of less than £ 3000 (many of which may be offset against the strong residual values ​​to model higher-output on-demand), we would suggest that the 268bhp Q7 is a smart buy. Audi customers is likely to dress up their car with several thousand pounds of choice, after all. And try to compensate for all the discretionary spending to scrimping on what's under the hood would not be advisable.

Location Middlesex; Sale now; Price £ 51,250; V6 engine, 2967cc, diesel; 215bhp power; £ 369 ft of torque; SPD 8-automatic gearbox; Kerb weight 2060kg; 0-62mph 7.3sec; Top speed 134mph; Economic 48.7mpg (combined); CO2 / Tax Band 150g / km, 28%

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