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PLANET EARTH

We could go hiking in the moors with nothing but a compass, water and a microscope to study rock formations but for most of us a little mud on our wheels and a few precarious descents are enough to make us feel in touch with nature.

It is fitting then that we can buy an SUV to fulfil this modern naturist in us and also take comfort in the fact that our athletic, off road set of wheels is a sensible family choice. Having driven the Audi Q7 recently we can happily confirm that it isn’t too much of an adjustment to make from your every day estate car. You’ve got the performance, the curvy aerodynamic styling, a sporty ride and plenty of feedback through the corners but best of all due to all that space, you’re a fair distance from the squeals and squabbles in the back.

So where do Audi stand in the marketplace? It has certainly taken them a long time to bring out a machine such as this and VW, Porsche, BMW and Volvo have already staked out their bit of the action. Now there`s no margin for eras as customers already have a good measuring stick. There`s also their All-road model which is going to be a tough act to follow.

Upon first impressions then Audi gets full marks in the look department, there’s no clumsy overhangs or wrong angles to view it from. Essentially it has as many of Audi’s sporty car features as you could spawn an SUV with. If you go for the V8 FSI model you get the SE specification as standard which includes racy 18” alloys with wider 255/55 R18 tyres and a bumper colour which contrasts to the rest of the bodywork. Inside there’s also extra chrome for the trim, leather seats, heated front seats that are electrically adjusted and wood facia inlays.
The cabin itself is light and airy which further enhances its already spacious credentials; a commendable 775 litres to be exact. There`s also 28 different seating and loading configurations so you can`t say you haven`t been spoilt for choice. However with a wheelbase of 3,002mm compared to its 5,086 length, Audi’s seven seater wouldn’t make the same league as a Range Rover Sport when it comes to the agile nature of off-roading but it is capable of sensible adventures. with its 180 – 240mm of ground clearance and all the state of the art technology it has on board you feel pretty safe to make your own tracks through muddy hillsides. As well as having the back-up of ESP, it also has a trailer stabilisation system via targeted brake intervention to keep its back end, well at the back end really.

Powering the Q7 is a hearty 4.2litre V8 petrol engine with FSI direct injection; it produces a mighty 350bhp at the fly wheel and churns out 440Nm of torque. There’s also the choice of a 3.0litre TDI diesel for the more conservative among us. The oil burner features a common rail injection system with piezo inline injectors which boosts its power to 233bhp and its peak torque to 500Nm as well as having a combined fuel economy of 31.6mpg. Both the petrol and diesel models have a six-speed tiptronic gearbox to seamlessly channel the power.
On the road, the Q7 has a favourable 60:40 torque split, yet its Quattro four-wheel drive is on permanent duty should traction become an issue. The Torsen centre differential is then responsible for transferring power to the appropriate wheels. The Q7 also benefits from an optimal axel load distribution which gives it better steering precision as well as more dexterity.

As well as the chassis being light due to its numerous aluminium components, it also has electronically controlled damping and a dynamic roll stabilisation system. The air suspension does a sound job of absorbing most of the lumps and its handling is also direct and predictable.

In summary then whether your definition of being the outdoors type is a quick stretch of your legs at the service station or a mud bath in the moors, the Q7 has you covered. There’s no need to give up all our luxuries and comfort to connect to nature, you can still take a walk on the wild side and then drive home in style.

Verdict

FOR: Sporty styling, car-like characteristics, spaciousness, decent fuel economy in diesel
AGAINST: Only the fact the wheels could be a bit closer to each edge of the vehicle to give it an optimal off-road feel
CONCLUSION: We were really impressed with the Q7; it has highly desirable looks, great performance and a very spacious cabin. Although it fits the whole mums on school runs who want an image to match their salon tresses and manicured nails, it’s just as appealing to motoring enthusiasts who want performance as well as adventure.

Spec

ENGINE: 4.2litre V8 petrol engine with FSI direct injection
POWER: 345 at 6800 rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 325 at 3500 rpm
0-62mph (sec): 7.4
TOP SPEED: 154mph
MPG: 14.5/-/27.7/20.8 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: Six speed tiptronic
SUSPENSION: Front: Four-link front suspension, double upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar, air suspension optional, Rear: Self-tracking trapezoidal-link axle with wishbone, anti-roll bar, air suspension optional.
BRAKES: Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ESP, brake servo, hydraulic brake assist; ventilated front and rear disc brakes. Front: 351 x 33mm. Rear: 330mm diameter.
WHEELS: 8J x 18-inch alloy wheels
TYRES: 255/55 R18Y
LOADING CAPACITY: 775 litres
WEIGHT: 2270
PRICE: £37,330
RIVALS: VW Touareg, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90