Audi Q7 4.2 Tdi

The Age

Saturday March 8, 2008

Cameron McGavin

The latest Audi is a top-shelf proposition in the diesel 4WD galaxy, writes Cameron McGavin.

I KNOW what you're probably thinking - yet another Audi. But don't blame us. Blame the Ingolstadt manufacturer for a rampant product-release schedule that seemingly knows no end. The list of recent arrivals is overwhelming and includes the all-new A5/S5 Coupe range, striking R8 supercar, TT Roadster, Allroad soft-roader and sporty S6 and S3. And it's not over, either, with a new-generation A4 arriving soon.

Then there are less obvious debutantes like the new Q7 4.2 TDI tested here. It's the most powerful diesel 4WD you can buy, though VW's 258 kW/850 Nm Touareg R50 will knock it off its perch in the second quarter.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

The $123,900 4.2 TDI is a top-shelf proposition in the diesel 4WD galaxy, with only Range Rover's TDV8 costing more.

That means it is also the costliest Q7, sitting $6900 above the petrol-powered 4.2 FSI model with which it shares the same basic specification.

But you get plenty of toys, including satellite navigation, TV, Bose premium sound system with CD/DVD stacker, adaptive Xenon headlights and power tailgate.

Of course, in true Audi style there are some mystifying omissions, such as the lack of an alarm, and it's not hard to fork out thousands more by adding options like monster 21-inch wheels, heated seats and myriad other extras.

HOW SAFE?

Eight airbags, stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, parking sensors and a reversing camera are all standard, and the Q7 has received a strong

five-star NCAP crash test rating.

You also get some unexpected features, such as a lane-change warning system and a side-assist system that uses lights to alert the driver to vehicles in their blind spot.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

The Q7 could be any Audi inside but we're not about to complain, not when things look so good and are assembled from such high-quality materials.

No issues with how it works, either. The mouse-style MMI control system that looks after the majority of functions is more logical than many equivalents, while comfort levels are high thanks to comfy, power-adjustable seats and a power steering column.

Cup holders, bottle holders, 12-volt outlets and other New Age essentials are in abundant supply, but the Audi loses points for not having an auxiliary input for its sensational Bose sound system.

Step into the back and the space isn't quite as expansive as the hefty exterior suggests, either, but the sliding/reclining bench is flexible enough to cater for all but the biggest adults and is comfortable, too.

Like the 3.0 TDI we tested a while back, our 4.2 TDI was not fitted with the optional seating that boosts capacity from five to six or seven, so we can't comment on its people-hauling abilities. But the boot is big and flexible, with handy underfloor storage and useful partitions/dividers to clamp down difficult items.

UNDER THE BONNET

The 4.2-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 has already seen action in the A8 luxury sedan. However, it's tuned a little differently in the Q7, with power topping out at the same 240 kW but torque jumping 110 Nm to 760 Nm.

It's enough for the top Q7, despite weighing more than two tonnes, to deliver seriously muscular performance. Audi claims a swift 6.4 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint and the seat-of-the-pants impression supports the claim. It's also very smooth and refined, though its oil-burning origins are obvious at idle and under heavy acceleration.

The six-speed auto is a nice match, shifting with decisive smoothness, but it can't disguise the turbo lag. Until you acclimatise to the 4.2 TDI's power characteristics, it's easy to receive either more or less power than you initially asked for.

No such issues with economy, with our test car consuming a respectable 12.8 L/100 km in combined urban/highway running, or within sight of Audi's official 11.1 L claim.

ON THE ROAD

Unlike the steel-sprung 3.0 TDI, which lacks small-bump compliance, the air-suspended 4.2 TDI can be tailored to suit your mood. Comfort mode brings confident plushness over bumps, while sports mode delivers more decisive body control and a noticeably sterner ride.

Auto mode lets you sit back and let the computer determine which is best at any given moment.

The Q7 also handles pretty well thanks to its swift responses, massive grip and lack of body roll. But while it hangs on through corners better than you think, the sense that you're piloting something big and heavy - which is heightened by bland steering - never really goes away.

VERDICT

Objectively, the Q7 4.2 TDI fights a tough battle. While there's little doubt its performance and economy are something special for a big 4WD, it's really a case of gilding the lily - that lily being the 3.0 TDI version.

Of course, there are always going to be those who want the biggest one and the most toys, and in that scenario we wouldn't talk you down if the 4.2 TDI appeals.

However, for my money, it's an unnecessary indulgence - a 3.0 TDI with the right options would be barely less capable or desirable while costing, from $86,800, much less.

AUDI Q7 4.2 TDI 3/5.5

HOW MUCH: $123,900 (auto only).

ENGINE: 4.2-litre V8 turbodiesel. 240 kW/760 Nm.

WHAT'S IT GOT: Twin front, front/rear side and curtain airbags, stability/traction control, ABS with EBD and BA, parking sensors, reverse camera, dual-zone climate control, powered windows and heated mirrors, powered front seats and tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, cruise control, trip computer, remote locking, satnav, TV, Bose CD/DVD stacker, voice commands, four 12-volt outlets, six cupholders, 18-inch alloy wheels, engine immobiliser, 3 years/unlimited km warranty.

FOR: Massive performance, impressive economy, classy and practical cabin, outstanding quality, five/six/seven-seat availability, capable road manners, excellent safety.

AGAINST: Noticeable turbo lag, not cheap, lacks driving flair, some equipment oversights

THE COMPETITION

BMW X5 3.0SD

HOW MUCH: From $102,800.

ENGINE: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel. 200 kW/565 Nm.

SAFETY: Five-star NCAP rating. Six airbags, stability/traction control, run-flat tyre indicator, parking sensors, reversing camera, ABS.

WHAT'S IT GOT: Dual climate, power-adjustable seats, cruise control, trip computer, satellite navigation with TV, CD stacker, voice commands, 18-inch alloy wheels.

FOR: Best road manners in its class, spacious and comfortable cabin, optional seating for seven, plenty of toys, turbodiesel powertrain is strong for a six.

AGAINST: Can't match V8 and V10 rivals for punch, firm ride, optional seating cuts luggage space, not a serious off-roader, fiddly iDrive.

OUR SCORE: 4/5

RANGE ROVER VOGUE TDV8

HOW MUCH: From $142,900.

ENGINE: 3.6-litre turbodiesel V8.

200 kW/640 Nm.

SAFETY: Four-star NCAP rating. Seven airbags, stability/traction control, parking sensors, reversing camera, ABS.

WHAT'S IT GOT: Four-zone climate, powered and heated seats, sat-nav, TV, cruise control, trip computer, six-stack CD player, DVD, 19-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, alarm.

FOR: Great turbodiesel V8, massive off-road ability, loaded with toys, decent road manners, big and comfy cabin.

AGAINST: Costly, too big to shine around town.

OUR SCORE: 4/5

VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG V10 TDI

HOW MUCH: From $121,900.

ENGINE: 5.0-litre turbodiesel V10.

230 kW/750 Nm.

SAFETY: Five-star NCAP rating. Six airbags, stability/traction control, parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring system, ABS.

WHAT'S IT GOT: Four-zone climate, powered and heated seats, cruise control,

trip computer, six-stack CD player, 19-inch alloy wheels, alarm.

FOR: Turbodiesel V10 is a powerhouse, classy and comfortable cabin, capable road manners, decent off-road ability . . .

AGAINST: . . . but you'll need the optional (and ugly) full-sized spare, not notably economical, some equipment oversights.

OUR SCORE: 3/5.5

© 2008 The Age

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