NEWS ARTICLE
Audi Q7 Gets Greener
The Audi Q7 has just got leaner and cleaner according to the German Giant. Audi has enhanced the seven-seat Q7 range to incorporates an ultra-low emission, EU6-compliant TDI model, this variant opens for UK order this week. Priced from £38,575, and due to reach its first customers in July, the new range combines subtle styling revisions and improved equipment for SE and S line models with advanced energy recuperation technology that brings improved fuel economy and reduced emissions for all versions.
The most important advances benefiting the latest Q7 range are arguably to be found beneath the reworked body, where a new 3.0-litre TDI engine incorporating the world’s cleanest diesel technology Audi claims, uses an AdBlue additive to eradicate virtually all harmful nitrous oxides from emissions, and already meets stringent EU6 emissions applicable from 2014.
Just like the rest of the engine range, including 3.6 FSI V6 and 4.2 FSI V8 direct injection petrol units and mighty 4.2 TDI V8 and 6.0 TDI diesels, the new high-tech 3.0-litre TDI unit is backed up by a new energy recovery system which helps to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 5 g/km. During braking and coasting phases the system converts mechanical energy into electric energy via the alternator and stores it within the battery to reduce the load on the engine.
In Q7 3.0 TDI quattro models equipped with the new TDI ‘clean diesel’ unit backed up by the energy recuperation technology, will return a combined fuel economy figure of 31.7mpg according to Audi.
The benefits of recuperation are also particularly evident in the 4.2 TDI, which enjoys a fuel economy boost from 25.5mpg to 28.5mpg, despite an increase in power for the latest generation unit from 326PS to 340PS. The 6.0-litre, 500PS Audi Q7 V12 TDI continues to rank as the world’s most powerful diesel-powered SUV, and yet manages a wholly respectable economy figure of 25.0mpg in the combined cycle test. In the petrol camp, the 3.6 FSI V6 registers 23.3mpg, and the 4.2 FSI 22.2mpg.
All engines transmit their power via a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, and all work in conjunction with quattro permanent four-wheel-drive with the now familiar 40 per cent / 60 per cent front-to-rear torque split for optimum on-road balance.
On the design front the Q7 has a redesigned front grille, restyled bumpers incorporating new integrated under-body protectors, new door mouldings and distinctive new LED rear lights. SE versions are further enhanced by larger 19-inch alloy wheels (previously 18-inch), and top specification S line models by LED indicators and new U-shaped ‘wraparound’ LED daytime running lights built into standard xenon headlamps. These striking new light units can also be added at extra cost to SE and standard models.
Inside the latest Audi Q7, there has been a few tweaks, most notably to the instrument cluster and switchgear but also taking in lighting and interior colour schemes. Three specification levels – standard, SE and S line - are offered for the V6 FSI and V6 TDI models, while the V8 petrol and V8 TDI versions are available exclusively in SE or S line form.
Up to seven occupants can be accommodated in the three rows of seats that are included as standard. The seats in the second row are individually adjustable for fore/aft movement, and both rear seat rows can be folded flat to provide a load area of 2,035 litres if required, without the seats having to be removed. If used as a 5-seater the Q7 boasts an impressive load capacity of 775 litres.
Simon McBride