Audi Q7 3.6 FSi Quattro
Maxabout Review
Refreshed & Improved
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Overview
When Q7 was first rolled out three years ago, this Audi performance SUV immediately achieved a leadership position as a sporty, comfortable as well as high-performance recreational and business vehicle on a grand scale.
The Q7 is the large Audi for sporty individualists, for people who are seeking a vehicle that will take them anywhere they want to go for sports, recreation, and business. Its dynamic proportions and distinctive lines express this character, and subtle modifications endow its styling with even more elegance.
Audi India has launched the new Q7 in Indian Market. It is available in three engine options – 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro at Audi dealerships across the country from 3rd September 2009. The new Audi Q7 range starts at Rs. 53,40,000 for the 3.0 TDI quattro and Rs. 55,20,000 for the 3.6 FSI quattro (ex-showroom Mumbai).
It is available in new colors like Ibis White, Teak Brown, Orca Black and Graphite Grey as well as the existing colors which include Deep Black, Bahia Beige, Cobalt Blue, Condor Grey, Ice Silver, Garnet Red and Lava Grey.
Design & Style
Now Audi is making it more elegant and more efficient, with lower emissions. Audi has also given the 2010 Q7 a minor facelift both inside and outside. At the front end, Vertical chrome bars contrast with its black high-gloss finish. 2010 Q7 gets new headlamps that incorporate Audi’s now-signature LED running lights and a revised front bumper with chrome accents.
Their lower section is now painted in a contrasting black or gray, depending on the body color. The newly integrated underbody protection in the center section of the bumper has a distinctive ribbed design. New single-frame radiator grill in high gloss black with vertical chrome bars adds robustness to the car in conjunction with new Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.
The new Audi Q7 also comes with optional high-end headlight version that integrates not only a low beam, high beam, and turning and cornering lights, but for the first time also a special superhighway beam. The restyled tailgate presents a more forceful contour. LEDs are standard equipment in the taillights. An aluminum exterior package adds further highlights to the styling.
In conjunction with the xenon headlights, light-emitting diodes assembled to form U-shaped bands provide the daytime running lights. The front blinkers are also composed of LEDs as straight-line arrays, located at the upper edge of the air intakes.
Interiors
Inside, the trim has been updated with more wood, but the big news is the third generation MMI navigation/entertainment/information . The navigation system gets a 3D interface and joystick control for finding destinations. The Sirius satellite radio also provides traffic data now and accepts voice commands to find cash, food or gas, much like Ford's TravelLink system.
Thanks to its 3002mm wheelbase within an overall length of 5086mm, the Audi Q7 has interior room to spare, and the interior flexibility is unrivalled. The seatbacks in the second row are divided into three fold-down sections to provide a level cargo floor. This increases the luggage space from a volume of 775 liters to 2,035 liters. With the leather upholstery option, the middle seat now has an even more comfortable contour.
Safety & Technology
In its suspension technology too the Audi Q7 is exceptional. As a customer option, Audi equips the Q7 with adaptive air suspension - a pneumatic suspension system that operates in conjunction with an electronic shock absorber control, varies the ground clearance at five different levels, and lets the driver select three driving modes: comfort, automatic and dynamic.
In its road handling the Q7 excels in its sporty, highly responsive precision. Off-road, it provides a superior ride on widely varying terrains. The Q7 comes with a splendid range of standard equipment.
The speed-dependent servotronic steering system is standard, as is a double floor in the cargo area complete with a storage compartment and a dirt tray; there is also a roof rack, an automatic air conditioning system, and an MMI radio operating system complete with a CD audio player and eight loudspeakers.
The option program includes luxury features such as the remote key and four-zone automatic air conditioning. Another high-end option is the climate-controlled comfort seat, which can keep the body warm or cool it by means of small fans.