With the healthy and active lifestyles Singaporean families are leading today, getting a sedan or a hatchback for that matter just doesn't seem to suffice. Instead, they turn to Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Not just for the plentiful space, mind you, but also for the encouraging drive and the confidence the SUVs provide for the families.
But despite most of these vehicles facing common problems such as having high fuel consumption and rude fascias often associated with its segment, SUVs are getting more popular on the road. Could it be that the sweeter truth resides in the fact that car manufacturers have found a way to overcome these predicaments?
Audi has introduced a whole new concept in this particular niche in the market ever since production for Q7 began. But with the return of the latest Audi Q7 into the market, it welcomes a few new tricks into the foray to give the added oomph to an already impressive vehicle.
Audi has also replaced the 3.6 FSI and 4.2 FSI engines with a pair of supercharged 3.0 TFSI engines, which improved the fuel economy by 12 and 16 per cent respectively. And it's not just the revised engines that have contributed to reduced running costs; the standard eight-speed tiptronic makes a huge difference.
Exterior
Styling wise, the Audi Q7 has an appearance that hints at ruggedness, yet it is decidedly suave. Its gaping striped grille dominates the front end while well-defined lines give an athletic definition to the profile.
But despite most of these vehicles facing common problems such as having high fuel consumption and rude fascias often associated with its segment, SUVs are getting more popular on the road. Could it be that the sweeter truth resides in the fact that car manufacturers have found a way to overcome these predicaments?
Audi has introduced a whole new concept in this particular niche in the market ever since production for Q7 began. But with the return of the latest Audi Q7 into the market, it welcomes a few new tricks into the foray to give the added oomph to an already impressive vehicle.
Audi has also replaced the 3.6 FSI and 4.2 FSI engines with a pair of supercharged 3.0 TFSI engines, which improved the fuel economy by 12 and 16 per cent respectively. And it's not just the revised engines that have contributed to reduced running costs; the standard eight-speed tiptronic makes a huge difference.
Exterior
Styling wise, the Audi Q7 has an appearance that hints at ruggedness, yet it is decidedly suave. Its gaping striped grille dominates the front end while well-defined lines give an athletic definition to the profile.
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From the side, its arched roofline and sculpted metal are pleasing to the eye, giving praise to Audi's designers for creating something more tasteful and elegant than its competitor, the Volkswagen Touareg. The body curvature on the rear end around the tail lamps, on the other hand, manages to look clean and simple when it's really a complex set of shapes.
Aesthetically speaking, a subtle, elegant approach defines the Q7. It's not a brutish off-roader in the Land Rover vein, nor is it a monster truck like the Hummer H3. It looks almost the same from the previous model - sporty, strong, and elegant lines are still very much visible on this latest model.
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Interior
The Audi Q7 doesn't disappoint as it comes with all the quality and understated luxury buyers have come to expect from the respected German marque.
Within its cabin, the Audi Q7 manages to be both futuristic and warm at the same time. The gauges light up with a pleasing red glow when the lights are turned on and an air of discreet affluence predominates while the quality of the materials used is first-rate.
However, similarly to its smaller Q5, grey leather fills the dashboard and centre console, making the cabin a tad dull, especially during the day when the gauges are not lighted up.
Like most of the current Audi models, the navigation, climate control and audio systems are all accessed via Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI). It looks pretty neat and decent and works well too.
Only problem is you'll have to flog a few brain cells to get familiarised with the system, especially if it's your first Audi. Nonetheless, it's fairly easy to use with practice.
The Audi Q7 doesn't disappoint as it comes with all the quality and understated luxury buyers have come to expect from the respected German marque.
Within its cabin, the Audi Q7 manages to be both futuristic and warm at the same time. The gauges light up with a pleasing red glow when the lights are turned on and an air of discreet affluence predominates while the quality of the materials used is first-rate.
However, similarly to its smaller Q5, grey leather fills the dashboard and centre console, making the cabin a tad dull, especially during the day when the gauges are not lighted up.
Like most of the current Audi models, the navigation, climate control and audio systems are all accessed via Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI). It looks pretty neat and decent and works well too.
Only problem is you'll have to flog a few brain cells to get familiarised with the system, especially if it's your first Audi. Nonetheless, it's fairly easy to use with practice.
In this seven-seater SUV, passengers in the Audi Q7 will find wonderfully supportive seats in the front two rows. The leather-upholstered front seats are supportive enough for long rides, with plenty of space for lengthy passengers. The second row is relatively generous, with ample head and legroom for three adults.
However, as is the case with most SUVs of this size (including the BMW X5), there's an option for third-row seating which is best left for kids. While the cargo space holds at an unimpressive 775 litres with second and third row up, it increases a couple of notches to 2035 litres of space when the second and third rows are folded flat.
But if the first two rows of seats are more than enough to swallow you and your family, having the third row stowed permanently will see to your son's soccer equipment and your golf bag.
Although the Porsche Cayenne and even the X5 stand for a classier interior, comfort is where the Audi Q7 holds firm. Regardless of where you sit (in the first two rows), royal comfort is the order of the day.
However, as is the case with most SUVs of this size (including the BMW X5), there's an option for third-row seating which is best left for kids. While the cargo space holds at an unimpressive 775 litres with second and third row up, it increases a couple of notches to 2035 litres of space when the second and third rows are folded flat.
But if the first two rows of seats are more than enough to swallow you and your family, having the third row stowed permanently will see to your son's soccer equipment and your golf bag.
Although the Porsche Cayenne and even the X5 stand for a classier interior, comfort is where the Audi Q7 holds firm. Regardless of where you sit (in the first two rows), royal comfort is the order of the day.
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Drivetrain
There are two versions of the supercharged V6 and this higher version of over two tonnes may be huge and heavy but it is by no means a slouch. It boasts a 6.9 seconds sprint from naught to hundred and has an amazing maximum power and torque output of 333bhp and 440Nm respectively.
As a result, the Q7's low end pulling prowess is quite breathtaking. The acceleration is sharp, linear and uncannily effortless for its size. Floor the right pedal and this massive car glides away with minimal fuss. Most drivers are sure to be blown away by the impeccable power of this vehicle.
On winding roads, the steering is more accurate than tactile, as in the German norm. The ride is supple and refined in Comfort mode while overall handling is consistently capable. Put it in the Dynamic mode and the drivetrain tightens up, improving response and acceleration which match well with the Q7′s firm steering and excellent grip.
The only setback, however, is that in Dynamic mode, the ride is so firm that you find yourself wondering if the suspension is damping anything at all - simply because bumps and holes on the road are keenly felt.
That being said, the energetic Audi Q7 still packs quite a punch, acting as an elephant in ballet shoes. If it's power you want, this beefcake won't disappoint. While the departure of the previous two engines may raise some eyebrows, the fact is that the 3.0-litre TFSI engine - available in the basic and high-power versions - should be able to satisfy all but the most demanding drivers.
There are two versions of the supercharged V6 and this higher version of over two tonnes may be huge and heavy but it is by no means a slouch. It boasts a 6.9 seconds sprint from naught to hundred and has an amazing maximum power and torque output of 333bhp and 440Nm respectively.
As a result, the Q7's low end pulling prowess is quite breathtaking. The acceleration is sharp, linear and uncannily effortless for its size. Floor the right pedal and this massive car glides away with minimal fuss. Most drivers are sure to be blown away by the impeccable power of this vehicle.
On winding roads, the steering is more accurate than tactile, as in the German norm. The ride is supple and refined in Comfort mode while overall handling is consistently capable. Put it in the Dynamic mode and the drivetrain tightens up, improving response and acceleration which match well with the Q7′s firm steering and excellent grip.
The only setback, however, is that in Dynamic mode, the ride is so firm that you find yourself wondering if the suspension is damping anything at all - simply because bumps and holes on the road are keenly felt.
That being said, the energetic Audi Q7 still packs quite a punch, acting as an elephant in ballet shoes. If it's power you want, this beefcake won't disappoint. While the departure of the previous two engines may raise some eyebrows, the fact is that the 3.0-litre TFSI engine - available in the basic and high-power versions - should be able to satisfy all but the most demanding drivers.
Conclusion
The Audi Q7 may be a tad too big for some. Although I didn't face much problem manoeuvring this gigantor, it felt a little too big for me. Personally, a Q5 would have sufficed.
It may have a few quibbles but these blemishes do little to compromise the attractiveness of Audi's exceptional hauler. If you're in the market for a luxury SUV, the Audi Q7 deserves a place on your list.
It continues to deliver distinctive elegance, lots of cargo room and a third row seating.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Audi Q7 may be a tad too big for some. Although I didn't face much problem manoeuvring this gigantor, it felt a little too big for me. Personally, a Q5 would have sufficed.
It may have a few quibbles but these blemishes do little to compromise the attractiveness of Audi's exceptional hauler. If you're in the market for a luxury SUV, the Audi Q7 deserves a place on your list.
It continues to deliver distinctive elegance, lots of cargo room and a third row seating.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
