There’s a new Audi Q7 – and it’ll park your trailer for you
What is it?
It's the new Audi Q7 everyone. About time too. The outgoing model was introduced nine years ago – which is an absolute age by modern standards where people's attention spans are continuously shortening. So let's see just how this stacks up in 2015.
On the outside
Audi literally started from scratch to create this Q7. The aim was to save weight. So the new Q7 has aluminium suspension, a body that's largely aluminium too, and huge efforts throughout the powertrain, cooling, exhaust, electrics, seats, anything and everything that makes up a car basically. The result is they've taken more than 300kg out of it – that's massive, making the Q7 the lightest big seven-seat SUV available.
As I'm sure you noticed from the pictures, the body got the Audi-once-over, bringing it in line with the fastidiously German design specs. Clean lines, massively imposing road stance and all-round-butchness. What the more eagle-eyed reader might have noticed is that the Q7 has shrunk, slightly. In a modern age where new models are always bigger, this is a refreshing move from Audi.
On the inside
Again a complete Audi makeover, with a couple firsts. Like the 'Audi tablet' rear seat entertainment system, running Android and connects to the cars navigation, radio etc but can also keep the kids busy with their favourite movies. There's also the world's longest set of air vents running across the dash – that increase air circulation by 30% apparently. Only the Germans would go to that level of detail.
Aside from gadgets the Q7 has an immensely sophisticated interior. It's a form of pure minimalism of which modern architects can only dream. The suede seat inserts are an especially nice touch. There's a boat load of space, and even more when you fold all the rear seats away. You can opt for a 3rd row of seats too, all of which can accommodate kids' car seats, you know, in case you're an extremely fertile chap.
Behind the wheel
At this stage we've only getting a 3.0 litre turbo diesel in SA. It's an absolute powerhouse; 183kW and 600-planet-spinning-Nm. Couple that with the diet and the result is the Q7 will outstrip many a hot hatch. It's frugal too, claimed at just 5.7 litres per hundred (although we got nearer 8.5 on launch).
Drivetrain wise the Q7 has the good 'ol Quattro variable torque split system – and adaptive air suspension. It's a neat combo, and keeps the Q7 in check even at quite a lick on dirt roads. Proper off-road stuff should probably be left to the professionals though (see Land Rover and Jeep).
There's all sorts of tech available, from rear-wheel-steering to park assist that includes possibly the most ingenious system ever; trailer manoeuvre assist. Yes, the Q7 will reverse a trailer for you, at the touch of a button and the twist of a dial.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08I0boQeqdc
Pricing
Dealers receive stock in October which will come with a price tag of R924,000 before options of course. That's around equivalent BMW X5 money. But an X5 won't park your trailer for you.
Verdict
More time is needed with the Audi to form a real conclusion, but what I can say is that it felt remarkably capable, and exceptionally well refined. And it parks trailers for you, in case I didn't mention. So far so good for the Q7.