OFF ROAD
Of course, the Q7 isn’t a 4x4 in the traditional sense, but the Quattro system handled itself well on all the dodgy surfaces I drove it over, including wet grass, which is every 4x4’s nemesis. Once you select ‘Off Road’ the adaptive air suspension rises by a small amount, which helps with ground clearance, approach and departure angles and proved quite useful at avoiding some of the bigger rocks that litter one of my favourite green-lanes. I’m not going to say that it offered up a magic-carpet ride whilst tackling these sorts of roads, but ironed them out better than the Volvo XC90 did. Fitted with a quality set of winter tyres I reckon you’ll be pleasantly surprised where the Q7 can take you, and would make a great family tourer for those who find themselves in some fairly inhospitable places.
INTERIOR
Up front it’s lovely with plenty of space and a large expanse in between you and your passenger, it isn’t exactly what I would call inspiring, but it’s pleasant enough. It’s a nice space in which you can while alway the hours in comfort as you cruise across continents, or nip to Asda for a loaf and some milk, your choice. The Q7 comes packed with all the usual driving aids and features that you’d expect on a £60k SUV. The dash layout is clean and simple and the full marks for the popup screen instead of simply sticking an iPad wannabe in the middle of the dash. I particularly like Audi's fantastic Virtual Cockpit 12.3in screen which is in place of the traditional analogue instruments. Rear seat passengers also have it easy, you could have a party back and no one would notice! The 6th and 7th passengers will be fine too, as long as they don’t have long legs. Full loaded with people, there’s 770ltrs of space in in the boot, but with all the seats lowered you have a massive 1955ltrs of space. That’s enough to have a couple of 6ft2”, 19stone buffoons lay side by side. And if the said buffoon want to sit up, well there’s enough height for that, too. 54
THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE
