By Khulekani Dumisa

Recently we spent time with the refreshed Audi Q7 45 TDI. Outside, the family friendly SUV, in the S-Line trim, offers a new blacked out grille with silver vertical slats, and a chrome blade across the front bumper. Matrix LED lights with a lighting display and new technology for enhanced illumination are also offered. At the back, a chrome strip sits beneath the Q7’s LED tail lights.

Interior

Inside, the interior remains largely unchanged but the Q7 gets a new infotainment which is integrated into the dash along with the climate control screen that sits below it.The interior is solidly built and its quality is near top of the segment. The tech and how it’s delivered is also impressive. The three screens (odometer, infotainment and climate control) seem like an overkill initially but they work well together. The reverse camera could be clearer though.

The biggest sell remains space with the SUV seating up to 7 and proving up to 2,050 litres of cargo space. Something to note is that the car has hatch rivalling boot space with all the 7 seats up. You could notionally do groceries and pack them in the boot with all 7 seats up. Impressive.

Power and drive

A V6 turbodiesel engine making 183kW/600Nm moves the Q7 from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds but feels more rapid in real life. Improving comfort and manoeuvrability are the optional air suspension and four-wheel steering which take the Q7 experience a few notches up.

The ride quality is extremely plush. At low speeds you are cushioned from the imperfections of the harsh SA roads thanks to the air suspension which does seem to get unsettled on really bad surfaces.Power coming from the 183kW V6 engine is more than adequate and does not come at the expense of fuel consumption. The wheel feels direct and responsive, and moving about town is easy courtesy of the all-wheel steering.

Final word

We have enjoyed spending time with the refreshed Audi Q7. It appears that no effort has been spared in making it a truly great luxury SUV. Your family should really enjoy every kilometre spent inside the refreshed Q7. We would seriously consider the Q7 when looking in this segment.