7 Heaven

SHORTER and lighter, but roomier and better. Very much better, in fact, so much so that the new Audi Q7 virtually leads its segment in terms of weight, driveability and assistance systems. The first Q7 full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle was launched here nine years ago and its long shelf life means the handsome crossover with its strong premium positioning and seven-seat functionality was eventually overtaken by other cars in its class.

But that also allows the second-generation Q7 with its suite of innovations and handling abilities to not only feel very different but also leapfrog the competition.

For 2015, the more chiselled Audi Q7 has cut eight mm off its wheelbase and used aluminium and even polymers to shed up to 325 kg to be the lightest in its class. Yet, the German carmaker has managed to optimise the interior packaging and make the cabin more spacious. The third row of seats easily accommodates a pair of six-footers, with sufficient luggage space behind them for a suitcase.