Two to go
The big Audi Q7 has a new and efficient two-litre engine option.
THE Audi Q7 2.0 may not be the most expensive two-litre model in Singapore (that distinction belongs to the Jaguar XJ) but it is certainly the biggest. For the first time, Audi's full-sized seven-seater sport-utility-vehicle has an engine that is no larger than one found in a mid-sized sedan and it is brilliant.
One reason is that this second-generation luxury SUV has adhered to the company's lightweight construction philosophy with a vengeance. The carmaker, best known for its aluminium space frame technology, has not only blended the alloy with high-strength steel for the Q7 body but also polymer.
As a result, the Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic weighs in at 1,975 kg - the first time the Q7 has gone below the two-tonne mark. This is 55 kg less than the Q7 3.0-litre V6, which has until now, been the standard engine variant for this capacious crossover. With its lower kerb weight, the 2.0's turbocharged engine with a generous 252 hp and 370 Nm allows for brisk progress. Zero to 100 kmh takes 7.1 seconds, or close to hot hatch territory.
There is even welcome aural accompaniment for this family car, with the engine emitting a sporty grunt under acceleration.
This two-litre petrol engine is basically the same unit found in the A7 Sportback 2.0, but instead of a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, the Q7 gets an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission to drive all four wheels in typical Audi quattro permanent all-wheel-drive fashion.
With its extra ratio and torque converter, the auto transmission delivers silken gear changes. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles cater for manual changes that are as smooth.
The steering itself feels lighter than the one in the 3.0 V6 though.
It is a conventional set-up, unlike the 3.0's all-wheel-steering feature. Also different is that the Q7 2.0 uses steel suspension, unlike the bigger Q7's air suspension.
Nevertheless, the Q7 2.0 handles well for a car that is 1.74 metres high (unchanged), with good driveability for a big SUV. Part of the reason is that overall length is 36 mm less at 5,052 mm, with the wheelbase cut by 8mm to 2,994.
Yet, the interior has been optimised for improved spaciousness. The second row of seats with adjustable seatback can slide forward to increase third row legroom such that two six-footers are able to sit comfortably with sufficient headroom.
But while the last row's seatbacks are power retractable, the second row seats have to be lifted to gain access to the rear. It's almost as much effective as a kettlebell workout, except there's a painful possibility of catching your fingers in the release latch.
Of course, the sheer roominess of the Q7 - which includes luggage space for a suitcase when the third row is in use - outweighs all of that. Plus the fact that the Q7's new interior design architecture has created an aesthetically pleasing cabin.
The attractive dashboard is an unbroken line of air-con louvres, crowned by an ultra-slim MMI centre screen that can disappear into the dashtop if so desired.
The Q7 also boasts the latest virtual cockpit, with virtual meters that shrink or expand against a map background, as well as the upsized MMI touchpad featuring haptic feedback and programmable buttons. Like the crisp lines of the exterior, everything about the interior is clean and elegant. This Audi is both big and beautiful.
SPECS
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic
Engine 1,984cc inline-4 turbocharged
Gearbox 8-speed automatic transmission
Max power 252 hp @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max torque 370 Nm @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
0-100 kmh 7.1 secs
Top speed 233 kmh
CO2 emissions 172 g/km
Average OMV S$59,000
Price S$304,600 (with COE)
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