Hard to believe that it’s already facelift time for the big Audi Q7. Audi’s first ever SUV has received a mild makeover in many areas including exterior and interior. A new front bumper with a single frame and vertical chrome accents, new side sills and underbody protection, different fender flares and LED front and taillights make up the bulk of the changes.That means now the whole Audi range has LED lights, except the current A8 which is due for replacement in 2010.
The interior is also different to include a new dashboard cluster, ambient lighting on the doors and more chrome.
Most of the engines remain the same in the form of the 3.6-litre petrol V6 worth 206kW and 360Nm, the 4.2-litre petrol V8 making 257kW and 440Nm, a 3.0-litre TDI which is good for 176kW and 550Nm and finally the 4.2-litre TDI V8 which does a hefty 250kW and 760Nm.
I took the TDI V8 for a spin in 2008 and I must say, more power than that might be insane but it’s nevertheless quite welcome. The car took off on a straight line like fake DVDs in China. Even going uphill proved to be effortless for the powerful Q7. Moreover it averaged only 13.3 litres of diesel per 100km.
Most-awaited is the V12 TDI with its 6.0-litre turbodiesel engine. When it’s released it should prove to be the most powerful diesel SUV in the world with 368kW, and certainly the one with the most torque at 1000Nm from 1750rpm. Audi says it will travel from 0 – 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.
The facelifted Q7 range is expected in Mzansi later on in the year or in the first quarter of 2010 along with the new V12 TDI.
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