I have to admit to having more than just a small soft spot for diesel engines.  There are three main reasons for this.  Firstly, diesels tend to be a bit more forgiving if you select too high a gear in a manual and are less likely to stall in the middle of a busy intersection if you’re in third when you ought to be in second.  Secondly, they tend to have lots of low-end torque, which is what you need for towing and for fast acceleration (don’t you just love the feeling of acceleration?).  Thirdly, they have the possibility to be run on a blend of “regular” crude oil-based diesel and biodiesel.  Diesel is often cheaper than petrol, too.  Not that the comparative prices of petrol and diesel will come into play with those opting for a luxury SUV like the 2014 Audi Q7 Diesel!  So I’ve got more than just a sneaking fondness for the diesel variant of the Q7 right from the start.

A torque fanatic like me is probably going to opt for the larger of the two Audi Q7 Diesels out there: the 4.2 TDI Quattro, as this has a whole lotta twist (800 Nm of it) right where I like to have it best: right at the bottom end in the 1750–2750 rpm range.  This turbocharged V8 diesel unit’s power figures are pretty good, too, hitting the peak of 250 kW at 4000.  In practical terms, harnessed to a larger vehicle like the Q7, this adds up to a 0–100 km/h sprint time of 6.4 seconds, which is surprisingly good for something that’s capable of carrying seven people in comfort and style.  The smaller of the two Audi Q7 Diesels is still pretty scrumptious, what with the 3.0 TDI having “only” 550 Nm of torque at the same low level and 180 kW of power in the 3800–4400 rpm range.  The smaller 3.0 V6 turbodiesel is able to do the zero-to-hero sprint in 7.8 seconds.  (Just for comparison, there are Massey-Fergusson tractors trundling around farms in Australia with less torque than either of these.)  The makers pretty much expect that you’re going to be towing with the larger Audi Q7 Diesel: tow hitch preparation comes as standard on this variant (but the towbar itself has to be bought separately). Braked towing capacity for all Audi Q7 Diesel variants is 3200 kg – enough to pull the average rhinoceros.  Roof rails add to the carrying capacity of the Audi Q7 Diesel, and it’s pretty easy to get to whatever’s in the back via the electrically opening and closing tailgate.

You would think that in a large vehicle with a biggish engine like either of the Audi Q7 Diesels, you’d be churning out a lot of emissions and going through the diesel like nobody’s business.  This isn’t the case, probably thanks to the new ethos of many German manufacturers in response to the tighter emission standards of the EU.  The 3.0 has a combined fuel economy figure of 7.4 L/100 km and puts out 195 g/km of CO2; the bigger 4.2 consumes 9.2 L/100 km and put out 242 g/kg. The smaller of the two diesels has Stop/Start function, which helps the fuel consumption figure look even better.

Naturally, in a larger vehicle with a decent bit of ground clearance like the Audi Q7 Diesel, you’d expect a bit of offroad ability (especially if you’re using that torque for towing a caravan or a horse float).  This is an Audi, so of course you get it, thanks to the famous Quattro 4×4 drivetrain.  This takes instructions from the engine via an 8-speed tiptronic transmission.

Torque is need for acceleration, which you can really feel when the force involved presses you back into your seat.  This is certainly no hardship in the Audi Q7 Diesel.  It wouldn’t ever really be a hardship to accelerate like this but when you are being pushed back into leather-trimmed electric seats with lumbar support (plus heating and a memory function in the 4.2 TDI), it’s pure pleasure.  Other little and not-so-little treats that make driving in the Audi Q7 Diesel very pleasant include one of the most comprehensive stability packages out there (on-road and off-road function for the ABS, ASR (anti-skid resistance), EBD, EDL (electronic differential lock with), roll stability protection, brake assist and brake prefill), speed-sensitive steering, a parking system with a reversing camera (and a forward camera on the 4.2 TDI) and cruise control. The leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel simply begs you to wrap your fingers around it. The other thing that will help keep you comfortable inside the Audi Q7 Diesel is the automatic air-con system (four-zone climate control in the 4.2 TDI).

In the entertainment and communications department, the 4.2 wins it hands down, as this comes standard with Audi Connect, which includes a mobile Wifi hotspot, digital TV reception and a 14-speaker BOSE surround sound system.  However, both examples of the Audi Q7 Diesel have an excellent hard-drive navigation system, Bluetooth preparation and a 7-inch colour multimedia display screen.

Needless to say, the Audi Q7 Diesel looks good.  Audi always fits their vehicles with very classy looking LED running lights, and the Q7 is no exception, with the Xenon plus headlights surrounded by the little LEDs which are brighter than you would think.  The rear lights also use LED technology and look just as striking.  The overall appearance of the Audi Q7 Diesel is strong, smooth and forward-looking, perched on either 18-inch alloys (3.0 TDI) or 21-inch alloys (4.2 TDI).

Current model series include:

• Audi Q7 Diesel 3.0 TDI
• Audi Q7 Diesel 4.2 TDI

For any more information on the Audi Q7 Diesel, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Audi dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!