Audi reveals updated Q7 range

Audi has issued the first official images and details of its updated Q7 SUV line-up, and headlining the upgrades are some mild cosmetic tweaks and more efficient diesel engines.

Visual changes include a redesigned front grille and restyled bumpers incorporating new integrated under-body protectors. In addition, there are new door mouldings and LED tail-lights to further differentiate the 2009 model.

Local trim and spec levels are yet to be announced, but base models are likely to gain 19-inch alloy wheels as standard (they currently come with 18-inchers), while the top-spec models score LED indicators and new U-shaped 'wraparound' LED daytime running lights built into standard xenon headlamps.

A host of detail enhancements inside, most notably to the instrument cluster, switchgear, lighting and interior colour schemes are said to improve cabin ambience.

Tech upgrades include a new 3.0-litre TDI engine incorporating what's claimed to be the world's cleanest diesel technology.

According to Audi, the 3.0 TDI uses an 'AdBlue' additive to eradicate virtually all harmful nitrous oxides from emissions, and it already meets stringent EU6 emissions applicable from 2014.

Like the rest of the engine range -- including 3.6 FSI V6 and 4.2 FSI V8 direct-injection petrol units and the beefy 4.2 TDI V8 and 6.0 TDI diesels -- the new clean-burning 3.0-litre TDI unit is backed up by a new energy recovery system that allegedly helps reduce CO2 emissions by up to 5g/km.

During braking and coasting phases the system converts mechanical energy into electric energy via the alternator and stores it within the battery to reduce the load on the engine.

Audi quotes an overall consumption figure of 8.9L/100km for the Q7 3.0 TDI quattro models equipped with the new TDI 'clean diesel' unit backed up by the energy recuperation technology.

The benefits of recuperation are also evident in the 4.2 TDI, which enjoys a fuel economy boost from 11.0L/100km to 10.0L/100km, despite an increase in power from 240kW to 250kW.

In the petrol camp, the 3.6 FSI V6 consumes 12.1L/100km on the combined cycle, according to Audi, while the 4.2 FSI burns through a not-excessive 12.7L/100km.

As is the case now, all engines transmit their power via a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission mated to Audi's familiar quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system, which directs drive to front and rear axles in a 40:60 split.

The existing Q7 found 354 buyers during the first quarter of this year, making it the third-best-selling vehicle in the luxury SUV category. Topping the list are the BMW X5 (860 sales) and Lexus RX (723 sales).

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