Audi Q7 SUV (2006 - 2014) 3.0 TDI (245bhp) Quattro 5d Tip Auto (2012/62) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Nothing good I suspect. Something between a footballer or drug dealer. This depends on the model but mine has the blacked out windows and giant wheels. I love the way it looks but have no illusions as to what others might think.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They like the look but not one person has found the seats particularly comfortable. It is the first car I have ever had to buy a seat cushion for my wife as it causes her serious back problems on a long journey. Even I don't find it that good.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No the seats are not comfortable. The previous Volvo seats were wonderful but even my Ferrari 360 has much more comfortable seats which I did not expect. The mileage is also poor. It does not get anywhere near the quoted mileage.

What are you likely to buy next?

No idea. Probably a Maserati Gran Turismo or Porsche 911 as I will not need to ferry the kids around as much. If I need another 4x4 I might look at the new diesel Cayenne.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£60,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not relevant.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I have wanted a Q7 for some time but it was not economical enought. The 2013 revisions made it much better though still not good by any means. Ignore the 38mpg quoted for the 245 if you drive very sedately you will get 32mpg with a fair bit of motorway miles. Strangely the economy seems about the same when driving around town.

What was the dealer like?

This was a lease car. I am not a fan of Audi main dealers normally. Having said that the chap who did the handover at Brighton Audi was excellent.

What's it like to drive?

I think it is excellent to drive. Corners like car with good stiff suspension. Very smooth on the motorway and ridiculously quiet. The diesel engine sounds lovely too. In my opinion it is very quick as well. I have the S-Line plus and would caution you to always have two hands on the wheel on the motorway as when it hits a dip or bump the weight of the car could easily pull the steering out of one hand. It is massive. Parking is a pain and car parking spaces are too small in the UK.

What's it like to park?

Fine if the space is big enough. You have plenty of tools to help though it is annoying how dirty the reversing camera gets. Forget standard UK spaces. I have lost count of the time I have returned to find other cars have parked a foot away from mine meaning it's physically impossible to get in the car on the drivers side. Also the alloys on the S-line plus stick out far too much. If you think you will rub tyres on the kerb you will in fact destroy the alloys instead.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It's early days but the first 7000 miles have been trouble free.

What's most practical about your car?

The seven seats or boot when the rear most seats are down. The car has a go anywhere feel to it. There is a lot of criticism about SUVs being chelsea tractors and useless off road but during the rains this year the stable yards have become foot deep mud and the Audi has not problem at all.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Too many to mention but I will give it a go: 1. Reversing camera 2. Bose stereo 3. On board wi-fi 4. Bluetooth telephone connection. 5. Jukebox.