The second-generation Audi Q7 has been on sale since 2015 and some would say it is getting on a bit. A programme of continual improvement has kept it fresh.

The original model was to become a familiar sight on UK roads and was popular with affluent families looking for a large people-mover with go-anywhere capabilities and stylish good looks.

When the Q7 first burst onto the motoring scene back in 2005, it marked a bold step for Audi whose mainstream models were smart, yet conservative in design. The Q7 was big, bold and some would say brash. However, the versatile interior, top notch Audi build quality and powerful, yet frugal diesel engines have ensured that sales remained strong.

Indeed, Q7 has been so successful that it marked the starting point for the ‘Q’ family which now encompasses a raft of different SUV models.

I rate the Q7 very highly and was pleased to have the opportunity to spend a week with one once again. Diesel power is now out of fashion, so the range of petrol engines has increased. My test car was powered by a 340PS turbocharged V6, mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Considering the Q7 weighs over two tonnes, the on-paper performance figures are quite impressive. The 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.6 seconds would shame many sports cars, never mind a family-friendly SUV.

The Q7 and I covered over 500 miles during our all too brief time together and the real-world performance is engaging. Even without resorting to ‘Sport’ mode on the gearbox, the merest twitch of the right foot is enough for brisk overtaking manoeuvres.

The many motorway miles covered were a delight at a leisurely 70mph cruise, the big brute of an engine is barely ticking over and is quite frugal. I achieved 28.5mpg, a little above the German company’s quoted figure. Wind and road noise are well muted too, even with 20-inch alloy wheels.

The Q7 is not all about cruising, as I found out on some of Yorkshire’s finest A and B roads. Select ‘Dynamic’ on the Audi Drive Select menu and there’s fun to be had on the twisty stuff. I wouldn’t recommend any passengers be on board as I doubt they would appreciate the experience...

The Q7 corners quite flat and with grip aplenty from the quattro all-wheel drive system. The ride is mostly comfortable and refined, though deep potholes can send an unseemly crash through the passenger compartment.

As with all Q7 models, the cabin boasts three rows of comfortable leather-clad seats, the rearmost benefitting from a power folding mechanism for ultimate versatility. With the third row carefully tucked away, there is still some 740 litres of luggage space available, this rising to a gargantuan 1,925 litres if only a driver and one passenger are on board.

Large adults can be squeezed into the very back seats, but they are probably best left to younger occupants.
The driving position is spot-on, the vast range of electric seat adjustment sees to that and the commanding driving position is exactly what you would expect with this type of vehicle.

All Q7 models are extremely well equipped, but Audi do offer a very tempting array of options for those with the deepest of pockets. Most buyers will likely add at least £5,000 to £10,000 to the list price.

Looking back over my old Q7 reviews, I can’t help but think that a large diesel engine would still be my choice of power. Greater torque and far superior fuel economy, but the world has moved on, rightly or wrongly. So, if you can live with sub 30mpg being a fixture on the trip computer, then petrol power it is, but rest assured all the other Q7 virtues are there intact in a still appealing package.