Audi Clean Diesel – My Impressions of the Q7 TDI

April 29, 2009

If you are a car enthusiast you will always anticipate what will be next on the market and no matter how often it happens, you get a little excited when new products become available. Well I am a car enthusiast and I love for new technologies and new Audi Models to become available so I can see them and try them first hand.





I have had about a week to enjoy the Q7 TDI Clean Diesel Demo and I have to say, “what a fantastic vehicle!” I want to leave the precise specifications out and leave this to in seat driving impressions.When first seeing the Q7 Diesel you would not be able to tell it apart from its 3.6L or the 4.2L Gas powered counterparts unless you saw the TDI badge on the lower right rear of the tailgate. (The huge TDI + Clean Diesel stickers that encapsulate our demo are not standard!) When sitting in the TDI Q7 you will notice that all the interior trim is identical to the gas powered version as well. As you could well imagine the differentiation from a Gas & Diesel powered vehicle comes in the driving characteristics and performance. I put the key in the ignition of the Q7 and turned it; I was amazed. Everything that you have known of diesel is gone. The engine turned over with ease, it was as quiet as a gas engine and there was no evidence from the tailpipes of diesel injection.





I shifted the transmission from park to drive and pulled out of the parking lot, now as you would expect from a Q7 it was smooth and the turning radius was tight. Easing the TDI out of the lot I got to the stop sign and as Q7’s do, their stopping power is impressive. I watched the cars pass in both directions as I waited for an opening in the traffic, not knowing how the Diesel Q7 would accelerate. A moment later I got my chance and I pressed down on the accelerator pedal and “WOW!” is all I can say. The Q7 TDI took off with great force and in no time I was at cruising speed.





With a feeling in my stomach that I can’t explain I knew I was hooked on diesel power. The transmission shifted through its gears without any feeling of transition as the engine kept a steady 1,400 RPM and had ample power at all speeds. In traffic the Q7 TDI was very easy to drive and the engine was quiet and felt confident. Knowing the Diesel Q7 was great at speeds below 50 MPH I transitioned onto the highway. Again accelerating, I put my foot into it reaching highway speeds, amazingly no smoke out of the tailpipes and the torque was smooth and very strong through the entire power band.




I was extremely impressed with every aspect of the Audi Q7 Clean Diesel and at highway speeds it was agile and felt nimble with its S-Line suspension and 20″ five spoke wheels. What can I say, I was hooked from the beginning. Long before driving it even, and merely from reading reviews from European Car and Driver magazines over a year ago I couldn’t wait for its arrival. Now after experiencing Audi Clean Diesel TDI first hand, I believe it is the most efficient form of combustion we have available at this time. It goes without saying that the fuel economy is incredible and that the engine longevity is historically longer then that of a gas engine due to fewer moving parts. The luxury and performance aspect of Diesel power can not be forgotten because they are outstanding.






I am excited for advancements in the automotive field and I am excited for Audi Clean Diesel TDI technology in North America. I encourage you to go out and drive the TDI Clean Diesel for yourself and let me know what you think. Next on Audi’s menu is the 2.0T Diesel expected to reach 50 MPG on the highway and slated for arrival in 2010. Like always, thank you for taking the time to stop by and read, and I encourage you to leave feedback and impressions of your car whether it is gas or diesel powered Audi or not.

Related posts:

1. A3 TDI® Clean Diesel // Audi Knows Green
2. Audi Sets Pricing for 2010 A3 TDI® Clean Diesel
3. Audi Clean Diesel – TDI Fuel Economy
4. Audi Clean Diesel – TDI Technology
5. 2010 Audi Q7 Diesel TDI – The Best Clean Diesel!

Published in Audi Clean Diesel, Q7 Sport Utility on April 29, 2009

0 Comments