How does Audi do it?

Engineering and marketing had their inputs when the brand took its big SUV below $100K

AUDI’S Q7 large SUV line-up now includes a “cheap” model — it’s under $100,000.

Called the 3.0 TDi 160, it looks the same as the other 3.0 TDi, the 200, and feels the same from behind the wheel.

It also packs plenty of kit but the diesel engine has been detuned to 160kW/500Nm from the more expensive model’s outputs of 200kW/ 600Nm.

It’s the same engine yet the starting price is down to $96,300 from the TDi 200’s sticker of $103,900.

It’s essentially the same car, too, so the price differential could be just marketing in action to allow Audi a more tempting “entry level’’ Q7. It’s a vehicle that plenty of people aspire to and in base spec is still a cracking good drive.

Some buyers may baulk at $100K so the 160 gives them room to move — until they get to the options packages with features most people really, truly want.

Bang & Olufsen audio adds $14,850 and the highly desirable driver assistance package costs $4075. There’s $20K already.

The 160 doesn’t lack for standard luxury and safety. It comes with the excellent drive select, auto headlights and wipers, leather trim, power front seat adjustment, parking assistance front and rear, reverse camera with cross traffic view, attention assist, hill hold, hill descent control and, most important, Audi pre-sense city — essentially autonomous emergency braking.

This is a new generation of a model that debuted a decade or more ago. It may look smaller and sleeker but that’s an optical illusion — it’s roughly the same in outside dimensions but roomier inside, while 240kg lighter thanks to greater use of aluminium.

It’s a seven-seater with three rows but the third pew is for children under 36kg.

The centre and rear rows fold (powered on row three) to form a large flat load space.

A power tailgate with gesture control makes loading easier. Dual-zone climate control keeps occupants comfortable as does the dust filter.

The dash shows typical Audi class. Functional as well as attractive, it has a dominant 8.3inch infotainment screen. The instrument pod has virtual dials with Audi’s clever duplication of the satnav map between them.

The standard audio is pretty good, so spending more on Bose or B&O upgrades might be overindulgent.

Infotainment and connectivity in the 160 are impressive. The latest iteration of Audi’s MMI setup includes iPhone/Android integration.

Power comes from a 3.0-litre diesel V6 with the turbocharger setup between the cylinder banks. Claimed thirst of 5.8L/100km is astonishing for a 2100kg SUV capable of taking seven people in near silence with a high level of luxury.

Drive is all wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A form of torque vectoring adds an extra degree of primary safety to the vehicle.

The diesel needs AdBlue urea additive to achieve low emission numbers. There’s a tank in the back that Audi servicing refills as required.

DRIVING

The Q7 handles well and has a super comfy ride even without the optional air suspension. It irons out rough roads without flinching and corners flat at speed.

There’s plenty of go from the engine thanks in part to its peak of 500Nm delivered low in the rev range. Easy cruising and rapid overtaking typified travel on country roads where we drove the big Audi.

You could take the 160 on a long interstate run with minimal stops and get out at the other end in pretty good nick.

Off-road driving would be best limited to gravel, snow or sand because it’s not really a bush-bashing rockhopper.

If you were searching for a flaw in the Q7, it might be that the styling is too much like other Audi models.

VERDICT

This is an impressive vehicle combining luxury, economical and safe family motoring. Why there are 160kW and 200kW versions of the same vehicle is something to ponder. Add some option packs to the 160 and it’s the same price as the 200.