Car Statistics: Audi - Q7 Series 06 (4 stars)

Styling (2 stars)

Not Audi's finest hour, but when you're trying to make a five meter, 2.5 tonne off-roader look graceful, the odds really are stacked against you. Looks best from the front.

Handling (4 stars)

Audi's experience with air-suspension means the Q7 drives surprisingly well for such a big brute. Good resistance to body roll and sharp steering.

Comfort (4 stars)

The driving position is hard to fault while those in the back get a good deal thanks to the long wheelbase. It's a bit of a squeeze in the pop-up third-row chairs, but better than rivals.

Quality (5 stars)

Fit and finish is up to Audi's usual high standards, with the cabin particularly impressive - a clear area of superiority over the M Class.

Performance (4 stars)

The 4.2-litre V8 is a corker and gives the Q7 a real turn of speed - at the cost of 10 mpg thirst under hard use. The lively 3.0 litre V6 TDI motor will be where the smart money goes. Other engines follow later.

Roominess (4 stars)

The boot looks shallow but there's actually reasonable room with the third row seats upright - and a huge loadspace with them collapsed.

Costs (3 stars)

Strong residuals should help protect your investment, but the Q7 is still an expensive beast to run - even with the respectably frugal diesel engine. 4.2 V8 should be left to professional footballers or eccentric millionaires.

Value (4 stars)

Relatively high entry-level pricing, but good standard equipment includes air suspension. Options are expensive.

Stereo (4 stars)

Even the most basic Q7 has an eight-speaker Bose set-up that sounds great. The DVD satnav is expensive, but looks great and works instinctively well.