(Wed 15 Apr 09)

Audi has facelifted the Q7 SUV for the 2010 model year (which actually starts in July this year) and added a new Clean Diesel 3.0 TDI engine to the range.

The Clean Diesel meets European emissions regulations due to come into force in 2014, and has been designed to reduce the output of oxides of nitrogen virtually to zero thanks to the injection of an additive called AdBlue which converts NOx (horrible stuff) into nitrogen and water (harmless stuff).

Opting for Clean Diesel means a price increase of £1500 over the standard 3.0 TDI. That engine, along with all the others available with the Q7, now registers better official fuel economy and CO2 figures thanks to the introduction of an energy recuperation system; this works by recharging the alternator during braking and coasting, and therefore saving load on the engine, the end result being a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 5g/km.

The entire range has been mildly restyled both inside and out, and the SE and S line trim levels have been revised. SE cars now have 19" wheels rather than 18" ones, S lines come with front-seat heating, xenon headlights and daytime running lights, and in each case Bluetooth phone preparation now comes as standard.

The only significant engine change, other than the introduction of Clean Diesel, is that the 4.2-litre TDI now produces 335bhp, rather than 322bhp as before.

Prices for the regular models range from £38,575 for the 3.0 TDI in standard trim to £50,625 for the 4.2 FSI S line. Sitting above all these is the 493bhp six-litre V12 TDI, which has its own trim level and costs £94,850.

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