Caravan Insurance

Audi has announced it is to enter the large off roader market with the launch of an SUV.

The Audi Q7 will be released in July, and is seen as a challenge to market leading models such as the BMW X5, Mercedes M-Class and Volvo XC90.

The Q7 is broadly based on a VW Touareg and comes with the choice of two engines, the 344 bhp 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol and the 230 bhp 3.0 V6 TDI diesel.

Air-suspension comes as standard on both models and the vehicle uses five-point adjustable dampers to deal with any terrain thrown at it.

The Q7 lacks a low-range gearbox for sticky situations but does have hill descent control and an ESP stability system that is specially adapted for off-road use.

Seven seats are fitted as standard on the vehicle, with the rear pair easily detachable.

The A7 offers a 775-litre boot capacity in five-seat mode, while in seven-seat formation capacity is 330 litres, 81 litres larger than the Volvo XC90.

The dashboard is very similar to the Audi A6 Avant with chrome trim and a Multi Media Interface (MMI) control system.

The vehicle comes with the choice of standard, SE or S line trim.