(Mon 19 Apr 10)

The new Audi Q7 SUV range is available to order now with a fresh line-up of engines and transmissions. All versions now come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, and although there is still a three-litre turbo diesel engine in the range, it's a very different unit from the one it replaces.

For a start, it's 20kg lighter. Maximum power is 237bhp, and Q7s fitted with it have a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds (compared with the previous 8.5 seconds). CO2 emissions on the official test have been improved to 195g/km, thanks partly to a start/stop system. The more expensive 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel can't match the standard version for CO2 emissions, but is much better in terms of oxides of nitrogen, and in fact meets European emissions regulations which are not due to come into force until 2014.

The 335bhp 4.2-litre TDI turbo diesel now has combined fuel economy of 30.7mpg, up from 28.5mpg, giving a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

Both the 3.6- and the 4.2-litre petrol engines have been replaced by a new supercharged three-litre, already seen in the S4 and A6. It's available in 268bhp and 328bhp forms, respectively more power than was available in the old 3.6 and 4.2. Official combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions are 26.4mpg and 249g/km in each case.

As usual with Audi, the Q7 is available in standard, SE and S line trim levels. Prices range from £40,135 for the standard 3.0 TDI to £54,055 for the 4.2 TDI S line. The extraordinary 6.0 TDI V12 is still available in its previous form.

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