wildbore
21-07-2015, 01:25 PM
So, I went to the Audi Q7 Drive Experience yesterday to have a look a the new Q7 and have a quick drive. I wish I hadn't. I was pretty chuffed with the tech in my FL A6 until I got inside the Q7. Audi seem to have nailed the in-car tech with this new car.
I didn't get to try much of the tech, but this is summary of what I heard and / or tried out:
The new "display" dash is brilliant (also in the TT; I don't know what they are calling it officially) but - essentially - backed up with a central screen, too.
The new touchpad is huge and a thing of beauty: you actually want to use it, whereas I haven't used my touchad at all really, it is just too small and fiddly.
The ACC now has a Speed Limit function (much missed by me since moving over from MB).
There is traffic jam assist, which resolves the frustration of ACC dropping out of "Automatic Go" mode after only 3 seconds.
Self parking has been improved so that it can now park in a space you nominate instead of having to let the system find one itself (not a feature I have used on mine, but when I tried it, I thought it wasn't up to much).
The Side Assist system now also works when the car is stationary to warn you when you go to open a door if there is an approaching car or bicycle (neat!).
The HUD is crisper and clearer and is fully sunk into the dash (couldn't work out how to configure its display options).
Speed limit display worked better (just a short drive but seemed to be better)
Eco-coasting function on the auto box.
Predictive Cruise Control (and ACC?) that slows the car for a bend and then accelerates back up to the preset speed on the straights.
Improved Lane Assist (not sure in what way).
Reversing towing assistance: you tell the car what line you want the trailer to follow (where you want it to end up) and it steers the car accordingly
Etc. Etc. Etc.
The whole package is so slick to use compared to mine. Pah! Need to start saving for a C8.
The only thing that stopped me wanting to just swap cars on the spot was that I don't like the Q7 as a package at all, although the new car, whilst no looker, at least doesn't look like an ugly "Get out of my way, peasants" type of barge in the way that the current one does.
I didn't get to try much of the tech, but this is summary of what I heard and / or tried out:
The new "display" dash is brilliant (also in the TT; I don't know what they are calling it officially) but - essentially - backed up with a central screen, too.
The new touchpad is huge and a thing of beauty: you actually want to use it, whereas I haven't used my touchad at all really, it is just too small and fiddly.
The ACC now has a Speed Limit function (much missed by me since moving over from MB).
There is traffic jam assist, which resolves the frustration of ACC dropping out of "Automatic Go" mode after only 3 seconds.
Self parking has been improved so that it can now park in a space you nominate instead of having to let the system find one itself (not a feature I have used on mine, but when I tried it, I thought it wasn't up to much).
The Side Assist system now also works when the car is stationary to warn you when you go to open a door if there is an approaching car or bicycle (neat!).
The HUD is crisper and clearer and is fully sunk into the dash (couldn't work out how to configure its display options).
Speed limit display worked better (just a short drive but seemed to be better)
Eco-coasting function on the auto box.
Predictive Cruise Control (and ACC?) that slows the car for a bend and then accelerates back up to the preset speed on the straights.
Improved Lane Assist (not sure in what way).
Reversing towing assistance: you tell the car what line you want the trailer to follow (where you want it to end up) and it steers the car accordingly
Etc. Etc. Etc.
The whole package is so slick to use compared to mine. Pah! Need to start saving for a C8.
The only thing that stopped me wanting to just swap cars on the spot was that I don't like the Q7 as a package at all, although the new car, whilst no looker, at least doesn't look like an ugly "Get out of my way, peasants" type of barge in the way that the current one does.