THE seven-seat Audi Q7 SUV has new version of its 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine which brings lower emissions, higher power and torque and improved performance and fuel economy.

The even more efficient 2008 Model Year Q7 3.0 TDI quattro, which is also now equipped with an exhaust-cleansing Diesel Particulate Filter, is available for order in standard, SE and S line trim priced from £38,075 on the road.

The new model forms part of a Q7 development programme which also includes petrol/electric hybrid versions that cut fuel consumption and emissions by more than 20 per cent.

The upgraded V6 TDI engine benefits from enhancements that boost combined cycle fuel economy to 34.9mpg, reduce CO2 output to 260g/km and bring down the 0-62mph time to 8.5 seconds. Power rises from 233 horsepower to 240, As well as exploring the possibilities opened up by second generation future fuels' such as the biomass-to-liquid (BTL) SunFuel, Audi is also testing fully operational prototypes running on bioethanol (E85), CNG (compressed natural gas) and petrol/electric hybrid power. Adui says the Q7 hybrid is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2008, combining its familiar 280 horsepower 3.6-litre FSI petrol engine with an electric motor powered by a 288-volt nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, which adds a further 51 horsepower.

Audi says the Q7 hybrid will cut fuel consumption, and therefore CO2 output, by approximately 23 per cent compared with the current Q7 3.6 FSI.

The capacity of the NiMH battery allows the vehicle to be driven up to 1.2 miles on purely electrical power