Audi Q7 TDI is a Clean, Green, Diesel Machine

When Audi introduced its Q7 SUV a few years ago, it was notable because of its attractive styling and very good (for a large SUV) driving characteristics.

The good news is that for the 2010 model year, those qualities are retained.

The better news is that now, the Q7 is available with Audi's TDI diesel technology, which brings greatly improved fuel economy.

If you're familiar with Audi's recent products, you probably are aware of the LED headlights that resemble a bejeweled necklace, and you probably like it.

Well, you can like it on the Q7 also.

Another thing to admire on the Q7 is the optional 20-inch wheels that give a boost to the exterior styling.

The wheel base, more than 118 inches, provides a nice, smooth ride.

The engine, a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder, is powered by Audi's turbo diesel technology, which gives power that will make you think you've got a V-8 under the hood.

Audi says the engine makes 280 horsepower.

But you will certainly realize you don't have a thirsty V-8 when you look at your fuel economy.

In a week of city and highway driving, the Q7 TDI tester got around 23 mpg.

Sure, these days you'll pay a fair bit more for diesel fuel than you will for gasoline, but with a cruising range of around 600 miles, you won't seem to notice because you'll go so long between fill-ups.

That's admirable for a vehicle this size.

And speaking of size, the interior of the Q7 is quite roomy.

There are three rows of seats, and while the middle row offers a pretty good amount of legroom, the third row is pretty tight and therefore would really only work for kid seating.

But the cargo storage capacity of the Q7 is ample. With the middle and last rows of seating folded, you could haul almost as much as you could in a pickup truck.

There is also storage space under the floor.

For convenience, the power hatch door opens and closes with the push of a button, and does so quicker than on most vehicles, which is handy.

Audi says the Q7 receives a five-star safety rating, which helps give you peace of mind for hauling the family around.

The Q7 TDI is priced at right around $60,000, but for a big, luxurious, green-friendly vehicle (remember, diesels have lower emissions), it's not a bad deal.