Audi has plonked three new six-cylinder engines and an eight-speed automatic transmission into the massive Q7 SUV. Though not at the same time obviously.

First off there's a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol unit in two outputs: 268- and 328bhp. Both labelled 3.0 TFSI, they boast 295- and 325lb.ft respectively and give the Q7 either a 7.9-second 0-62mph sprint or a 6.9-second time.

Both 'are content with' 26.4mpg combined (Audi's words). We're glad to hear that, though we think you might be more content with the 38.2mpg of the other new engine, a 3.0-litre TDI V6 diesel.

That unit 'has effectively nothing in common with its predecessor,' and develops 238bhp. More importantly, it musters up 406lb.ft at just 1,750rpm. It enables a 7.9-second 0-62mph from the Q7 and a 134mph max speed. Its 195g/km CO₂ output places it in Band J, commanding £235 per year and an eye-watering £425 extra in first-year 'showroom tax'.

Both engines (or all three, if you like) return marked efficiency gains over their forebears, with the petrol version replacing the 3.6 and 4.2 TFSI units. The diesel is 19 percent cleaner than the old 3.0-litre TDI apparently.

The eight-cylinder 4.2-litre TDI remains, albeit with more torque now (590lb.ft up from 560) and better economy by a few mpg. The V12 TDI is still hanging around too, cocksure in the knowledge it's the most powerful diesel SUV in the world, capable of tearing Satan's trousers off in third gear.

All V6 and V8 Q7s come as standard with a new eight-speed auto 'box, based on the old six-speed unit but with a couple of cogs added for lower consumption.

Audi's UK arm is yet to confirm timing and prices for the revised range, though expect incremental increases.

Mark Nichol - 9 Apr 2010