The SmartGreen Index, a product of a marketing research firm (Strategic Vision) has released its results from its 2008 study. When looking at luxury SUVs for model years 2008 and 2009, the Audi Q7 comes out on top based on over 44,000 survey respondents. The survey measures quality and overall value as part of the “Smart” aspect and then fuel economy and other environmental issues as part of the “Green” aspect.

“When customers do not have to compromise their desired vehicle styling, roominess, power and price to obtain the best fuel economy and environmental friendliness in class they have made the SmartGreen(SM) choice,” said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision’s automotive division. (Source: PRNewswire)

Here is where there is a little bit of confusion on my part. When looking at premium fuel efficiency, I do not consider a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg green or fuel-efficient. The Audi Q7 3.6 FSI is rated at 14mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway for the combined 16 mpg rating. The 4.2 FSI engine is a little worse with a city rating of 13mpg, a highway rating of 18 mpg and a combined 15 mpg rating. I just do not see the “green” aspect as it relates to fuel efficiency with the Audi Q7.

Subscribe

Filed Under: General

If you enjoyed reading this article... Subscribe to Our Feed