AUDI has confirmed it will build a sport utility vehicle for sale in 2006 badged Q7 based on the Audi Pikes Peak Quattro concept car unveiled at last year’s Detroit motor show.

Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of management at Audi, said: ‘The Q denotes a new type family within our company, alongside A, S and RS. The 7 indicates that it is positioned between the A6 and A8.’

The five-door seven-seater will have the qualities of an off-roader with the ‘dynamism of an Audi’ and the company claims it will offer class-leading cabin space.