Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro S line (245ps) 5dr Car Review - January 2012

As you'd expect from a powerful three litre TDI engine, the acceleration from 0-60 is a brisk 6.3 seconds, and with a top speed of 155mph even those who travel regularly on the German autobahns without their speed limits will have nothing to complain about. The luxurious cabin will make the driving experience easy and enjoyable, and the power of the Audi is transmitted efficiently to the road. Heated power seats come as standard, so even driving on a cold morning is a pleasurable and enjoyable experience.

If there is one quibble to be had with this version of the A7 Sportback, the steering of the car doesn't deliver too much feedback to the driver, and this does affect the driving experience as a whole. However, this isn't too much of a problem for most people, as they will still enjoy the driving experience as a whole in the comfortable and powerful car.

The A7 Sportback may be referred to as the car offering more space, but it looks more like a coupe than the traditional hatchback. The A7 is an attractive and sleekly designed car, and clearly has taken many cues from the German school of car design that Audi belongs to. Inside, the cabin is refined and luxurious, and the console is typical of what people can expect from Audi vehicles, although some may find that they can be a little fiddly.

The A7 is at the larger end of the executive market, and five people can be accommodated in complete luxury with plenty of space available. Features such as the satellite navigation and cruise control are standard in many of Audi's vehicles, but the hands free mobile phone kit as standard is a pleasant bonus for business people.

The A7 Sportback is a large car, and the larger boot offered by the hatchback boot does mean it can carry more than the standard saloon boats. The space and the storage to be found in the cabin is also ample, and the satellite navigation means that getting lost will also be a thing of the past. Having the integrated system is much more convenient than having a separate satellite navigation system, and also adds to the security of the vehicle, by reducing how attractive it is to thieves.

There are a number of safety systems which are in place and the range of airbags including the curtain airbags help to look after the passengers. The integrated tyre pressure monitoring systems will help drivers to ensure that they aren't driving on tyres that are dangerous, and can warn of any impending problems. The A7 comes with the three year warranty and three years roadside breakdown cover.

The A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro S line (245ps) is at the top of the range of this model, and there is very little change to be had from £50,000. However, once the car has been purchased then it is quite reasonable to run, offering an average 47.9mpg. Insurance and tax costs may seem quite expensive, but it is competitive when it is stacked up against the A7's rivals.

The competition for the A7 Sportback is usually the Jaguar XF and the BMW 5 series, and the top of the range for the 5 series and the XF are both more expensive than the A7, so this is certainly worth considering for those looking for the most luxurious cars in these class.