The range is offered with a choice of six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the lowest CO2 emissions are from the 3.0 TDI engines, but it is remarkable that the entry-level 204bhp diesel (using front-wheel drive instead of the Quattro all-wheel drive as deployed in other versions) has CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

This version also has fuel economy of 53.3mpg on the combined cycle.

Audi has achieved this through a stop/start system and energy recuperation technology, although this is fitted across the whole range.

It has also combined aluminium components with steel to reduce weight.

The other diesel, producing 245bhp, has emissions of 158g/km meaning it falls within the 160g/km capital allowance threshold, and with 47.1mpg also seems to have affordable fuel costs.

Audi believes that version will be the most popular and will probably dominate the 1,500 sales expected to go to fleets in a full year.

There are also two petrol versions, both using Quattro all-wheel drive: a 204bhp 2.8 FSI and a 300bhp 3.0 TFSI.

Both engines combined will be of very limited interest to fleet customers and probably total around 300 units of the 3,000 anticipated annual sales.

All cars come with high levels of kit, with leather and sat-nav standard.

The A7 is a four seater, but is a spacious car and is exceptionally comfortable.

It bodes well for the new A6 that the ride is far more compliant that the outgoing A6, even on upgraded 20-inch alloy wheels.

It feels nimble on the road for such a large car and the Sportback name hints at a level of practicality uncommon in cars with a coupé profile.

The tailgate reveals a spacious boot, and the rear seats fold to extend the luggage area to an A4 Avant-rivalling 1,390 litres.

The A7 Sportback offers a slightly different take on the top end of the executive car sector, but has included all the important features from high levels of kit to comparatively low costs to make it a feasible alternative for fleet choice lists.

Verdict

The A7 makes a convincing case for itself in this small niche of executive car alternatives, feeling exclusive and offering practicality and efficiency.