AT prices ranging between £54,940 and £57,840 the new Audi A7 Sportback will reappear in the UK Audi model portfolio from April and will be looking to attract business users via technology and connectivity.

In looks the latest A7 Sportback draws inspiration from the Audi prologue concept study that spearheaded the introduction of the new Audi design language.

Compared with the previous model, interior length has increased by 21mm resulting in more rear knee and head room. A three-seat rear bench is standard for UK models, and when its backrest is fully stowed the luggage compartment capacity expands from 535 litres to 1,390 litres.

In common with the A8 the communications hub of the new A7 Sportback is a new MMI touch response operating concept based around 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower touchscreen displays. These replace the rotary controller and satellite button system used by the previous model.

There is a broad range of convenience, safety and customisation technologies with up to seven drivers able to store their preferred settings, while 400 parameters can be personalised.

Online services from Audi connect have been expanded to include features such as the traffic sign and hazard information Car-to-X services, which utilise the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet.

By activating the parking pilot and garage pilot, which will be introduced in stages from 2018, the driver can manoeuvre autonomously into and out of a parking space or garage via a smartphone app without having to sit in the car.

An efficiency assistant facilitates a driving style conducive to reducing consumption while the adaptive driving assistant (ADA), which supplements the adaptive cruise assist with helpful steering interventions designed to keep the car in its marked lane. All driver assistance systems feature improved control mechanisms.

Initial UK range is based around two specification levels – Sport and S line – and two engines.

The 55 TFSI is powered by a petrol V6 TFSI offering 340PS and 500Nm. In terms of efficiency, up to 40.4mpg combined is possible, with a CO2 low of 158g/km.

A 50 TDI variant is also available, utilising a V6 TDI diesel that delivers 286PS and 620Nm of torque. Combined fuel consumption peaks at 50.4mpg, corresponding to 147g/km of CO2.

New Audi A7 in brief

• New Audi A7 Sportback now available to order priced from £54,940 OTR, with first deliveries expected in April
• Available as a 55 TFSI (3.0 TFSI V6 petrol with 340PS and 500Nm) or 50 TDI (3.0 TDI diesel with 286PS and 620Nm)
• A7 Sportback 50 TDI quattro: 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed 155mph, combined MPG 50.4 (19-inch wheel), CO2 147g/km (19-inch wheel)
• A7 Sportback 55 TFSI quattro: 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, top speed 155mph, combined MPG 40.4 (19-inch wheel), CO2 158g/km (19-inch wheel)
• All-digital control system, comprehensive connectivity, mild hybrid technology
• Sport and S line specification options