LONG, sleek and low slung, it's what fans of one of the world's most iconic brands have wanted for an age - a Porsche with practicality.

It arrived in the grand touring shape of the Panamera, but originally only with a V8 engine beneath the bonnet.

So Porsche upped the model's appeal, lopping the best part of £15,000 off the price in the process, by introducing a V6-powered version - and it was an extremely smart move.

The engine is a 3.6-litre unit producing 300bhp, so we aren't talking limp performance, and because this is a lighter powerplant and is positioned further back in the chassis, it makes for a more even weight ratio.

Where the Panamera scores serious points is with its practicality - this is no 2+2 like some rivals, but a genuine four-seater sports car.

The model's rear space and legroom is little short of magnificent, something that applies to the boot as well, a benefit perhaps of the slightly bulbous back end design.

Move inside and the cabin is classic Porsche - sumptuous leather trim, hi-tech gadgetry and easily accessible dials, though there's actually nowhere to stow a few CD cases.

Otherwise, everything is planned to precision with even the cup holders being kept out of sight. When you need them they extend out from a narrow slot just above the glovebox.

And the low seating position and equally low-slung steering wheel impart that feeling of being glued to the road.

Fire up the engine and the Panamera V6 may not snarl quite as savagely as the V8, but it still sounds throaty, and as the serious numbers confirm, the car can hit 62mph in a handy 6.3 seconds and boasts the potential for 161mph. Its economy figures are also more impressive than the V8 by five miles per gallon.

Standard transmission on the Panamera V6 is a six-speed manual gearbox but it's worth paying the extra £2,388 for Porsche's seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetreib - or PDK - double clutch gearbox with its seamless operation.

Out on the road the V6 is a treat to drive. It feels very agile for a big grand tourer - even with four adults aboard - has a solid, firm feel from the steering and is stable at high speed.

And a Sport button in the centre console boosts throttle response, sharpens the suspension and changes the PDK gearshifts. Put the car through some tight country lanes and there's hardly any body roll.

Terrific stuff, but then everything about the Porsche is premium quality, even if adding extra cost options really hike up the price.