WHILE the premier German car makers rely on their mainstream models for the bulk of their sales each one has a number of niche models which sell in lesser numbers - but are definitely the ones that catch the eye.

In the Audi camp the niche group includes the stunning A7, a true Grand Tourer in every sense.

The A7 is a sleek, five-door, five seater coupe which offers all the space of a saloon but with the glamorous looks of a low slung sports car.

In shape it's very similar to Audi's more affordable A5 Sportback but it's far larger, not to mention far more expensive.

Whether you opt for petrol or diesel power the A7 comes with a steel frame combined with aluminium doors, tailgate and wings to keep the weight down and improve the handling.

And as it's pitched against competitors like the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the BMW 5 Series GT it's packed with plenty of gadgetry and a whole lot of luxury.

One of my favourite gizmos on the 3.0-litre diesel version I drove was the head-up display, projecting information like vehicle speed and satellite navigation directions into the windscreen so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.

It's a great asset but expensive, coming as part of a £2,050 technology package.

Other features include a self parking system and headlights which automatically switch from dipped to main beam and back again as oncoming traffic comes and goes.

The A7 is very much an executive car but one with a lot more panache than most. And it not only delivers all the executive toys but superb performance as well.

With a seven speed automatic gearbox you can drive in normal mode or pull back on the gearshift to switch in the blink of an eye to sport mode and - for a diesel - rocket-like acceleration. Even in normal mode this a very quick car that's a joy to drive.

The beauty of the A7 is that the power from the V6 is delivered so smoothly and effortlessly with barely a hint of an increase in the decibel level as you floor the accelerator.

And the bonus is that despite its size and the fact that it has quattro four-wheel-drive the fuel consumption is still pretty frugal, averaging a very respectable 47mpg.

A standard feature on this model is Audi's drive select, which allows you to set up the car to your own liking, opting for comfort, dynamic or auto. You can also key in a host of individual settings if you are not content with any of the predetermined ones.

It gives you control over features like steering weight, gear shifting and accelerator response.The car came with adaptive air suspension, a real bonus for ride and handling but again not cheap at an extra £2,000.

Inside the cabin it's a combination of luxury and functionality with a nice blend of superb leather, electrically adjustable and heated seats as well as everything just where it should be.

As you push the centre console mounted starter button a seven inch colour display screen emerges from the dashboard and turns through 90 degrees to face you. Features on the screen are many and varied and range from satellite navigation to radio controls and therefore reduces the number of dashboard switches.

The 3.0-litre A7 is not a cheap car by any means but it offers luxury, style, technology and performance in equal measures, and I defy anyone not to enjoy driving one.