WE'RE all pretty fond of big numbers when it comes to cars - how much power, how much wallop and, well, how much?

Audi performance flagship the RS7 Sportback delivers in every department on that score, though at first glance you wouldn't mark it down as an £83,000 rocket ship.

But speed machine it certainly is, complete with the 560PS 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant from the RS 6 Avant to deliver the same 0-62mph acceleration potential of 3.9 seconds and a governed top speed of 155mph.

A mere 155mph I hear you say. No worries, if you harbour Autobahn aspirations that top whack can scorch on up to 174mph by specifying the optional Dynamic package.

Still not enough? Okay, then there's Dynamic plus, which pushes things even higher - up to an eyeball flattening 189mph.

Yet thanks partly to the engine's cylinder on demand set-up, plus a start-stop system, the RS7 can also return a potential fuel figure of 28.8mpg.

Inside, the carbon effect trim around the dash looks both racy and distinguished, the feel from the chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel is assured and all four occupants can enjoy beautiful soft leather quilt-effect seats - the front pair embossed with RS7.

In fact there's enough technology and sufficient gadgets aboard to launch a space programme, but at considerable cost.

For instance the tested vehicle had no less than £33,000 worth of extra cost options - everything from a speed limit alert as part of the heads-up display for £250, to gloss black alloys at £2,000 the set and a Bang & Olufsen Advanced sound system for £6,300.

Performance, handling, comfort and that fabulous crackle from the exhaust are all top drawer as you would expect.