AUDI'S handsome A7 Sportback was recently treated to a number of upgrades to make it even more desirable.

The A7 is the largest of Audi's Sportback models and provides competition for the Mercedes CLS and BMW's Grand Coupe.

It shares a platform with the A6 saloon but is far more glamorous and its attractive design and nice lines make it very easy on the eye.

Available with a selection of 3.0-litre engines and trim levels, the A7 is also offered with Audi's famous quattro four-wheel-drive system.

I have just spent a few days with the £49,440 TDI SE Executive quattro model which provides a great amount of kit and technology.

This five-door coupe is probably the best looking model in the Audi range and the recent changes have enhanced its appearance. It now has the latest grille, the bumpers have been sculpted to make the look more aggressive and the LED indicators now scroll and flash in the turning direction.

The new headlights are also a bonus as they improve visibility and dim automatically when sensors detect oncoming traffic and you also get new 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the A7 now features four-zone automatic air conditioning and Milano leather upholstered seats with electric adjustment. The dash layout has not been changed thankfully and it is all logically laid out.

The materials are all high-quality and the build quality is excellent.

Powered by the same 3.0-litre TDI unit found in the A8 flagship, another 12bhp is added for the coupe - taking it to 272bhp.

Mated to an S tronic gearbox this unit is good for 62mph in just 5.7 seconds before going on to a restricted top speed of 155mph. Emissions are 136g/km and the claimed combined figure is 54.3mpg.

The big engine delivers its power smoothly and is very refined. I did not get anywhere near the claimed figure but did manage 37mpg which is more than respectable for a car of this size and power.

The Sportback is a great cruiser, with sharp steering and a comfortable ride and the quattro system means you always have bags of grip.

Not just a pretty face, the A7 is also very practical thanks to its hatchback-style boot and 535 litres of luggage space rising to 1,350 litres with the rear seats folded.

Three adults can sit in the back and enjoy generous legroom and the A7 bristles with all the latest safety features.

Audi drive select is a standard feature, allowing the driver to select from comfort, auto or dynamic driving modes or select individual settings. Most owners will probably opt to select comfort mode and let the car get on with it.