AUDI is expanding the range of its A7 Sportback with the introduction of a new lead-in V6 TDI version that can be ordered now, from £52,240.

With 231 horsepower from its 3.0 litre turbodiesel engine it becomes the least powerful diesel in the range, despite a 13 horsepower uplift over the previous version.

It is, though, no slowcoach, with a 155mph top speed and 6.5 seconds to 62mph.

Economy under the new more realistic official test regime is quoted at 50.4mpg, helped by the mild-hybrid powertrain fitted as standard. Business users will appreciate the newcomer's certified emissions of as little as 147g/km.

The A7 Sportback 45 TDI quattro in Sport specification comes with Navigation Plus, the Audi Virtual Cockpit and a rear-view camera, a lane departure warning system and LED lights front and rear.

On S line versions, alloy wheels move up to 20-inches as standard - 19-inches for Sport models, with Sport suspension and HD Matrix LED headlights incorporating a unique coming and leaving home animation.