New Audi is hot property

Want the ultimate hot hatch? Then the Audi RS7 Sportback could be the car for you – if you have a spare £100,000 to spend on one.

It uses the same engine as the new RS6, namely a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 fitted with a 48V mild hybrid unit to produce 591bhp and 590lb ft. That results in a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds, with a limited top speed of 155mph – increased to 189mph with the optional Dynamic Plus pack.

In reality, the RS7 Sportback is not going to steal sales from the hot hatch market, so the Ford Focus RS and Honda Civic Type R can relax. It’s nearest rival is Porsche’s Panamera.

Though exact figures haven’t been released yet, the RS7 Sportback is likely to cost from around £100,000 – and that’s before you’ve ticked any boxes on Audi’s pricey options list.

Buyers can choose standard or air suspension, and opt for four-wheel steering to improve handling. Drivers can adjust the noise produced by the V8 engine using the Audi Drive Select system, while an optional RS sport exhaust system is there for those who want things even louder.

Though it’s hardly frugal, the engine can shut down half of its eight cylinders to save fuel, while a mild hybrid system allows the car to coast for up to 40 seconds. Audi reckons 30mpg should be achievable.

The RS7 Sportback is as fast and good looking as a top-end sports car, yet it’s also as practical as a Ford Mondeo. You get acres of room upfront for tall adults, and they should feel equally at home in the roomy back.

You can now swap the two individual, body-hugging rear seats for a more practical three-seater bench.

Even the boot is huge, at 535 litres, and the large tailgate gives you more room to load bulky luggage than you’d get in a normal saloon or coupe.

The RS7 Sportback should be on sale by the end of the year.

Red alert: The Audi RS7 Sportback is expected to go on sale by the end of this year.