Or you could try…

BMW

5-Series GT 520d SE Beautiful. Sleek. Chic. Words that cannot be applied to the 5-Series GT. But while it’s no stunner, it is based on the 7-Series luxury of the same vintage, so offers vast cabin space. The 520d is strong enough and should manage an average economy figure starting with a ‘5’. SE models provide dual-zone climate control, DAB radio, cruise control and panoramic roof.

MERCEDES-BENZ

CLS 250 CDI AMG Line Arguably, the CLS was the car that started the whole four-door coupé genre, and this second-generation model took all that was good about the recipe and enhanced it, with more cabin space, a fine interior and lots of kit. The 2.2-litre diesel can be gruff in acceleration, but smooths out at a cruise, and the CLS, with a conventional boot, lacks the A7’s hatchback practicality.

VOLKSWAGEN

Arteon 2.0 TDI Elegance The VW name doesn’t have quite the cachet of the others here, but there’s no denying that the Arteon is a looker. Under the bonnet is a strong and economical 2.0-litre turbodiesel, at its best when linked to the DSG automatic gearbox. Better still, for the same outlay as our ideal A7, you’d get a much newer car with fewer miles. And even better still, it has good cabin space and a huge boot. Ideal.