German car maker Audi announces more all-wheel drive versions of its A7 Sportback model, with one eye on a harsh winter ahead and the potential for slippery road conditions.

New 3.0-litre TDI quattro 204 horsepower models will be available to order from August to coincide with a new Standard trim level that will be available exclusively with this engine.

As a result, this addition will lower the A7 range entry price to £39,995.

The `entry level' V6 TDI engine has until now been offered only in conjunction with front-wheel-drive and Audi's eight-speed multitronic continuously variable transmission.

In this form it powers the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI to 62mph from rest in 7.4 seconds and on to a 146mph top speed, while at the same time offering the potential for 55.4mpg fuel economy with low 135g/km CO2 emissions.

This configuration will continue alongside the new quattro all-wheel-drive version.

Equipped with a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, the quattro variant covers the 0-62mph sprint a fraction more quickly at 7.2 seconds, matches the 146mph top speed and offers up to 48.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 152g/km. Benefit-in-kind liability for business users stands at 20 per cent in front-wheel-drive versions and 23 per cent for the quattro models.

The new Standard specification versions deliver all the key features expected of a high end premium executive car.

These include 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, leather upholstery, 6.5-inch colour display incorporating satellite navigation, Audi drive select adaptive dynamics, powered tailgate operation and light and rain sensors.

A new feature that will be common at all levels is the addition of a third rear three-point seatbelt which will enable the A7 Sportback to seat five adults.