A bit like deciding that your unborn child should be called Bernard and then it popping out without a winkle, the launch of the S5 with a manual gearbox was unexpected and slightly perplexing. The big, sleek, woofly coupe just seemed ripe for a self-shuffler.

But now, 18 months later, Audi is offering a six-speed tiptronic option on the S5. It’s a fine gearbox; the small paddles attached to the back of the steering wheel summon up brisk and smooth changes allowing you to make brisk and smooth progress. It’s slightly strange that there’s no sport option if you want to let the gearbox swap ratios on its own, but otherwise it’s everything you’d expect it to be.

And yet… the Auto actually shows that Audi was right to launch the S5 with a manual. The manual ’box gives the car more character, as befits an S model, and the wonderful engine feels slightly more muscular (the auto is 0.3sec slower to 62mph). You can even leave it in sixth on a fast road and there’s enough torque to make your left leg as redundant as in the tiptronic. So buy an S5 manual and save £1400.