THE near-iconic Audi TT not only established the German marque in the sports car sector but helped regenerate the small coupe market with a combination of style, practicality and low running costs.
Possibly the biggest appeal of the original TT which took its bow to the public almost a decade ago, was its ease of driving despite those exotic looks. To all effects, it was a Golf with the roof sawn off and fewer doors. But as time went by, and hot hatches got hotter and handling of so called bread-and-butter models became crisper, the TT's road behaviour started to look a little lack lustre.
The world had moved on, and the TT was clinging to fading laurels. Time for a change and last year the new, fresher, bigger, sharper version was unveiled. The critics who expected a facelift rather than a renaissance were soon silenced after a spell behind the wheel of the new car which comes with a choice of two engines - 2.0-litre TFSI with 198bhp and 3.2-litre, 247bhp. There's a stiffness and electricity about the new lightweight TT that was never before present.
And the most outstanding thing is that the 2.0-litre version - which borrows its power unit from the latest Golf GTI - is the more impressive of the two options. Not only does the four cylinder engine sound waspishly sports car-like, but its immediacy of response puts it in a special league. Coupled to this, the lighter nose makes it more sensitive to handle and allows it a sharper 'turn-in' with more intuitive steering. The cheaper model may lack Quattro four wheel drive, but in most circumstances this is no disadvantage.
Against the stop-watch, of course the big brother has the edge, but only by tenths of a second. Top speed is 149mph against 155mph for the V6 but acceleration to 60mph in 6.6 seconds trails by only half a second. The difference is more marked when you come to fill up with fuel - the 2.0-litre TFSI gets an amazing 36.7mpg combined while the V6's figure is a more believable 27.2mpg. Even in the cut and thrust of everyday town driving I managed 33mpg from my 2.0-litre coupe test car.
Loads of buyers will choose the TT more for its looks and relative practicality rather than speed or performance alone. The £24,900 Coupe can just about squeeze in four people but it's more useful as a two seater with ample luggage accommodation. With the rear seats in place there's 290 litres and by folding them this increases to an impressive 700 litres, turning the little Audi into a genuine grand tourer. The tailgate boot adds to the practical nature, although luggage must be heaved over a high lip.
You can't help but admire the attention to detail. The cabin is a minor work of art with its leather flat-bottomed steering wheel, brushed aluminium switches and circular airvents. The fit and build quality is beyond reproach and the overall impression is of a very special driving environment. Leather is extra on the 2.0-litre but standard on the 3.2.
Bigger, bolder and more grown up, the TT Coupe has matured into a real sports car without losing any of its style.
FAST FACTS
Audi TT Coupe 2.0T FSI
Price: £24,900
Mechanical: 200ps, 1,984cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 6.6 secs
Combined mpg: 36.7
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 183g/km
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust