THE soundtrack's the clincher.
Take a walk round the Audi TT RS and the coupe looks are pumped up, that rear spoiler stands out and you spot the huge black brake calipers and enlarged oval tailpipes.
Could be quite a quick car.
Jump inside and the flat-bottomed steering wheel, RS logos around the cabin and body-hugging leather seats suggest it's pretty upmarket too.
But it's not until you fire up the 2.5-litre engine that the penny really drops.
This is no ordinary five cylinder unit. It is a high tech turbocharged engine that's been tuned to produce an incredible 340bhp - and the sound it makes just blows you away.
And if that's not enough a Sport button, similar to the one found in the RS 4 speedster, amplifies the exhaust note by opening a flap in the left tailpipe.
The RS, which comes in both coupe and roadster models, has the attitude the rest of the TT line-up lacks, yet is beautifully sophisticated and gentlemanly to drive.
An aluminium and steel hybrid bodyshell keeps the weight down and the four-wheel drive system ensures amazing stability.
The Quattro all-wheel drive set-up has also been enhanced so virtually all the power is diverted to the rear wheels.
That lightness also means we're talking savage performance. Acceleration of 0-62 in 4.6 seconds takes the TT into Audi R8 territory while a sympathetic driver can squeeze just over 30 miles per gallon out of it.
Otherwise you're talking tried and trusted Audi TT style and comfort, though the difference between the RS coupe and the fiery 2.0-litre 272bhp TTS model is the best part of £10,000, while a fast but frugal TDI diesel is another £7,000 cheaper.
The RS comes with six-speed manual transmission only and the chunky gearshift is very easy to use.
In fact despite its power the RS remains supremely refined and a pleasure to drive - slow or fast.
Unlike the roadster, coupe versions have a pair of rear seats and though these are really only for kids you can just about fit a couple of teens in there provided they don't mind having knees up to the chin.
Stowage consists of two cupholders next to the handbrake, a glovebox, narrow door bins and a decent size luggage compartment that also has a separate box beneath the boot floor.
While you get a fair amount of standard kit the tested model featured 19-inch titanium look wheels at an extra £1,200, electric seat adjustment (£710), a BOSE surround sound system (£465) and sat nav at £1,615.
Add the likes of cruise control, adaptive lights, CD changer and mobile phone preparation - all of which most people would want - and you're getting close to the £50,000 mark.
And then there's the biggest temptation of the lot. Really being able to make use of the lap timer by splashing out a bit more to have the speed limiter removed and being in possession of a car that can reach a frightening 174mph.
FAST FACTS
Audi TT RS Quattro Coupe
Price: £42,985
Mechanical: 340bhp, 2,5oocc, 5cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 31
Insurance group: 20
CO2 emissions: 214g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles