Performance

For now you can have a two-litre turbo FSI with front-wheel-drive or a 3.2 V6 Quattro. The 200bhp FSI is all torque and no lag and has a proper bark at high revs. It's 150kg lighter than the V6 and feels more flexible and most of the time just as quick, reaching 60mph in just 6.6 seconds and topping out at 149mph. The performance of the 250bhp 3.2 is plenty eager, dishing out a swift kick in the back the instant you flex your foot on the accelerator any place on the rev dial. It knocks half a second off the two-litre's 0-60mph time. Both TTs use a six-speed manual but both are also available with Audi's excellent six-speed, S-Tronic direct-shift gearbox (formerly known as DSG) which acts like an automatic or a manual.

Driving

The handling is the biggest improvement over the old car and this is due to the new engineering. The lightness really helps, or specifically the weight balance together with a new rear suspension. It goes through corners with a zeal you'd never have credited, allowing the throttle foot to be planted absurdly early. Traction is consistent whether it's wet or dry and the steering is precise so you always know what the car is up to. The springs aren't too firm, but with the optional adaptive dampers in their 'auto' setting the body control is great.

Space

The cabin is wider and roomier than the old model's, but still intimate enough to be a sportscar. The rear seats aren't actually seats, they're just extra boot space. If someone offers you a life in the back, walk instead. Over broken glass if necessary. The boot isn't huge but the rear seats fold 50/50 flat to boost practicality.

Build quality

All the controls are fine to use, but the quality impression doesn't quite match the old one. There far fewer ingots of solid aluminium and the new rotary climate control knobs work well, but do have a bit of rattly free-play. You'd not mention it in any other car, but this is an Audi and Audi is usually the guv'nor in this area.

Safety

With decent levels of safety kit, including front and side airbags, although curtain 'bags in the rear are missing. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are both standard equipment.

Owning

Running costs will be reasonable, with the two-litre returning over 35mpg and low emissions meaning a low tax rate (23 percent) for company car drivers. The V6 stings harder at the maximum 35 percent. Private buyers can rest assured the new TT will hold its value just as well as the car it replaces.

Value

For a car of this calibre, it's good value. A little under £25,000 will buy the two-litre model - that's the same money as a Peugeot 407 2.2 SE Coupe, and we know what we'd rather have. The V6 model is on a par with the Z4 Coupe.

Verdict

Fast, refined and awesome to drive, the new Audi TT is all you'd ever want from the model and pretty well all you'd ever want from any sportscar too. Buy one now and enjoy its rarity because in 12 months time they will be everywhere.

Don't want a roof?

TT Roadster Driving the TT Roadster is broadly similar to the Coupe. No, it isn't the last word in precision, but it actually turns in and stays where you plonk it. The two-litre turbo feels like the more aggressive and fun engine, the 3.2-litre the more relaxed and unstressed.