A design classic like the Audi TT will always prove difficult to better, but the German manufacturer has done so, and done so comprehensively at that, with this second iteration of its best-selling coupé.
The afterthought boot spoiler which eventually appeared on the original TT (after a German safety scare) has been replaced with an electric alternative that rises out of the bodywork at 75mph, and the geometric forms of the first car have been given a sleeker aspect, such as softening of the front wheel arches. It's quite distinct from the first TT, but is good-looking in a different way, while still clearly retaining its lineage.
Good space in the cabin and a predictably smart interior finish give the TT an exclusive, comfortable feel. It seems to be even better constructed than the previous car, which seemed near faultless in that respect at the time. In the back, the two seats are cosy but not useless, and the hatchback boot offers impressive capacity.
Annoying low-speed bumps aside, the car's ride and handling are much improved over the sterile original. Grip is strong, there's throttle-adjustability on offer, and the steering is excellent, though it's effectiveness is eroded in more powerful variants. Motorway slogs are a breeze thanks to refined high-speed characteristics.
Under the bonnet there is a choice of four engines, consisting of three petrol options and a 2.0-litre diesel. The 1.8- and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol units return respectable performance thanks to mid-range turbocharged urge, and the five-pot turbo RS produces 340bhp from its 2.5 litres. That's enough to skin the 0-62mph sprint in 4.6 seconds, which should keep cold turkey at bay for serious speed addicts.
The 2.0-litre diesel should be the most popular selection, though, yielding bags of pull from low in the rev range while returning 53.3mpg on average and achieving CO2 emissions of just 139g/km.
While servicing costs will be high, the TT's purchase price undercuts BMW's Z4 coupé and the Porsche Cayman, although the contrastingly old-school ethos of the cheaper Nissan 350Z will also tempt many potential suitors.