Overall rating:

If it was our own money there is absolutely no doubt in our mind that this is the TT we'd have sitting on our driveway. Sure, the TTRS has a storming engine, and the TDI diesel version offers a slice of Le Mans-winning technology and economy, but it's this entry-level car that's the sweetest of all. A fine chassis, willing powerplant, neat design, low running costs and feel-good interior make it the most complete package.

Key Facts

Model tested: Audi TT 1.8 TFSI
Pricing: £23,295 (£25,910 as tested)
Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: two-door coupé
Rivals: MINI Coupé, Peugeot RCZ, Volkswagen Scirocco
CO₂ emissions: 149g/km
Combined economy: 44.1mpg
Top speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
Power: 160hp at 4,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 1,500rpm

Inside & Out:

The original Audi TT has without doubt become a design classic, and while this second generation car will never achieve the same it's still very neat. Even on relatively small 17-inch alloy wheels it looks good, and only traditional Audi customers might lament the lack of LED daytime running lights.

There's no compromise inside though where this entry-level TT boasts the same quality cabin as more expensive models. Design and switchgear are top-notch, and you can't help but feel special sat behind the square bottomed steering wheel. The driving position is spot on as well, and though the rear seats are really only for small children they fold down to reveal a sizable and practically shaped boot.

Ride & Handling:

You might expect the big power quattro models to be the most exciting - and depending on your definition of the word they very well might be. However, this front-wheel drive chassis, along with the relatively lightweight engine slung over the axle, is actually the purest and most fun we've experienced behind the wheel of Audi's pretty coupé.

Turn in is sharp, and grip is high - though it will eventually break into understeer, itself easily corrected with a slight lift of the throttle. The steering could do with more feel, but that is scant cause for complaint since the rest of the package is so good. Even the suspension, often overly firm on sportier Audis, is well judged with plenty of control on back roads and just enough compliance for motorway journeys.

Engine & Transmission:

Considering its relatively small displacement (1.8 litres) and power output (160hp), performance is actually quite impressive, the car completing the 0-62mph sprint in only 7.3 seconds. With peak torque produced at just 1,500rpm you can be quite lazy behind the wheel and use the ample thrust to push you along too, so whatever your mood it's easy to make progress in this TT. It certainly feels willing from behind the wheel, keen to rev to the redline and quick to react to any throttle input. Of course it could sound better, but if it's aural drama you require then Audi's five-cylinder TTRS may be the answer.

There's little complaint with the gearbox either, its six gears well spaced and complemented by an easy-going shift action - though the actual engagement of each cog is a little rubbery. Still, the lever itself is well positioned, sitting atop the relatively high-set transmission tunnel, and adds to the proper sports car feel of the TT.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Well you save around £3,000 over the next model in the line-up, the 211hp 2.0-litre TFSI, and in Sport trim this car looks exactly the same. As you'd expect the running costs are lower, though maybe not by as much as you might hope - the combined economy figure 1.3mpg better and CO₂ emissions 5g/km less.

However, you can't specify the 1.8-litre TFSI engine with the firm's quattro four-wheel drive system (it would sap any of the efficiency gains for a start) and neither can you have the quick-shifting S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. At least the Sport model comes well equipped with leather and Alcantara seats and climate control, while residual values are higher than most rivals'.