Audi TT Coupe : A DESIGN FOR LIFE

Even today, seven years after its launch, the `old' TT's stylish lines have hardly dated. Audi have their work cut out with their new follow up model. How does it shape up? Nikki Gill Reportsâ€¦.

The `old' Audi TT was always a stunning car to be seen in. To many, the Audi TT was an aspirational bauble of aluminium detailing, casually oozing post-millennium European cool. On seeing pictures of Audi's new TT Coupe I can honestly say that I wasn't all that impressed. It's a handsome car, make no mistake, and that, above all, was what sold the old TT. Yes, the new car looked eye-catching but the shape was all rather familiar. It appeared that the renowned designer, Walter De Silva, had played it safe. It wasn't until I had the chance to experience the new model from behind the wheel that I really appreciated just how hard Audi's engineers had worked to develop this highly advanced coupe, making their new TT an even more involving car to drive.

There have been many improvements made over the previous model. Apart from all the technical gizmos (press a button on the gearlever and the ride firms up or softens in milliseconds), the amount of room inside the cabin has been increased. It's now quite possible to include my two small children and husband on an outing in the TT, something which would have been virtually impossible before without complaints. There's just enough room for the kids in the rear seats without too many complaints but forget trying to accommodate an adult - it's still very much designed as a 2+2 after all. What's more, headroom in the back could still be generously described as tight. Luggage capacity is up too with around 10 cu. ft of space available with rear seats in position, a positively capacious 27.4 cu. ft with them down. External access is via the sizable boot hatch. OK, it's not the most practical car for the family, that's not what this coupe is designed to be, but it's better at accommodating a families needs than the `old' model.

One certainly feels special sitting behind the wheel of the new TT Coupe. The cabin has high standards to live up to. Even today, the old TT's cabin feels anything but old. Yes, that fascia still feels smart, the much-copied aluminium finishes and buttress bars remain slick pieces of detailing. The latest car reprises the old model's look and feel, with the chrome-ringed speedo and rev counter housed in their own cowl and the round air vents, but also adds a few contemporary design touches such as the flat-bottomed steering wheel, the angled centre console and a sportier seating position. Much of the body is made from aluminium and the new TT's light weight is a key component in enhancing the model's highly impressive handling abilities. It's partly due to the car's light weight that performance is so strong across the model range. The heaviest version, the 3.2-litre powered car, tips the scales at 1,410kg. To put that figure into perspective, a Nissan 350Z weighs 1,545kg.

Audi look set to have a full order book, especially with 2.0-litre pricing starting at around £25,000. At prices this competitive, there are going to be no shortage of takers, believe me.

With more space, more driver involvement and improved safety Audi's new TT is one desirable sports coupe. Would I like one? Yes please, as long as I can have a practical family car too.