There are three turbo petrol models: a 197bhp 2.0-litre, the 270bhp 2.0 TTS and the 335bhp five-cylinder TT RS. There’s also a non-turbo 247bhp 3.2-litre V6. All are fast, the RS especially so. You even have a diesel choice - a 168bhp 2.0. It’s strong, smooth, revs freely and delivers brisk performance, yet still returns over 50mpg. All engines have six-speed manual gearboxes as standard and most are available with an excellent S tronic six-speed semi-auto 'box.

You won't find another coupe at this money that gives you a better time. The turn-in is amazingly crisp thanks to bullish grip and sharp steering. Body control is impressively tight, too, but you still get a comfortable ride. You can have the lower-powered 2.0 petrol with front- or four-wheel drive – we like the former, which feels more alert and more fun. The other versions all get four-wheel drive as standard, and one of our few reservations is that the RS isn't as sharp as a Porsche Boxster.

The TT offers the best of both worlds - drive it gently and the TT is a sedate, refined performer; drive it hard and you'll unleash a rasping exhaust note. There is some wind noise at high speed, but nothing to deter you from long-distance touring. Tyre noise is more pronounced on the more expensive models, which have larger wheels.

High demand means you'll struggle to get a discount on your TT, but that means it'll have strong resale values when you sell it on. It also makes the car a relatively cheap contract hire proposition, given its list price. Running costs are reasonable, with the 2.0-litre diesel car returning supermini-like fuel economy, but if you make the most of the performance of the faster versions, you'll run up hefty bills for fuel and tyres.

We don't know yet how the TT will fare when it comes to reliability, but the materials used in its construction are first-rate. However, the previous TT performed no better than average in our reliability surveys.

The TT gets a good amount of safety kit, including electronic stability control and front and side airbags, but we would have liked curtain airbags to be available as well. Your car should be well defended from thieves, too, with an engine immobiliser and alarm provided as standard.

The flat-bottomed sports steering wheel looks great, and all the controls work efficiently. The driving position is also excellent, thanks to plenty of adjustment for the seat and wheel. However, side and rear visibility isn't good.

There's loads of head-, shoulder- and legroom for two, but there's not much space for odds and ends in the cabin. The boot isn't great either, although the 50/50 split rear seats fold flat to boost practicality. The tiny rear seats are virtually useless for adults, because there's almost no foot space or headroom.

The TT's sharp styling is enhanced by alloy wheels, and standard luxuries include climate control, remote central locking and Alcantara and leather upholstery. You'll also find electric windows and mirrors, plus folding rear seats to extend the boot space. S line versions add lowered sports suspension and a whole array of aesthetic goodies.