The 3.2-litre V6 engine was carried over to the new model from the previous TT, but provided faster pace thanks to the new model’s lightweight aluminium body. Audi TT Coupe performance is pretty awesome with this particular version. It means the 250hp 3.2 quattro will sprint from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds (the automatic is quicker at 5.7 seconds). The 2.0 TFSI model has 200hp and unlike the V6 is front-wheel drive, however it’s by far the better engine choice thanks to a punchy and urgent nature that suits the TT better.

It isn’t as quick in the 0-62mph dash, taking 6.6 seconds (6.4 for the automatic) but in everyday driving feels more responsive. Mid 2008 saw the introduction of the TTS – a high performance version fitted with a 272hp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. It betters the already impressive performance figures with 60mph achievable in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

In May 2008 a TDI version was launched powered by a 170hp common-rail diesel engine. This has a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds while returning 53mpg, making it by far the most cost effective TT in the line-up. All engines came with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, although a ‘short-shift’ manual gearchange was an option. The automatic version is called S-tronic, and uses a double clutch system for rapid and smooth gearchanges – this is the same six-speed DSG system offered on the previous TT.

In May 2010, a 210hp 2.0-litre TSFI engine was added to the line-up. It’s the same engine as used in the Golf GTi and will propel the TT to 62mph from a standing start in 6.1 seconds, averages a claimed 43mpg and delivers a top speed of 152mph.

Whether you choose the 3.2 quattro, TDI or 2.0 TFSI, the TT always feels nimble. The 3.2 V6 offers the extra traction of the quattro four-wheel drive system (as does the TDI), but the 2.0T feels more nimble and agile, especially on tight twisting roads. The larger engine will find plenty of fans though thanks to the wonderful metallic howl of the engine – the rasp of the 2.0T seems tame in comparison.

The more powerful TTS benefits from four exhaust tailpipes – and a more sporty sound as a result, along with tweaked suspension, steering and brakes.

However, the best was yet to come in terms of the TT RS, which broke cover in 2009. Pushing out a monstrous 340hp from its 2.5 turbocharged five-cylinder engine, it was capable of propelling the far-from-humble TT from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. We cover this in more detail in our used Audi TT RS review.

But whichever engine you choose the TT always feels surefooted with huge amounts of grip and really inspires confidence. However, in Audi TTS Coupe comfort is compromised by the firmer suspension which means it does struggle to cope with potholes.

There was an optional system called ‘magnetic ride’, which allows the driver to change the suspensions setting including a sport mode that tightens the ride further for demanding roads but keeps it more comfortable the rest of the time.