For 2006 the TT continues in coupe and roadster guises, each with a choice of two engines. The 1.8T models use a turbocharged 225-hp, 1.8-litre "four" that comes only with a six-speed manual gearbox. The 3.2 squeezes a 3.2-litre, 250-hp V6 under the Bauhaus bonnet, attached to VW-Audi's DSG transmission. This six-speed sequential gearbox, unlike others of its ilk, doesn't need to "lift the throttle" during shifts. When cornered really hard, these cars betray their humble VW Golf underpinnings, but standard all-wheel-drive means you can exploit all the power in all weather conditions. And with loads of room for two people and their luggage, the coupe is a viable long-distance tourer.

Styling, all-wheel-drive, economy, DSG gearbox

Low-tech chassis, not as sporty as it looks