When a design achieves instant-icon status like the original TT did in 1998, it must be tempting for an automaker to say, "let's not mess with a good thing." But progress marches on, and the 2007 TT is about as new as any new car ever is.

One thing that is evolutionary, of course, is the styling. Although leaner and less rounded, the shape's genes are unmistakable. What's less obvious is that the '07 TT is significantly wider, longer and roomier, and its bodyshell is now constructed mostly of aluminum. A new rear lip spoiler deploys automatically at speeds above 120 km/h.

The coupe remains a 2+2-seater, with 50/50-split back seats that can be flattened to create a cavernous cargo hold.

Mechanically, the TT borrows liberally from the A3 hatchback. That means a four-link independent rear suspension (with an available magnetic variable-damping system), electro-mechanical power steering, and a choice of two powertrains

The junior motor is VW's increasingly ubiquitous 2.0-litre, 200-hp FSI turbocharged "four" that puts power through the front wheels. Opt for the 3.2-litre, 250-hp narrow-angle V6 and you also get quattro all-wheel drive. As before, the quattro system on this transversely-engined car is simpler than the "classic" quattro of other Audis.

Shape is tidy, slippery and iconic

Front-wheel-drive irks the purists