Audi

You'll be able to drive it blindfold - it's that easy. The words of none other than our road test editor, Oliver Marriage. He was referring to the fleet's new long-term Audi TT, and specifically to the clever DSG paddleshift gearbox fitted to it.

Now, that's easy for him to say! Ollie is one of the quickest, safest, most experienced drivers you'll ever have the privilege to sit next to. He's also a race and rally veteran, and has piloted just about every supercar with any trick transmission you could name. My colleague, and top racer, Tiff Needell has a slightly different take on these boxes. He doesn't like them - as he stated a few weeks ago in his column in this magazine. So, who is right? Is driving the new TT blindingly simple or not?

Well, first things first. Even with your eyes covered, you can feel the supercar sexiness of Audi's tasteful new design for its hugely successful coupé. I love it! And so do the many onlookers who have questioned me about it - from shoppers to delivery van drivers, and even two teenagers on bikes whose dad has one on order! They took a picture of OE06 ZFW - and asked me to raise the nifty pop-up rear wing for good measure. Everyone has voted the TT a huge winner in the style stakes - and not only on the Condor Grey bodywork. The cabin is trimmed in luxurious Mineral Grey nappa lea-ther. And all the previous TT's attractive detailing is there, but more 'grown-up' and classy.

Centrepiece is the flat-bottom steering wheel, with its optional DSG paddles. It's great to hold and use. Fire up the 3.2 V6, select either the full auto or DSG option on the gearstick, put your foot down, and after an initial delay, things move smoothly and rapidly forward. Initial impressions are that this TT feels bigger than the old model (it is!) and has much sportier, communicative steering and handling (it does!). The ride is on the firm side - not helped by the optional 18-inch Turbine alloys, which nonetheless look great. Other options on our car include tyre-pressure monitoring - useful, as there is no spare wheel - and a Bluetooth mobile connection. So, is love blind, or will life with the TT prove to be a fine romance? Keep an eye open (if you'll excuse the pun) for further updates.

Second opinion
I am amazed by how much attention the TT attracts - but then, it is more striking in the flesh than in pictures. Having driven this and the 2.0T, I reckon the cheaper car is sweeter. The turbo makes it nearly as fast and more flexible, you don't miss the 4WD, it's more economical and it steers better, too. Oliver Marriage, road test editor