Coupe of the Year 2015: Audi TT

Audi’s third-generation TT lives up to its predecessors’ billing as a style icon, but is more focused and better to drive than ever – which makes it our Coupé of the Year.

You can tell the TT’s special as soon as you see it. The combination of curves and creases creates a shape unlike anything else on the road, while the signature matrix LED lights complement the cutting-edge design.

The hi-tech feel continues at the wheel, thanks to the minimalist dash and impressive Virtual Cockpit. This comprises a 12.3-inch digital display, which shows the dials but also includes all other functions, from the sat-nav to the multimedia system and vehicle settings. That clears the dash of many buttons, leaving only a few essential switches, the climate controls integrated into the air vents and the intuitive MMI controller to navigate the Virtual Cockpit.

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While the TT’s a study in design, a focused drive backs it up. Whichever one you go for, lightweight construction – it features the same MQB platform as the latest VW Golf and SEAT Leon – helps deliver entertaining handling, and the punchy petrols and diesels are as economical as they are fast.

At the top of the range, the TTS has immense grip thanks to its standard quattro 4WD, while adaptive dampers make the most of the nimble chassis. Combine this sharp handling with rocketship acceleration from the 306bhp 2.0-litre turbo, and it’s one of the most entertaining drivers’ cars Audi has ever produced.

Our choice

TT 2.0 TFSI Sport (£29,915)

Keep it simple – the Audi TT Coupé is a great all-rounder, with plenty of performance, decent refinement and reasonable economy, too. What’s more, that stylish hatchback tailgate opens to reveal a surprisingly practical luggage area.

Commended

Jaguar F-Type

Last year’s winner is still at the top of its game, thanks to its catwalk-fresh looks and a range of punchy engines. And the Jaguar coupé has been made even more attractive thanks to a manual transmission option and four-wheel drive to give added security to the F-Type’s already-eager handling.

Porsche Cayman

The Cayman is still one of the best all-round sports cars you can buy at any price. In both GTS and new GT4 guises it’s nipping at the heels of the bigger 911 for performance, yet even the standard model will put a smile on your face thanks to its beautifully balanced mid-engined layout and throaty flat-six.

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