The overall effect is an unimpeded connection with the road- the steering offering plenty of feel, tightness and excitement, though perhaps not as razor-sharp as something like an S2000. The ride is tight, bouncy and often a bit jarring, but there's a softness dialed in around the edges which makes it more than tolerable.

The brakes are crushing- both precise and linear, they stop the TT from high speeds with plenty of ease and minimal dive, reacting to even the slightest change in pressure. It's a rewarding car to drive quickly, and makes a confident partner for some late night spins through back roads with adaptive xenon headlights that look where you steer.

The tester's S-Tronic gearbox is mated to the 250-hp the 3.2L V6.

Inside
As far as a sports car goes, it's not as cramped as you might think, if at all. There's a fair drop down into the seats, but unlike some of its competitors, getting out doesn't make you feel like your being born again.

Head, shoulder and hip room are plentiful, and reasonable visibility exists except while reversing. The rear seats are each sized perfectly for a bag of groceries or your favorite briefcase. A bit more storage would have been welcomed, and there are drawers fitted underneath each seat to help- as long as you buy the $1,500 interior upgrade package.

The hatch and rear seats will accept two coolers, two sleeping bags, a tent, a pair of pack-sacks and other assorted gear for a weekend of camping without much fuss- making it a usable weekend getaway coupe.

Muscle
3.2 litres of German V6 serve up 250 horsepower that don't have much metal to move. Off the line or passing, power is rewarding, if not nearly excessive, and every dip of the throttle results in an instant increase in velocity.