A chip off the old block

When the original Audi TT was launched in 1998, it caused a sensation. Then a curious thing happened: reviewers started making jokes about hairdressers and poor handling, and the TT became synonymous with style over substance. Over time, the allure of that style faded somewhat and Audi’s shining star lost its lustre. After much tweaking, Audi has finally recognised this. In the middle of an extremely busy year bursting with new makes and models, Audi has seen fit to launch a new generation of TTs, starting with the coupe.

The new car looks sharper and more angular. From the side it looks eerily similar to Nissan’s TT-referencing 350z. With three models initially available, it is set to roar into a high-street near you in September. Whether it parks outside the hairdresser’s or not remains to be seen.