MotorMouths

The Audi TT appeals to sports car enthusiasts and weekend cruisers alike. Its powertrains are responsive and quick, with a transmission that could be the best compromise ever between a manual and an automatic.

The 2010 Audi TTS has capabilities galore: speed, agility, grip, brakes—not to mention good looks and an interior that’s an unfailing treat to see and feel.

The TT RS can appeal to hard-core enthusiasts in ways the TTS can’t. How? A: It’s a stick. B: It’s a five-cylinder (that’s not just a nod to hot Audis of yore, five cylinders can sound great). C: It sounds great (see part B). D: It’s crazy fast. And E: It might end up being a hell of a performance value.

There’s a lot to like about the TTS. Its turbocharged four-cylinder is remarkably powerful and smooth, its interior is classy and unique, and its standard all-wheel-drive system distinguishes it from other sports cars in its class.

The entry-level 2011 TT gets an improved 211 HP turbo four. The rest of the package remains the same as before, which means you get a fantastic interior with supremely comfortable seats and nicely weighted steering.

Audi did what could not be done; they made the TT even hotter and more desirable than previously. With new more powerful engines, hi-tech transmissions and a front fascia to melt the polar ice caps, the TT is reborn.

We’ve tested many TTs before. But to us, no other TT from the four-ring brand — or any tuner, for that matter — has quite the combination of athleticism and fresh façade as the Audi TTS.

When it comes to all-out performance, we still prefer some of Audi’s competitors to the base TT, but we can’t fault style-conscious buyers for selecting this car’s comfortable ride and gorgeous cabin.

The upgraded 2011 TT is easily one of the best value propositions in the segment, and finally achieves what Audi set out to accomplish when the TT was introduced in 1998. It’s finally a proper entry-level luxury sports car, balancing style, substance and speed.

The refined, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive 2011 Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Quattro delivers real sports car thrills. A Nissan or Porsche sports car offer more visceral thrills from the driver’s seat. But the more efficient, quieter and refined TT is an underrated back road burner.

The 2011 Audi TT gets a minor facelift (LED daytime running lights, front spoiler, diffuser and some nice aluminum trim inside) and a new base engine. It delivers a much sweeter ride with 11 more horsepower while gas mileage improves by 14%.