AUDI is making changes to its TT sports cars with subtle upgrades to the design and an improved powertrain.

The latest models now come with a 2.0-litre turbo charged TFSI engine and power is up to either 197 or 245ps.

In the case of the higher output engine - now known as a 45 TFSI in line with Audi's new naming structure - it gives the latest TT a 0 to 60 time of 5.5 seconds pushing up to a restricted maximum of 155mph.

Fuel consumption for such potency is excellent with the new TT officially rated at 34.4mpg and emissions of 164g/km.

That is no idle boast and on long runs in a TT Roadster we saw closer to 39 to the gallon as a good average.

Overall it returned an average of 34.8mpg in some 600 miles of driving and that is economy out of the top drawer for such a car.

Prices are up by a few hundred pounds and the quattro S line S tronic model we tried had an entry price of £39,155 and with extras such as a tech pack which included Audi's virtual cockpit instrument panel the final price was £47,960.

That puts the new TT up against models from Mercedes and BMW yet the Audi feel that little more refined.

A new look at the front sees a more aerodynamic take for the bumper and grille and that enhances the TT's head on presence.

With the roof down it looks a complete roadster all round.

Boot space is 280 litres - good for a convertible - and enough for two suitcase making the TT an ideal escape car.

Multi-mode drive patterns can be switch from eco to an individual sports setting which stores a driver's preferences for maximum fun.

And with a seven-speed DCT gearbox plus paddle shifters there is plenty of that to be had from the quattro all-wheel-drive set up.

Other options fitted to the car included head level heaters for the seats and a wind deflector to suppress wind buffeting and keep the cockpit pleasant when exposed to the elements.

Hood up and for a roadster the TT is quite serene with a ride that is nicely accomplished - even on British roads.

The virtual cockpit display allows for sat nav information to be shown right in front of the driver and although manual entry of a destination can be a touch fiddly it can be done by voice control and that's a preferred option.

Roof retraction is electronic and takes less than 15 seconds with the hood stowing in its own area behind the cockpit without impacting on boot space.

A boot lip spoiler sets off the car from the rear and deploys automatically at speed to give added stability.

And at the end of every drive the car emits a heartbeat sound on shut down - just as a reminder of the TT experience.

The TT is now in its third generation and is a car which has been around for 20 years.

The new models are as plush as they come, placing both the roadster and its coupe counterpart in a position where they are sure to remain a compelling choice in the sports car market.