THE latest Audi TT, apart from an almost indiscernible facelift in 2019, is almost exactly the same as it was when it first hit the roads eight years ago.

Since that slight update, it has been available with just two choices of petrol engine - both 2.0-litre turbo units designated 40 and 45 TFSI.

But before that, there were also 2.0-litre diesel turbo and 1.8-litre petrol turbo models in the mix, of which more later.

Of course the TT is available both as a sleek and sophisticated coupe, and as a lovely soft top - a car I have always hankered after.

And its purposeful shape looks just as exclusive and up to date now as it did when it was launched - something few other sporting cars can boast.

It's reasonably practical for a coupe as long as the tiny rear seats are folded flat. They are not even big enough for small children, so as a two seater, it makes a lot more sense.

All have a very good reputation for reliability and longevity and of course, under the skin, they share a platform with the VW Golf, the SEAT Ateca and a number of other models from the VW stable.

There's nothing wrong with that, since all those other cars are also great in their own ways.

Engines available since 2014 start with the 184bhp turbo diesel I've already mentioned, which was discontinued in 2019. It gives good performance, with 0 to 60 miles an hour in an excellent 6.6 seconds and economy of better than 50mpg.

Sadly it doesn't have the soundtrack of the petrol models, which start with a 180bhp 1.8 turbo that covers the sprint in about the same time, and averages 47mpg in the official figures. That means driven reasonably carefully it should dos 38 in real driving.

Next comes a 2.0 TFSI turbo with 230 or 310bhp in different models. The 230 model sprints to 60 in 5.2 seconds while the 310 manages the same acceleration in just 4.6.

Economy ranges from 40 to 44.

Finally, there is the TT RS - a supercar to take your breath away - with 400 bhp under the bonnet from a five cylinder 2.5-litre turbo and 0 to 62 in a scorching 3.7 seconds.

All models have excellent roadholding and very good stability helps them to be driven quickly even over challenging roads.

And many are fitted with the Audi quattro four wheel drive system, which only adds to the stability and grip available.

The brakes are superb in every situation and the handling very good, but the overall experience sometimes seems a little sanitized compared to other fast coupes, mainly due to rather inert steering.

A Drive Select system allows the driver to choose steering sensitivity and engine response and it also controls the amount of power to front and rear wheels in Quattro models.

The ride quality is definitely on the firm side, but if you stick to nothing larger than the standard 18 or 19 inch wheels, it's acceptable in such a sporting car.

Bigger wheels or the optional lower S-Line suspension affect comfort a lot more and I would avoid them. Some might think they look better, but the huge reserves of grip and roadholding in the normally shod models belie any true advantage.

Equipment levels are good in all but some items I would expect are on the extras list so make sure any you buy have all the toys you want.

Sport trim brings 18 inch alloys, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, keyless ignition, cruise, air conditioning, xenon headlights and a virtual cockpit infotainment system with DAB radio, USB and Bluetooth.

S-Line adds LED headlights, specific bumpers and grille, rear diffuser, special seats and a black headlining.

Pay about £17,750 for an '18 18-reg 2.0 TDI Ultra Sport, or £29,000 for a '20 20-reg Black Edition 45 TFSI S-Tronic automatic.