The original Audi TT was a game changer and would, it seemed at the time, give the manufacturer a bit of a headache when the time arrived for an upgrade.

There are, however, cleverer people than me at Audi and, though the latest incarnation of the TT might not quite have the wow factor of the original it still manages to turn heads. The trademark profile remains, but sharper, more aggressive and thoroughly modern.

The TTS has 306bhp available between 5,800 and 6,200rpm and 280lbft from 1,800rpm all the way up to 5,700rpm.

Aside from the badging the only other clue that you’re in anything other than a run-of-the-mill TT are the large quad exhausts peeking enticingly from beneath the rear bumper.

The interior is dark, sombre even, but if you can live with that – and you can, trust me – then you’ll enjoy what is a very, very classy cabin.

The layout is beautifully simple – the climate controls are housed within the three central air vents, the heated seats within the two outermost – and the fit and finish impeccable.

There’s no screen in the centre of the dashboard and there are no analogue dials in the instrument binnacle. What you get instead is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. It’s a full-width high resolution full colour LCD screen that displays digital gauges – which can be minimised – along with the sat nav or any other information that the driver requires.

It looks stunning. However, I can’t help but wonder how your passenger would go about selecting an alternative to Absolute 80s without being able to see the display.

There are four (ahem) seats. They front ones are firm, supportive and very comfortable. I’ll be honest and admit that I didn’t even try climbing in the back, the rear seats really are only suitable for emergency use, or by someone with a high pain threshold.

Still, I think it’s safe to assume that anyone who buys a TT won’t be concerning themselves with how they’ll fit the family in for the weekly trip to the garden centre.

TTS buyers' first priority will more likely be how well does it goes and, I’m pleased to say, it goes very well indeed.

Power from the four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is delivered to all four wheels, though there is very much a bias to the front. Most of the time at least. An electronically controlled multi-clutch plate on the rear axle can send all the power – or any combination thereof – to the front or back wheels.

The TTS feels compact and agile. The electrically-assisted steering with its varying ratio – faster on lock than straight ahead – is direct and precise. Turn the wheel and the front end turns in without pause for thought. Torque is shifted to the rear long before front-end grip has dissipated and reapplying the power reins in any tendency towards understeer

Audi’s Drive Select lets you choose the mode to suit your mood. There’s four to choose from – Comfort, Efficiency, Dynamic and Individual – but aside from a brief foray into comfort and efficiency territory I spent most of my time in Dynamic mode.

You’ll find everything tightens up – possibly even your buttocks – with a more willing dual-clutch gearbox, meatier steering, more responsive throttle and firmer damper settings. The exhaust note is much, much angrier too. Use the paddles on the steering column and you get a delightful bark with every upshift. It’s simply intoxicating.

The ride is firm, even in Comfort mode, but why would you expect anything else? It’s not impossible to live with, even on badly broken surfaces, but even in their softest setting the dampers can be a little busy.

That won’t matter a jot when you’re blasting through the countryside – within legal speed limits of course – and every twist and turn brings with it a fresh surprise. Nor will you be disappointed with its cruising credentials. The TTS is a capable, and comfortable, machine that, if called upon, is perfectly able to deliver you relaxed and refreshed at your destination.

The TT has always been a looker, but it’s driving dynamics have never really been a match for the very finest coupes. For many buyers that has never been an issue, style taking precedence over substance, but now, if you want a TT that goes as good as it looks, S marks the spot.

Audi TTS

Price: £39,745

As tested: £47,090

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged

Transmission: S tronic 6-speed dual-clutch driving all four wheels

Max power: 306bhp

Max torque: 280lbft @ 1,800rpm

Max speed: 155mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 4.6sec

Urban: 33.6mpg

Extra urban: 47.1mpg

Combined: 40.9mpg

Emissions (C02): 159g/km

For more information visit www.audi.co.uk