How to spec an Audi TT

By any measure, finding a car that's stylish, powerful, good to drive and loaded with kit, yet won't cost the Earth to run, is a tall order – but the Audi TT is able to fulfil it all the same. In its latest form, the TT is a true five-star contender, ranking above key rivals such as the Ford Mustang or BMW 2 Series, and proves that a svelte coupé can be practical enough to use every day.

Although you can choose from three power outputs from the TT's 2.0-litre petrol engine, it's the entry-level 197bhp 40 TFSI version that we recommend for punchy performance while also keeping running costs reasonably sensible. Go with Sport trim and you’ll already have most bases covered, with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, 18in alloy wheels and cruise control all coming as standard, but you can still add luxuries without blowing your budget. Here's what we'd choose and why.

Metallic paint

If you don’t choose any upgrades, your TT will come with solid white paintwork, which won’t exactly help you to stand out from the crowd. Better to go for one of the six metallic options on offer. Each costs £575 and adds value to your car, as well as style. You can pay more for an exclusive selection of paints with a wider selection of colours, but since these cost £2400 each, we wouldn’t bother.

Plus Pack

Audi’s Plus Pack bundles together lots of useful kit, including climate control to help you stay warm in winter and cool in summer, as well as extended interior lighting and privacy glass to help you to further stand out on the school run.

Comfort and Sound Pack

The Comfort and Sound Pack is well worth considering, especially if you’re a music lover. As well as a top-notch stereo system by Bang & Olufsen, you get a rear-view camera to help with parking, and keyless entry – and all for £1495.

Technology Pack

This pack will help you to get the most from Audi’s MMI infotainment system, adding a touch-sensitive panel to the centre console to help you enter addresses and details more easily, dynamic route guidance so you can avoid the traffic on your route, and even satellite imagery from Google Earth. It costs the same as the Comfort and Sound pack, at £1495.

19in alloy wheels

There’s a difference between feeling connected to the road and shattered by it, and, while opting for larger 19in alloys will add style, they also don’t do the TT’s ride any favours. For the most comfortable experience, we'd save £750 and stick with the standard 18in wheels.

How to buy your ideal Audi TT

• Model: 40 TFSI Sport S tronic
• List price: £32,165
• Target Price: £29,822

• Options we'd add: Metallic paint (£575), Plus Pack (£1295), Comfort and Sound Pack (£1495), Technology Pack (£1495)

• Cost of options: £4860

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Next: our full Audi TT review >>