THE AUDI TT has undergonea few exterior styling cues over the years. - A.J. Mueller Photography
Chances are you’ve seen a car on the street, called yourself identifying it to only find out that once you got up close to it, you’d mistaken it for something else.

It’s easy to do especially these days with so many carmakers sticking to a lot of the same design elements. Thought being, “steer too far away from the norm, and you might alienate some potential buyers.” Some cars have even been called back to the drawing table because the design was too daring.

For consumers, it all amounts to a lot of cars that look a lot alike.

Not the case for the Audi TT. Available as either a coupe or a roadster, the TT has the kind of exterior design that you’ll recognize every time you see it. Yeah, you might’ve had to be told what it was the first time you saw it. But probably not more than once.

The TT’s unique styling has been a defining element of the car. And while Audi has done a few styling modifications over the years, it’s still as distinctively “TT” as when it was launched back in 1998.

You’ll recognize the current model it by its low profile and sloping yet athletic lines accented by details such as the big aluminum fuel cap and distinctive headlights and taillights.

While available in two engine models — a 3.2 liter V6 and a 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder — I’d definitely opt for V6. The 2008 2.0 model we reviewed is quick and nimble due in large part to a frame that’s 58 percent aluminum and 42 percent steel, which makes it light. But with only 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque, the power is a little disappointing when matched with the TT’s styling is.

Kind of like getting a box nicely wrapped as a gift to only find out that once you open it up, what’s inside isn’t as exciting as the packaging. Okay, but just not quite what you expected. That pretty much sums up the feeling you get from the 2.0 TT after you drive it.

The 3.2-liter V6, which comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, pumps out 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque. It also features Audi’s Quattro or all-wheel-drive system, which gives it much better performance capabilities. The 2.0 turbo is front-wheel-drive and comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Of course, some might opt for saving a few extra dollars at the pump than the more powerful engine. The 2.0 liter gets 23 mpg city, 31 highway compared to 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway for the V6.

For the 2009 model year, Audi has added a TTS model to the line-up that makes 265 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque that comes exclusively as an automatic. Surprisingly, it based on the 2.0 turbocharged engine. We’ll definitely have to test that for comparison.

Pricing for the 3.2 Quattro model is about $42,900 for the coupe compared to $34,800. The roadster is $45,900 for the V6 compared to $36,800. There are definitely some pros with going with the 2.0 when you match up those numbers. But if price is an issue you might want to rethink purchasing an Audi all together. You don’t shop a luxury brand like Audi for a new car looking to get a deal.

The Audi TTS carries a sticker price of $66,000 $70,000.

The 2.0 and 3.2 Quattro come standard with 17” alloy wheels. Larger 18” and 19” wheels are standard.

The interior of the TT features deep-set sports seats, circular air outlets, and a leather sports steering wheel with a flat bottomed rim. There’s also an optional baseball optic leather trim with distinctive top stitching. It all compliments the exterior styling well.

An increase in body dimension from the previous model has allowed for more head room and luggage space as well. Not that you’d really want to take the TT on a long road trip though. I’d imagine the TT’s interior space might wear on you traveling great distances.

Standard safety features include full-size air bags, front knee air bags, and the Audi “Backguard” system.

Options for the TT include a S Line package include on the model we tested. It features more aggressive body styling, special interior trim, and 19”alloy wheels. There’s also a DVD-based navigation system available and an upgraded interior package that features Nappa leather covered upholstery, middle console, door trim, armrest and hand brake. There’s an upgraded audio package with a 255 watt, 12 speaker audio system with Sirius Satellite radio and an optional iPod interface is available as well.

There’s nearly $10,000 available in options with the TT if you’re looking to add some more convenience and comfort features. But the major selling point for the TT is the exterior styling, or not I guess, if you think the design is a little too far out there.

Personally, I prefer a ride that stands out at the light and you can be assured of that in the TT. It just seems like a better fit for the Audi brand when wrapped around the 3.2 Quattro model.

Marcus Amick is an automotive consultant and co-host of MotorRocks.com, an automotive entertainment website.

HIGHLIGHTS
$45,550 as tested
MPG: 23 city/31 hwy
Optional DVD-based Navi
Nappa leather
Optional 19” wheels