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From the same people who brought you the New Beetle comes another brilliant piece of retro design, the Audi TT Coupe. But where the VW left off with warm-and-fuzzy collective memories, the Audi begins with styling that is evocative and purposeful, and performance that makes driving it as much fun as it looks.

Rounded curves, sharp creases, exposed screw heads and a big, race-car-style fuel cap are combined into a shape that recalls the aggressive Auto Union race cars of the 1930s. The TT Coupe also has something in common with toasters and tea kettles with a look derived from the famous Bauhaus design school, which took common objects and redesigned them with an industrial, modern flair.

The TT is the latest in a cadre of playful German sports cars, joining the BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK230, bringing yet another flavor into this diverse group. While it’s tough to pick favorites here, the TT has the edge on all of them in at least one aspect: the interior is decidedly the roomiest, especially for an extra-tall driver (such as me).

It’s also one of the coolest interiors I’ve ever seen in a production car. Intricately designed, it continues the industrial look of the exterior, with aluminum and brushed-steel rings, dimpled on the edges, and repeating in functional forms, such as the air-duct adjustments, the door handles, shifter knob, gauges and horn ring.

Serious fun stuff, all designed to produce the aura of something purposeful and highly engineered.

Fortunately, the TT Coupe has the performance to back it all up. Superb road-holding with a suspension that is supple and well-controlled, responsive steering, powerful brakes and aggressive engine power, it’s all there, plus a sophisticated feel that puts it a cut above.

Inevitably, there will be those who complain that it’s not fast enough, that the small four is just not enough engine, even though it’s turbocharged to produce 180 horsepower, and with minimal turbo lag. Off-the-line acceleration may be a bit sparse, but midrange and high-end power is right on the dime.

But for those who think they need more, there will be a high-performance TT coming out with 225 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission.

The TT Coupe is basically a front-wheel-drive car, which also might turn off some of the hot rodders. The TT driven here was equipped with Audi’s all-wheel-drive Quattro system, which enhances handling and power delivery tremendously. At $1,750, it’s a pricey option, but worth it.

On an all-day trip along the back roads near Bagdad, Kirkland and Skull Valley, the TT showed itself to be a great runner, particularly in terms of fast cornering, hill climbing and sweeping quickly through curves.

One thing I’ve learned about driving back roads in Arizona, anything can happen. Roads that dive headlong into dry washes. Roads that suddenly turn from smooth asphalt to rocky heaves, or that are covered with loose sand. The Audi’s suspension an d drive system soaked it all up easily, leaving me feeling confident that it could handle any of it.

Inside, my passenger and I felt secure and comfortable, despite the challenging drive of more than 200 miles. The ride is nearly as good as any sedan, despite the short wheelbase and tight suspension.

The interior feels spacious for the driver and front seat passenger, but just forget about the rear “seat.” It’s a cruel joke where only legless and headless passengers will find any comfort.

The Coupe is actually a hatchback, and the tailgate has a bizarre warning label prominently displayed that shows what could happen if you slam it with someone sitting in the back seat.

Klunk!

One thing you might find lacking in the TT Coupe is the ability to drop its top. That, too, is coming. So is a Tiptronic automatic transmission. Currently, only manual is available.

As it is, I think the bottom line comes in at a decent place, starting at about $30,000 and climb ing to abo ut $36,000. Besides the Quattro at $1,750, there was a comfort package with heated seats and a trip computer at $700, a performance package of high-intensity headlamps and 17-inch performance wheels and tires at $1,000, a premium audio and CD-changer package at $1,200, and a hands-free mobile phone at $495.

Interestingly, the TT is built on the same platform as the New Beetle, Jetta and Golf, though with a significantly different suspension and other architecture. In some ways, it compares to the new Beetles the way Karmann-Ghias compared with old Beetles.

In other ways, it’s like the German equivalent of the Plymouth Prowler, highly styled with good performance and loads of fun to drive or be seen driving.

Wonderful style, wonderful engineering, the Audi TT is a super cool car in every way. I want mine.

2000 Audi TT Coupe

Vehicle type: Two-passenger (forget the back seat), two-door coupe, all-wheel drive.
Base price: $30,500.
Price as tested: $36,170.
Engine: 1.8-liter in-line 4, 160 hp at 5,500 rpm, 173 lb-ft of torque at 1,950 rpm.
Transmission: 5-speed manual.
Curb weight: 3,131 pounds.
Wheelbase: 95.6 inches.
EPA mileage: 20 city, 29 highway.
Highs: Striking design. Stylish interior. Responsive performance.
Lows: Laughable back seat. Some over-the-top details. Had to give it back.