The Detroit News's view

Freeman Thomas, the hip California designer who sketched the original version of the Audi TT coupe, took his inspiration from the German Auto Union Rekordwagen, a 1930s vehicle that may go down in automotive history as one of the most technologically advanced cars of the century. But the ordinary people we encountered while testing the 2000 TT almost all squealed the same thing: “Is that a shrunken version of the New Beetle?”

Well, not quite. We drove a a loaded TT that cost $33,925.

She: The TT and the New Beetle are close cousins, from the same parent company. But it’s kind of a city mouse/country mouse relationship, isn’t it? The coupe is all about prestige and passion – and that’s probably why it costs twice as much as a New Beetle. But I think it’s worth it. The TT coupe is one of the most striking vehicles I’ve ever been in.

He: From a purely aesthetic point of view, I think the design of the TT is virtually flawless, inside and out. Once you slide behind the wheel, however, the whole thing starts to fall apart for me.

She: The whole thing gets even cooler for me. I love the TT coupe for its interior because it’s so unlike anything on the market. No junky wood trim or pseudo-luxury pretensions. Those little metal dials that click into place remind me of crisp little military salutes. The whole package is exciting because it seems both retro and post-modern. It’s high-tech, but it’s reminiscent of the past.

He: Yes, yes, yes. I agree with everything you say – for once. But there’s no getting around the fact that if your legs are as long as mine, this is going to be an uncomfortable car to drive for more than a few miles. I can forgive the rather narrow seats, the lousy visibility from the cockpit and the stiff suspension. I even trained myself to duck when getting into the car so I wouldn’t whack my skull on the way in. But those clever brushed aluminum struts attached to either side of the console made it nearly impossible for me to find a comfortable position for my right leg when driving.

She: But you had lots of head room.

He: It’s really a shame because the TT in nearly every other respect is so much fun to drive – much more so than the New Beetle. That’s because Audi has fitted it with a much peppier, turbocharged 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower. Steering, suspension, tires and brakes all feel as if they were designed for a sports car, and all work in harmony with each other.

She: Speaking of harmony, I know a guy in California who just ordered a TT coupe and angered his girlfriend because her two kids have so little room in the back. It’s true. The back seat is fairly useless, but so what? This is a car that you buy to please yourself, not your passengers. A nice thing is that the TT comes fairly well equipped. Our test car had an optional Bose sound system with a six-disc CD changer for $1,200, bigger 17-inch tires with six-spoke alloy wheels for $1, 000 and a comfort package with heated seats and a trip computer for another $700..

He: I like the standard safety features on the TT, including the side air bags. Some people who drive this car will still be terrified the first time they pull alongside an Expedition or a Suburban.

She: Or a big rig.

He: But all the safety gadgets, including anti-lock brakes, should give you some piece of mind. Audi is also working on some companion models, including an all-wheel-drive quattro variant that should arrive this fall and a roadster that’s due out next spring.

She: But that shouldn’t stop anybody from going out this May to check out the TTs as they arrive in the dealerships. They’ll only be available in black, silver or blue to start. That shouldn’t matter. Think of it as getting to know a 2000 model that’s loaded with character. We’ve got a long way to go until December when we pick our top 10 vehicles of the year. But I can tell you right now, the TT coupe has eady earned a place on that list if I have any say in the matter.

2000 Audi TT

Anita’s rating: world class

Paul’s rating: above average

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-passenger coupe

Price: Base, $30,500; as tested; $33,925 (including $525 destination charge)

Engine: 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; 180 hp at 5,500 rpm; 173 lb-ft torque at 1,950 rpm

EPA fuel economy: 22 city/31 highway

2-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan *$1,486 (*Estimate. Rates may be higher or lower depending on coverage and driving record.):

Where built: Gyor, Hungary

What we liked: One of the best designs of the new millennium (it’s a 2000 model, after all); extreme fun, thanks to turbocharged, 180-hp engine; gets noticed; cockpit unlike any other, with unusual controls; unusually roomy in some respects, especially headroom; good safety features, including side air bags; all-wheel-drive version coming in late summer

What we didn’t like: Visibility limited; struts on center console cramp driver (Paul); even $30,500 base coupe may be a little pricey for some folks; seats a bit cramped for larger posteriors (Paul); suspension is stiffer than New Beetle or Golf