Considered, precise and unapologetically design-led, the TT proved that aesthetic clarity could be as compelling a selling point as performance or luxury – an idea Audi is revisiting with the new Concept C.
Inside, exposed screw heads and brushed metal accents blurred the line between form and function, while under the skin a well-sorted chassis, quattro all-wheel drive and a range of punchy turbo engines ensured it had the performance to match the looks. It was practical too, with two small rear seats helping the TT bridge the gap between a weekend toy and everyday driver.
Today, many of Audi’s leading designers, including R8 creator Frank Lamberty [LINK] and new design chief Massimo Frascella, cite the original TT as a source of lasting inspiration.
Back in August 1998, Autocar said: “There will be those who see the near-symmetrical styling as a mistake, but nothing should detract from the advance that Audi has made. Sports cars that are this much fun to drive rarely come so businesslike. The TT is a master stroke.”
#6 Audi A2 (1999)
When Audi first entered the small car market in 1999, it re-wrote the rulebook.
The A2 was nothing short of an engineering marvel. Its ultra-light aluminium spaceframe construction made it remarkably nimble and stiff, reducing fuel consumption and slashing emissions while delivering a comfortable ride and grin-inducing handling.
Aerodynamics were another triumph: with a drag coefficient of just 0.25, the A2 combined hushed refinement with exceptional economy. In its most advanced form, equipped with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder diesel, it could return up to 94mpg.
Inside, the A2 was well-packaged and adorned with plenty of high-quality materials, giving it a sense of luxury that was rare for the class. Plus, its tall, compact body maximised interior space while keeping exterior dimensions perfect for city streets.
In August 2000, Autocar said: “You climb aboard and marvel at the quality and the space. Then you fire it up and you realise this could, just possibly, be the template for the way all small cars should be made in the future. It’s nimble and sporty without being in any way aggressive or threatening. It’s fast yet frugal. Small but roomy. Inexpensive yet at the same time impossibly desirable. It’s the car the Mercedes A-Class always should have been.”
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