Audi TT vs BMW 228i

The TT is not cheap, yet lacks such key features as a reverse camera. But it is beautiful and has a fair amount of standard gear, even in the base Sport spec. It gets 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and start, xenon headlights, daytime LEDs, leather/alcantara trim, satnav and cruise control. Metallic paint adds $1077. No capped price servicing.

Much like the TT, the 228i is not great value for money and some key items are options. It gets 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and start, bi-xenon headlights, daytime LEDs, leather seats, satnav and cruise control. Automatic transmission is standard. Metallic paint adds $1485. Basic servicing for five years or 80,000km costs $1140.

Style is still a huge part of the TT's appeal. It doesn't look all that much different from its predecessor but the front styling endows a harder and sharper appearance. It now looks more like a shrunken version of the R8 supercar. The overhauled interior looks stunning but is also practical. The rear two seats are only for the smallest of passengers. The digital instrument cluster is great - you can show the satnav map or render the tacho and speedo in different styles.

The 2 Series coupe is a different cup of tea to the TT. Technically it's a coupe but looks more like a two-door sedan, albeit a very attractive example that blends elegance and aggression. The interior is way behind the Audi's and looks more conservative, older and a little less expensive. There is a lot more room in the rear, though taller adults might still touch the roof over bumps.

There is just one engine for now, a turbo 2.0-litre (169kW/320Nm and near-identical to the Golf GTI). The more powerful TT S is due later this year and, in time, an even more extreme TT RS. The base car is the six-speed manual front-driver and there's also a six-speed dual-clutch auto. The quattro all-wheel-drive version is auto only. The fuel consumption is 6.3L/100km for the base manual and the 0-100km/h time is 5.9 seconds.

The four engine options include a turbo four-cylinder in two tunings, a turbo six and a turbo diesel four. The base engine has 135kW/270Nm and in the 228i, which we tested, makes 180kW/350Nm. Two extra cylinders and additional boost take the 235i to an impressive 240Nm/450Nm while the 2.0 diesel makes 135kW/380Nm. The sole transmission is an eight-speed automatic. Crucially, all 2 Series coupes are rear-drive. The 228i claims 6.3L/100km and goes from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

It gets six airbags and stability control. Tested under the stricter 2015 Euro NCAP regime, the TT scored a shock four-star rating thanks to the lack of automatic emergency braking, even as an option. Reversing camera should be added later this year. That's ordinary. Safety kit option ($1692) bundles blind-spot and lane departure warning, self-parking and automatic high-beam.

It gets six airbags, stability control and five-star crash test rating (under the pre-2015 regime). Parking sensors are standard but, surprisingly, a rear-view camera isn't - it's available in a $1000 package. Why? Honda's $14,990 Jazz gets it as standard. Automatic emergency braking is part of another $1000 package that also includes lane departure warning and other safety features.

The TT has decent performance, handles well enough, the engine is very strong but it's not a flat-out sports car. Audi could have made the engine note louder. The exceptional cabin is comfortable and stylish and helps make the TT such fun to drive and be seen in. Digital instrument cluster is stunning and the small touches such as the air vents with the digital display in the centre are very cool.

An exciting driver's car with crisp steering and fine handling. Despite its sportiness, the ride is quite comfortable. It is pretty fast (but not crazy-fast like the 235i) and the engine has a lovely meaty note. All up, it's more involving than the TT. The interior seems so much older than the TT's, and plain. It doesn't have the presence of a swooping coupe either but some people won't mind.