BOLD CONCEPT

Cars don’t hit the market in concept form. It just doesn’t happen. Complications with mass-producing certain parts, keeping costs down to a minimum and making changes following feedback are all reasons why cars drastically change from concept form to production car. But the Audi TT bucked the trend. The changes from concept to production were so minimal that the car became memorable and was an instant hit.

First on sale in 1999, the Mk1 Audi TT has quickly risen to modern classic status. It featured a body that was instantly recognisable (think Beetle and 911) with capable performance in the mid-range price bracket. The range of variants all featured turbochargers and a four-wheel drive platform, until the base model arrived later in 2003 featuring front-wheel drive. An all-out 3.2-litre VR6 Quattro version was also released in 2003 and became the range-topping car with the option of the all new dual-clutch DSG gearbox.

The TT was a