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What’s Hot: For the 2016 model year, the Audi TT has been reworked inside and out, making this one of the most advanced vehicles in the industry in terms of its interior. The stunning looking TT, with its evolutionary design, continues to be available as a coupe and a roadster. With its oval shape still in place, the design and engineering team has pushed the already appealing sports vehicle to the stratosphere. The new TT is quite innovative, especially in the layout of the instrument panel.

Audi re-engineered the traditional instrument panel. For the 2016 model, the A/C controls have been integrated into the air vents. The fan speed, the air vent selection, the temperature selection and the heated seat adjustments are now controlled through three air vents.

The driver-centric, digital gauges remind you of the controls of an electronic game, as opposed to what’s embedded in the instrument panel of a vehicle. The infotainment system, which incorporates the audio system and the rearview camera, is slotted right into the digital gauges and everything is at eye level for the driver. Yes, this is an industry first.

The TT’s  supportive but comfortable seating, continues to be available with one smooth and zippy automatic transmission. Depending on the model, buyers can opt for the standard 220-horsepower engine in the base TT or the standard 290-horsepower engine in the more powerful TTS, which is available as a coupe only. T

The all-wheel drive system delivers torque by measuring the coefficient of traction at all four wheels. The balance of power can be controlled through the Audi drive select system. Although the brand only builds front-wheel drive models, when the vehicle is placed in dynamic mode, the vehicle operates just like a rear-wheel drive vehicle.

The TT can be outfitted with extra features including 19-inch wheels and a 12-speaker audio system, which pumps out 680 watts. For those enthusiasts who yearn for a little more control over the suspension system, they should step up to the TTS. The vehicle allows the driver to choose what best suits their needs.

What’s Not: Our four concerns are a carryover from the previous generation TT. What’s a sports car without a manual transmission? And probably due to the structural integrity of the oval-shaped roof, Audi has opted not offer a power sunroof. But what about pop-up sunroof, at least? Why does this 4-cylinder turbo require premium fuel? And why does the engineering team continue to offer rear seats? We guess they must be for pets, as opposed to humans.

Drive or Drive-By?: The refined TT is definitely leap years over the competition in terms of the interior design. There isn’t another automobile in the industry that has shifted the traditional center stack, which houses the audio and ventilation system, in such a groundbreaking fashion. The cool looking TT, which offers plenty of pep, while getting up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway, is worth every penny. This was the only vehicle in the J.D. Power latest initial quality survey that was reworked both inside and out, that scored 5 out of 5. So, besides the few gripes we pointed out, the TT continues to be a winner.

Competition: Nissan 370Z and Porsche Boxster

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $48,725 (base AWD model $43,825)

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; automatic rearview mirror; automated windshield wipers and headlights; automatic headlights; a headlight washing system; LED turn light indicators; heated exterior mirrors; an electronic stability control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; and a hill hold assist system

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; an all-wheel drive system; a clutchless automatic transmission; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; an automatic climate control system; leather/Alcantara power front seats; storage drawer under front passenger seat; a speed-activated rear spoiler; dual exhaust outlets; and Xenon headlights with LED running lights

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: tech package, which consists of a navigation system, heated automatic dimming power folding exterior mirrors, a parking assist sensor system, a rearview camera, Audi side assist system and Audi connect with online services including an optional hot spot ; and special design seats with Napa leather.

Other Trim Level:

TTS

TT Roadster

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a Bose 12-speaker AM/FM/HD with satellite

 Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

 USB Connectivity: Yes

 Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder/220-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

 Standard Fuel Mileage:

20-city/28-hwy

 Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to www.JeffCars.com. Follow him on Twitter/JeffCars.