There are few things that look like an Audi TT. To further this, the whole Audi range is reasonably unique. What makes it so popular as a car manufacturer (and marque, or brand if you prefer) though? A quick straw poll suggests the following:

Design
Reliability
Performance (mid range)
Interesting concepts
Strong engineering principles
Clinical
Executives
Innovative
For mid-range buyers

So, the marque is known for precision and poise, with strong concepts. Is the range offered packed with ‘drivers cars’ though? Apparently not, at least when comparing the Audi TT to the Nissan 350Z.

The idea that a car is ‘clinical’ and too precise is something that has also been levelled at the Bugatti Veyron. In the drivers seat you’d be begging for another go I’m sure, not actually complaining about the ride. Then again, the Veyron is one of the few cars that can top 240 miles per hour.

For me, I’ve been desiring a two-seater for a while – especially an Audi TT. The problem is though that even the oldest, cheapest car I could get would still be around £8,000. This is a tad over £3,000 more than I was wanting to pay. Not only that but the RWD Mazda MX-5 (the most popular two-seater in the world apparently) can now be had for a smidge over £1,000 here in the UK.

Nonetheless, I got neither car, choosing a more practical hatchback with good boot space instead. However, I’m still extremely keen to own a car showing the four rings. I don’t know much about Bauhaus-inspired curves but I know plenty about desirability.

This trait is something that the best marques are able to create – it’s also something that new manufacturers have problems with. Brands like Kia (relatively new to UK shores) are struggling to develop this, but are successful in their own right, marketing instead on reliability. To my knowledge they are the first manufacturer offering a seven-year warranty on all new vehicles. Impressive to say the least.

Audi will always have a draw for me, and I’m hoping to be an Audi TT owner in a couple of year’s time. In the meantime, have you seen the new Audi A5? I love the design aesthetic, though it doesn’t sound like they’ve quite hit the sweet spot with it. If I had the money I know I’d be driving one. Let me know what you think of it in the comments.

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