The Audi TT range has been reprofiled: the 3.2 V6 has been killed off, a 158bhp 1.8 TFSI has been added, and then there’s this, an uprated 2.0 TFSI with direct injection, valvelift technology and energy recuperation.

Gaining 11bhp, it’s a bit more powerful, but the real reason for the update is the ever-present clunking fist of CO2 emissions. On this front Audi has made considerable gains, with a drop from 183g/km to 154g/km and a corresponding improvement in combined-cycle economy from 36.7mpg to 42.8mpg.

This is all provided you go for the front-drive manual model. Add the £1450 twin-clutch S-tronic gearbox and while the 0-62mph time drops from 6.1 to 6.0sec, CO2 rises 10g/km and mpg drops by three. Opt for the quattro (only available with S-tronic) and you’ll put a further 5g/km into the atmosphere while travelling half a mile less on a gallon. You do get the impression that CO2 is forcing Audi to quietly move away from quattro as the centrepiece of its brand philosophy.

So what’s the revised TT like? Our test car was a front-drive seven-speed S-tronic and, as with any similarly powerful hot hatch, the front wheels had very few issues containing the hefty swipe of power the revised engine is capable of delivering through the mid-range. There’s barely a trace of turbo whoosh (although lag is palpable) and the 1260kg coupe pulls the long gearing (70mph equals 2300rpm in top) easily. As was ever the case, the TT is obedient rather than playful, but few rivals are as competent, rapid and easy to live with.