Well, pride comes before a fall and no sooner had I updated my facebook status about having an Audi TTS coupe to play with for a week, that I had a blow out on the M56.

However, I’m not going to let a blown tyre cloud my judgement of this high performance car as it’s just one of those things. I would, however, consider having a spare tyre if you buy one, as they don’t come as standard.

Anyway, there’s no denying that the rather sleek Audi TTS coupe (a roadster is also available) is a strikingly beautiful specimen and I’m still very much in love with it.

As you take off in this latest, much sportier model, you may be tempted to make pilot announcements from the cockpit to your passenger.

Delivering 350N of torque, the power is immense and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive certainly gives the car a commanding edge.

Steering is sharp and responsive and the car handles well as Audi has lowered the TTS ride height by 10mm compared to the standard TT. The TFSI turbo-charged direct-injection two-litre engine that I was driving pumps out an impressive 270bhp and it’s easy to see how this is the most powerful TT ever made.

Standard equipment includes 18” alloy wheels, an anti-lock braking system, electronic climate control, anti-slip regulation, traction control and cruise control for holding any speed above 25mph.

The TTS coupe comes with four airbags, stability control, an immobiliser and Xenon Plus headlights with distinctive LED daytime-driving lights.

Optional extras on this model included BOSE surround sound system, iPod connection and sat nav system plus.

I’d just like to say a big thank-you to the young couple in the Skoda Octavia who stopped on the hard shoulder to see if I was OK. I’m also very grateful to Andrew from the RAC and Peter from Egertons Recovery who were an enormous help in my hour of need – cheers guys.

Factfile

Car: Audi TTS coupe

Engine: 2.0 TFSI

Priced from: £32,590

Top speed: 155mph (governed)

0-62mph: 5.2 exhilarating seconds

CO2 emissions: 188g/km