We're talking the world's best-fitting black Italian leather bucket seats. The shape is very Recaro-like, with extra bolstering for the thighs and torso, to keep you in place during hard cornering. Then there is that perfect small-diameter three-spoke leather steering wheel with no control functions on it. The black leather shift knob has its six-speed pattern displayed sharply on the top in aluminum, and the boot around the very short lever is held down with an eye-catching brushed aluminum ring. The seats, steering wheel and shift lever say: This car is meant for driving. World's greatest dead pedal confirms it. Gauges like a racecar ? except maybe for the cherry red numbers.

It's that brushed aluminum trim that makes the TT interior so stylish. It's everywhere, it seems, but somehow there's not too much of it: Brushed aluminum cupholders. Brushed aluminum rings around the climate control vents (they rotate to direct air), brushed aluminum audio system cover, brushed aluminum door grab handles, brushed aluminum cover to the glovebox (big enough to hold the owner's manual, and that's about it).

Despite the low roof and narrow windows all around, there's no visibility problem; the rear window fills the rearview mirror. There is a small head-whacking problem when climbing out, but you soon learn to duck. Inside, the headroom is surprisingly adequate, with an inch or so to spare for a six-footer. Still, the cabin feels either cozy or claustrophobic, depending on your phobias.

The rear seats are suitable for kids only. But with the seats folded down, it's so spacious in the back that they could sleep there. Open the rear hatch, drop the rear seats, and there's tons of cargo space. Camping anyone?

One small detail, intelligent and appreciated, is the switchgear for the intermittent wipers. A tiny four-position button slides along the stalk, so you can feel with your finger which speed it's in-unlike so many others that rotate, so you never know where you are.

Miscellaneous small storage places include little nets for maps and papers in the doors; a wide slot under the emergency brake lever between the seats, for pens or a pocket notebook, and a modest-sized tray under the dashboard.