Since its launch in 2006, the second-generation Audi TT has gone from strength to strength, and Brits now buy more of them than anywhere else in the world.

For 2010, Audi has given its small sports coupe and roadster a few tweaks and some new engines.

Brits love affair with the Audi TT continues despite poor weather, broken roads, speed humps and endless congestion. Maybe it’s got something to do with its styling – it’s an achingly cool machine – and has huge talents on the move.

Four years after the launch of the second-generation TT, Audi has given it a once-over in the styling department; but fans of the clean lines will be pleased to hear it’s a subtle one.

New front and rear bumpers bookend the car, and there’s a new diffuser at the rear. More obvious changes are to the lights, which have LED elements up front. Sporty S Line models get a new grille, and there are a couple of new wheel designs and paint choices too.

But with buyers citing the looks as the reason they chose a TT over a BMW Z4 or Mercedes SLK, it’s important not to tinker too much.

The cabin has a few new trims, but little to identify this as a facelift model.

Where it gets more interesting is under the bonnet. We tested the new 2-litre TFSI engine which is cleaner, more efficient and more powerful than the unit it replaces.

Full gallery: the new Audi TT

The new engine sees power boosted from 200bhp to 211bhp and torque raised from 206 to 258lb/ft, while economy increases from 36.7mpg to 42.8mpg, with emissions dropping from 183 to 154g/km.

Accordingly, the new engine propels the Audi TT to 62mph in less time than before – 6.1 seconds, down from 6.6 seconds – and on to 152mph, a 3mph increase.

Side-by-side comparisons would have to be made to see if these changes have improved driveability, but on our test route near Munich, the new engine seems more eager to rev and feels more muscular than its 2-litre size would indicate. The engine is refined at low speeds, but emits a deep thrum when the pace increases – the perfect combination for an everyday sportscar.

Our test car featured the same slick six-speed manual we loved from the old car, while an S Tronic automatic is available as a cost option.

The car we tested was also fitted with the optional Sport button which when pressed alters the throttle response, weights up the steering, firms the suspension slightly and increases the engine note; the latter being worth the cost of the option alone.

Our test route was too short to tell whether the Sport button makes for a more involving drive, but indications are good. The new car retains the great chassis, and is available in two- and four-wheel drive configurations.

A 1.8-litre version is also available, giving only half a second away to the 2-litre in the 0-62mph stakes, while a cost-conscious 2-litre TDI is also offered. The diesel is only slightly slower than the 1.8, but emits just 139g/km and can return 53mpg.

The subtle changes add up to an awful lot when it comes to looking at lifetime owning costs. Of course, options like the Sport button create a little more pizzazz, and keep the Audi TT among the best choices for a small sports car.

Key facts:

Model tested: Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Coupe S Line manual
On the road price: £28,425
Price range: £24,690 – £46,715
Date tested: May 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne