Audi brings its relatively venerable TT coupe into the 2016 model year with a few styling upgrades, more power, some added perks, and, doubtless, a slightly higher MSRP. This sporty compact 2-door, which debuted for the 1998 model year, again seats 4 and remains delivered in a pair of trims: the 2.0T Quattro Coupe and the 2.0T Quattro Roadster (convertible). Its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) has been revised for 2016 to deliver some added athleticism.

Among further expected upgrades for 2016 are additional aluminum exterior panels that help shed some 110 pounds from this heady coupe’s curb weight, along with a slightly longer wheelbase (98.7 inches), a marginally lower stance, restyled LED headlights, a revamped grille, and a redesigned hood, all of which add a dose of needed aggressiveness to the TT’s once yawn-inducing profile. Also new for 2016 are a bunch of improvements to the cabin, including added aluminum inlays, upgraded leather upholstery with additional colors offered, and updated multimedia technology.

As mentioned, Audi’s 2016 TT has packed some added ponies into its standard turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant. This tweaked force-fed I4 will put out 230 hp and 258 lb-ft when mated with the standard 6-speed auto-manual transmission. Meantime, a number of reviewers seem confident the 6-speed manual transmission offered in European editions will make its way to the U.S. in this third-generation offering. Mileage figures for the up-powered 2016 2.0T Quattro TT are thus far unavailable.

Speaking of anticipation, a peppy turbodiesel I4 that’s currently optional in European TTs is also rumored to among the available powertrain offerings for the U.S. next year. Stay tuned.

In addition to the already mentioned upgrades for 2016, the upcoming model year sees the return of the TT’s traditional 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, power-adjustable front seats (repositioned a bit lower for 2016), and full power accessories, including heated power-adjustable outside mirrors. Of course, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering remain standard, as do a remote garage door opener, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto climate control with Sun Sensor technology, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Techno-bling returning for 2016, meantime, includes Bluetooth hands-free calling, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system bolstered by a single-CD player, satellite radio, and auxiliary audio input.

Options, meanwhile, include the S-Line plus Carbon package, boasting a sport-tuned suspension and exhaust system, carbon fiber exterior trim pieces, performance tires, and brushed aluminum cabin inlays. The Audi Navigation System, sporting GPS navigation and rear parking sensors, also returns as an option for 2016, as does a selection of upgraded painted-alloy wheels.

Expect all of the above to be complemented in the Roadster by a power-opening fabric convertible roof and fixed rollbars. Meanwhile, trunk space in the coupe is a respectable 13.6 cubic feet (about half a cubic foot larger than the 2015 edition), while the Roadster, which has to accommodate the roof when the top's down, offers 8.8 cubes.

Finally, standard safety equipment returning in the 2016 Audi TT 2.0T Quattro includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), front side-mounted airbags with head protection chambers, LED daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, new-for-2016 self-leveling high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, and a post-collision safety system. Additionally, a remote antitheft alarm remains standard for the upcoming model year.