CLEAN SLATE

Minimalism is back... and so is a proper sports car in Audi's line up. Meet the Concept C, yours in two years' time

- OLLIE KEW

“AUDI SAYS THIS IS 95 PER CENT THE REAL DEAL. ON SALE IN 2027”

Did you notice Audi gave up on two doors? The TT wasn't replaced, we still mourn the R8 and the A5 badge is on the new A4. Even the Germans are struggling to explain their logic there.

Into this sportiness vacuum, Audi's new design team has poured a pretty coupe cabrio called the Concept C. Ignore that name, they didn't have to time to come up with one, but despite our protestations it won't be called TT - too big, too expensive to carry the badge, says Audi CEO, Gernot Döllner. Boo, hiss. Audi says this is 95 per cent the real deal, though. On sale in 2027, riding on the 'delayed more than HS2' platform originally reserved for the electric Porsche Boxster. It's also a manifesto pledge for how Audis will look from now on.

Gaping grilles, meaningless creases, fake exhausts, characterless light bars and maybe even 'death by touchscreen' interiors are out. Smooth, restrained bodywork and cockpits rich in tactile switchgear are back, aiming to restore Audi's reputation for class leading cabins soundtracked by crisp button clicks.

Right, let's not get carried away - 10 years ago Audi whipped the covers off four production ready TT concept cars. A lightweight track bred tearaway, a svelte four door saloon, a shooting brake wagon and the inevitable mutated crossover. Before that, it teased us with a revived 700bhp Quattro. Not one made it to showrooms.

We've been edged by Audi before, only to see dreams of four ringed sportiness rolled up into a ball and splurged into yet another tedious SUV. But the Concept C offers hope because it can succeed where even Porsche has stumbled.