http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_TT
I don't really know the answer to your question about the beetle but the TT never really interested me much. A good looking FWD/4WD 2 seater, but the looks never quite matched its performance (or lack of), until I read about the TT-RS.
At one point I considered getting a used one, but I read a bit too many complaints about the reliability and the cost of getting a luxury German car fixed.
Its kinda rare to ever see one these days. I wonder if its because no one buys them or if its because they're all in the shop. I was told it was also made popular in a "chick flick" and subsequently had a reputation for a being a "chick car".