Audi TT new car review
The Audi TT has been an automotive style icon for almost two decades. Since the first generation launched in 1998 it has been one of the most popular sports cars around the world.
The formula was simple for Audi - take the Volkswagen Golf underpinnings and wrap it in a more stylish body. That is still true of the third-generation model but just as the Golf has improved a lot, so has the TT. It now boasts edgier design and a cutting-edge new interior.
What do you get?
The latest TT has a combination of six entry-level coupe variants to choose from, all of which are powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine but are divided up by either having a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, front- or all-wheel drive transmission and in Sport or S-Line trim.
The starting point is $71,950 (plus on-road and dealer costs) for the front-wheel drive Sport featuring a manual gearbox. Here, we're testing the middle of the Sport range with the dual-clutch auto adding a further $3000 to the sticker. Strangely, the same gearbox commands an additional $1000 premium in the S-Line while Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system (which can only be paired with the auto) costs extra $3000 in either trim level.
All TT models come equipped with Xenon headlights, electric front seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, dual-zone aircon, front and rear parking sensors and ambient interior lights.
The S-Line variants have larger 19-inch alloys, enhanced exterior styling elements, pneumatic bolsters in the front seats and a higher grade audio with digital radio.
Convertible versions will be added soon and the higher-powered TTS is expected to arrive before the end of the year, with a successor to the flagship TT RS a certainty but yet to be revealed.
What's inside?
The headline act of the new TT is the introduction of Audi's virtual cockpit, a digital instrument panel that eliminates the need for an additional multi-function screen in the centre console by integrating functions such as the audio, nav and connectivity within the main dash.
Its novelty factor quite literally dominates your attention within the cabin, but its functionality is more than a novelty as it works well once you're familiar with its multitude of menus and how to operate them via the buttons on the steering wheel and/or the rotary dial in the central tunnel. It also helps maintain a more direct line of forward vision while in traffic, which is a good thing. But one big omission – at least at the moment - is it doesn't feature a reverse camera. Audi says it will become available in models delivered later this year.
What the virtual cockpit does divert your attention from though, is one of the classiest cabins around. Its simplicity is contrasted by high-tech touches, such as the temperature display inside the aircon vents (which double as the controls), and top-notch materials. Audi has also added a USB port for easier smartphone integration.
The front seats are well bolstered and the driving position has plenty of adjustment, but it's low-slung and sloping roof limits head room and makes the cramped rear seats more suitable for luggage than people – even small children.
Under the bonnet
All variants in the new TT family are powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol four cylinder engine shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance model.
Producing 169kW of maximum power, it is a significant step forward over the previous entry-level TT which had an 118kW 1.8-litre four cylinder and also an increase over the 2.0-litre it effectively replaces that generated 155kW.
As it is in the Golf, the motor is hugely flexible with a strong spread of pulling power (370Nm) across a broad range of revs that makes it both effortless to drive in everyday situations and also swift enough on a twisty road. The front-wheel drive configuration, however, still means it will spin the unloaded tyre under heavy acceleration.
It also hampers its sprinting ability with Audi's claim that it can bolt from rest to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds putting it behind the likes of the BMW M235i, Alfa 4C and base-level Porsche Cayman.
But, with its slick-shifting six-speed dual clutch transmission, it is reasonably efficient for a sports car with a claimed average consumption of 6.3L/100km, although, tapping into its performance potential every now and then, saw us record a figure closer to the 9L.
On the road
As the TT uses the basic lightweight building blocks of the latest generation Volkswagen Golf, it is no surprise that it offers a similar, high-quality driving experience.
In essence, that equals a well-sorted balance between everyday comfort and the sporty character its stylish body portrays with an improved level of refinement.
Using the multi-mode Drive Select function, the TT's adaptive suspension manages to soak up most road irregularities in its default Comfort setting while, at the other end of the driving spectrum, offers a taut level of body control that generates plenty of grip through the bends.
While the electric power steering is well-weighted and precise, it can't hide its front-drive underpinnings when stretched to the limit, where the front-end can push wide under hard cornering. That means it's not quite as engaging to drive for hard-core enthusiasts as, say a Porsche Cayman, but is more than competent most of the time.
Verdict
The latest-generation TT offers significant improvements in all elements over its predecessor, but doesn't mess with the formula that has made it popular among the style-conscious for the past 17 years.
With its virtual cockpit and simply gorgeous cabin, it re-sets the benchmark for interior design and its stylish body still offers a classy, Teutonictake on the sports coupe. As for how it drives, the TT is faster, more refined and more efficient than before but still feels like a Golf GTI from another mother. While that's not such a bad thing, there are rivals with more character that will hold greater appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Audi TT pricing and specification
Price: $74,950 plus on-road costs
Country of origin: Germany
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol
Power: 169kW at 4500-6200rpm
Torque: 370Nm at 1600-4300rpm
CO₂ emissions: 148g/km
Fuel use: 6.3L/100km
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
Weight: 1335kg
Safety: six airbags; stability control