Audi

TT Coupe/Roadster, TT RS Coupe/Roadster, TTS Coupe/Roadster

With a sleek eye-catching design and blistering power, the TT has long been established as sports car perfection. The responsive gearbox, quattro four-wheel-drive and hang-onto-your-hat acceleration help it stand out from the pack.

Test Drive

Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro manual

When it comes to the sublime Audi TT there has never been any doubt about its breath-taking performance, driving dynamics or sheer excitement value, but the range-topping TTS really raises the bar.

Boasting a spiked up version of the TT’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol powertrain delivering a monstrous 310PS, the car can dash to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds and maxes out at 155mph.

Yet there is so much more to this fire-cracker of a car than simple power, grunt and pace because the TTS Coupe is actually beautifully refined in its handling too. Despite sitting just inches above the Tarmac, the ride and comfort levels are surprisingly good and the road-holding is everything you could possibly wish for from a sports coupe.

As one would expect, there is a fairly boisterous soundtrack to accompany the performance, but in fairness to Audi, the car is exceedingly well insulated against road surface and wind noise.

The four-wheel-drive TTS is guaranteed to make you the envy of the neighbourhood with its dynamic styling traits. In fact, the car looks fabulous from any approach thanks to its athletic yet rugged streamlining, large single grille, four exhaust pipes, 20-inch alloys, clamshell bonnet and Audi Matrix LED headlights.

The compact interior is snug with a very driver-focused theme. There is a distinct lack of buttons, readouts and touchscreens thanks to the 12.3-inch virtual cockpit that sits directly behind the steering wheel and can be personalised to show satellite navigation directions, multi-media information, performance data and plenty more besides. And all these features can be accessed via the flat-bottomed, multi-function sports steering wheel which results in the clutter-free dashboard.

And for true style connoisseurs who seek out curious design elements there are five circular air vents stretching across the dash which double up as controls for the seat heaters, air con, temperature and direction. Elsewhere there are very supportive sports seats with beautiful quilted upholstery, a pitch perfect Bang & Olufsen sound system, cruise control, metal sports pedals and a comprehensive list of specifications that goes on and on. There are also ‘S’ emblems scattered throughout the car as a not-so-gentle reminder that this particular TT is a little bit special.

In fairness, the TTS is not the cheapest of the model range with its £37,965 price-tag which was increased to £46,340 with options fitted on the test car. But for that outlay you are guaranteed hours of endless fun in a car that simply loves to be driven.

In busy built up traffic or congested town centres, it cruises along turning heads as it passes and then on fast motorways there is always ample power on tap. But it’s on the twisting, winding country lanes that this particular TT really excels. The acceleration through the six-speed manual gearbox is blisteringly quick and the road-holding and steering are truly assured which means those tight bends can be conquered with confidence at pace.

The driver can choose from five varying driving modes – efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic and individual – that adjust the car’s responses. Efficiency mode is all rather civilised whereas switch to dynamic and it’s like unleashing a wild animal.

Despite its compact dimensions the TTS is deceptively roomy for the two front seat occupants with space for coats and shopping bags on the back seats (you could carry a passenger over very short distances). And storage options are also impressive with a boot capacity of 305 mitres that is increased to 712 litres with the rear seats dropped flat.

All in all, the TTS is a fabulous sports car. It may not be the most economical model on offer with combined fuel economy of 38.7mpg and carbon emissions of 168g/km, but it is certainly one of the most satisfying and entertaining vehicles to drive.

Test Drive

Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI S line 230PS 6-speed manual

Us Brits have a long-standing love affair with open-top motoring. Despite our less than predictable weather patterns at the first sign of sunshine it’s down with the roof, sunnies on and away we go.

So the arrival of the all-new third generation Audi TT Roadster was, of course, welcomed with a sense of excitement and exhilaration.

It is almost part of Audi’s DNA to create fantastic convertibles and the new TT Roadster is no exception with beautifully-crafted lines, 19-inch ‘twin-spoke’ design alloy wheels, smart headlight clusters with directional sweeping indicators, twin tail pipes, S line badging, and a distinctive fabric roof that can be lowered or raised in 10 seconds at speeds up to 30mph.

And the interior has certainly moved upmarket too. It has Alcantara-leather upholstery, heated seats, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, an LED interior lighting package, a pitch-perfect sound system, sports pedals and an easy-to-operate sat nav system.

But, building on its reputation for designing quality, premium interiors, Audi has introduced a ‘virtual cockpit’ to replace the large central screen. It’s a 12.3-inches high resolution LCD display which can be controlled via the steering wheel buttons and can be personalised by the driver.

Another eye-catching feature is the circular air vents that manually control the temperature, air con and output levels – simple but very effective.

Unlike its coupe counterpart there are no rear seats in the roadster and the folding roof does mean that the boot’s storage capacity is reduced to 280 litres, but there is a good-sized glovebox, a central bin, door pockets, a couple of covered trays and practical cup holders within the cabin.

And when it comes to performance and driving dynamics, the TT is a sure-fire winner.

The test car, costing £33,820 (£40,315 with options fitted) was powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 230PS of grunt which propels the car to 62mpg from a standing start in just 6.2 seconds and onto a top speed that has been limited to 155mph.

According to official figures, it can achieve combined fuel efficiency of 45.6mpg with carbon emissions of 144g/km.

Once you push the start button, the car springs into life with a rather gentle purring noise, but the slightest pressure on the accelerator releases a roar that is guaranteed to turn heads and is an indication to what’s in store.

In busy town centres, the TT ambles along quite happily and attracts plenty of attention from admirers as it passes.

Then out on faster roads, it really bursts into life. The acceleration through the manual gears is both smooth and responsive with a constant supply of power on tap at all times – which makes light work of overtaking slower vehicles.

A rear spoiler is electrically deployed from the top of the boot when the car is travelling at speeds in excess of 74mph to provide additional downforce.

The steering is precise and the road-holding is excellent with the TT delivering a very grounded and sure-footed performance which makes sharp bends all the more enjoyable. That said; it was a little jittery over uneven surfaces if pushed particularly hard.

A Drive Select feature allows you to adjust the car’s dynamics and handling capabilities to suit the conditions and you can choose from – Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual modes.

The TT Roadster is exceptionally well insulated with very little road, engine or wind noise reaching the cabin environment and despite being so low to the ground the suspension is pretty efficient at ironing out some of the bumps along the way.

And of course, Audi has packed the car with a whole host of safety specifications making the TT the perfect car for anyone who likes to live life to the full, but maintain their sense of style and dignity along the way.

Test Drive

Audi TT (2014)

The UK has always been the most popular place for Audi TT sales and the new third generation model is likely to see that love affair develop even further.

The stunning sports coupe first graced our roads back in 1999 and the latest incarnation is as beautiful as ever with lots of subtle rather than outlandish design changes, a whole host of new technological innovations plus improved economy and efficiency along the way.

It certainly has a more macho and bolder appearance and can sit proudly next to the R8 supercar, yet it’s still unmistakably a TT through and through. There are the traditional sculpted curves, the high shoulders, a single grille, clamshell bonnet and bold wheel arches, but on closer inspection the new TT is slightly shorter and narrower than its predecessor, but it boasts a longer wheelbase and that in turn translates into improved ride, comfort and driving dynamics. New design cues see the Audi rings sitting proudly on the bonnet rather than the grille and the car also features vertical LEDs that are derived from the company’s racing heritage.

However, there’s nothing familiar about the interior of the TT because it’s been given a premium upgrade to business class standards with leather and alcantara sports seats, a redesigned dashboard and the introduction of a striking ‘virtual cockpit’ with a whopping 12.3-inch high resolution LCD display that can be adjusted and personalised to show internet functions such as Google Street View, Facebook and Twitter, sat nav, telephone contacts or the good old radio stations.

Then there are the five circular air vents which may sound pretty straightforward, but now boast integrated adjustments so you simply press the centre of the vent to activate the seat heaters or to adjust the temperature or introduce air conditioning etc.

It’s beautifully simple but very stylish and practical.

The new TT is priced from £29,770 and still oozes all its classic compact dimensions and charm yet the boot capacity has been increased to 305 litres or 712 with the rear seats folded flat.

And thanks to the introduction of an advanced lightweight aluminium and steel composite body shell that’s tough and strong there is improved efficiency and agility.

Buyers can select from either Sport or S-line trim levels and there is a choice of a 2.0-litre 227bhp petrol engine or a 2.0-litre 182bhp diesel variant.

We had the opportunity to put the TT through its paces in bonnie Scotland on roads that weaved their way through heady passes and alongside picturesque lochs and the car absolutely lapped it up.

First up was the diesel model which Audi believes will be the single biggest seller. This 2.0-litre TDI Ultra Sport 184PS with six-speed manual transmission was priced at £29,125 (£32,890 with optional extras added).

It can reach from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and tops out at 150mph.

And according to official figures it can achieve combined fuel efficiency of 67.3mpg with carbon emissions of 110g/km.

Well, it has to be said the latest incarnation of the TT is everything I had hoped it would be… and more. Despite the test car being front wheel drive it gripped the Tarmac like very sticky glue and that was after the area had fallen victim to a deluge with a month’s rain falling in just 24 hours.

The handling was beautifully responsive and rapid and any tight, testing bends were conquered with absolute ease.

The acceleration through the gears was smooth and swift and there was always a constant supply of power on tap with extra bursts on hand when needed for sharp overtaking manoeuvres.

All the new on-board technology is clear and precise and incredibly easy to navigate. Within seconds you can switch from the sat nav settings to favourite music streaming and then check out the car’s performance details – all without taking your hands off the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel.

In addition, the rather more familiar Drive Select function allows you to alter the car’s ride and dynamics.

All-round comfort levels were very high for such a low-seated car and even after a three-hour spin, there were no aches or groans as we exited the car.

Second up was the 2.0-litre TFSI S line 230PS petrol model again with six-speed manual transmission. This car was priced at £31,635 (£36,160 with options) and it can sprint from 0-62mph in just 6.0 seconds with a maximum speed that has been limited to 155mph. It can deliver combined economy of 47.9mpg with carbon emissions of 137g/km.

Once again this front-wheel-drive car was an absolute delight to drive and the extra power output did give it a slightly edgier and sharper response especially when pushed hard. It also featured 19-inch wheels as opposed to the 18-inch ones on the first car and as a result the ride was a little bouncier at times, but generally the handling and dynamics were equally impressive.

It would be fair to say that the new TT has gracefully moved forward with the times. It has evolved without losing its all-singing, all-dancing TT DNA and that means buyers will be hooked from the moment they lay eyes on it.

Test Drive

Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI Quattro Sport

With its beautifully sculpted lines, dynamic driving capabilities and feature-rich equipment levels, the Audi TT just seems to get better with age.

The car was first launched back in 1998, but somehow it still seems as fresh as the day it made its public bow.

It’s a car that is guaranteed to grab your attention with eye-catching features such as 18-inch alloys, twin tailpipes, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, privacy glass and smoked headlights.

The test car was supplied in Volcano Red which was another plus factor as it’s not the sort of car you want to hide away from public view.

The driver-focussed interior is richly equipped with all controls and readouts ideally positioned for ease of use and Audi has incorporated the very finest materials with a generous blend of techno treats.

Creature comforts include Audi’s music interface, a technology package with sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity, a racing-inspired three-spoke multi-function flat-bottomed steering wheel, black Alcantara leather seats, a Bose surround sound system plus plenty more besides.

As with most sports coupe models the interior is fairly snug and storage is a tad limited, although the boot can easily accommodate the weekly shopping or a couple of small suitcases. Elsewhere, there are plenty of smaller storage options scattered throughout the car.

But the TT is not just about style even though it oozes class at every turn. This car delivers edge-of-the-seat performance capabilities and is happy to show them off at every given opportunity.

The 2.0-litre diesel-driven engine provides ample power as the car accelerates smoothly and rapidly through the six-speed manual transmission. A 0-62mph sprint takes just 7.6 seconds and the TT tops out at 140mph.

Bends are attacked and conquered with ease and the road holding is superb. You will feel the occasional bump along the way, but that’s all part of the fun factor when you drive a TT.

Audi claims to push the boundaries of safety and the TT is kitted out with a whole host of top notch safety features, including anti-lock brakes, superior head restraints to reduce the severity of whiplash injures, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, numerous airbags and a whole lot more.

And it would be impossible not to mention that the car is also fitted with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system which means you won’t be fazed by the occasional unexpected weather front.

All in all, the Audi TT is a fantastic car that is as fresh today as the day it was introduced to the motoring world. It is as good to drive as it is to look at and with so many models to choose from, would-be buyers can select the car to suit their individual needs and budget.

Test Drive

Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI Sport

Beautiful curvaceous sculpturing, blistering performance and dynamic handling are just a few of the accolades that can be attributed to the Audi TT.

And the test model – a 2.0 TFSI Sport model – lived up to all expectations and more.

With its ice silver bodywork and adaptive headlights, twin exhausts, tinted windows and 18-inch 10-spoke alloys, the TT is guaranteed to turn heads and then there is the engine’s roar just to make certain you don’t go unnoticed.

The cabin oozes style and quality at every turn and the extremely supportive sports seats, which can be manually adjusted, boast three heat settings.

This was one of the optional extras on the vehicle which helped bump the asking price from £26,330 to £34,215, which although competitive, is not exactly cheap.

Other extras included an incredible BOSE surround sound system, a technology package including DVD sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity and a comfort pack which introduced an acoustic rear parking system, cruise control, a rain and light sensor pack and auto dimming rear-view mirror.

There is a certain snugness within the TT cabin – everything seems to fit. All controls, read-outs, dials and levers are perfectly positioned for driver usability and the comfort levels are very good for a sports coupe. As with most coupe models, the leg-room for back seat passengers is very limited, but the TT’s boot is generously-sized and there are several smaller storage options throughout the cabin.

So, the TT looks great, is packed with technical wizardry, but how about the performance? It’s fun, fun, fun, all the way.

Admittedly, you will feel the occasional bump or two, but that’s part of the attraction of this car with its dynamic handling and skin-of-your-pants ride.

The TT is a car that loves to show off and few competitors can match it for cornering and road-holding. The test model featured a six-speed manual transmission which was exceptionally responsive and smooth and the 2.0-litre petrol-driven engine delivered ample power and acceleration as the car coped admirably with both city driving and faster motorway journeys.

This car can soar from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and tops out at 152mph – that offers a small insight into the TT’s performance capabilities. But there is a certain reassurance whenever I get behind the wheel of the TT that no matter what the driving conditions, the car will stick to the road like glue… and it does.

Audi has fitted a comprehensive list of safety specifications to the TT, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, numerous airbags and plenty more besides.

All in all, the TT is always a welcome breath of fresh air and it’s almost impossible to stop smiling whilst driving it.

Test Drive

Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro

IF there’s one single question that is guaranteed to make any motoring journalist cringe, it’s probably the question I’m asked most often… “what colour is it?”

For as soon as I say what I’m driving this week, that question is sure to come spouting from someone’s chops! So, before I even start raving about the beauty of the Audi TT, let’s get it over and done with … it’s bright red, Misano red to be exact and it’s dazzling.

Admittedly, colour is a vital consideration when buying a new motor and to be fair the colour is never more important than on a snazzy sports car with polished chrome and bodywork you can see your face in.
So bright red was absolutely fitting for the TT and the colour was complimented by the sheer quality of trim throughout.

The 2.0-litre engine delivers an edge-of-your-seat ride and with its quattro four-wheel-drive, the TT is guaranteed to grip any surface at defying speeds.

The TT has certainly come a long way since its launch a decade ago and only recently it was voted top of the lease car wish-list – and why not indeed?

The attraction is plain for all to see as the TT’s unparalleled class and outstanding performance ratings guarantee a fantastic and exhilarating ride.

And when you add in excellent comfort levels – compared to many sporty rivals – which is aided by world-class suspension, plus luxurious touches and class-leading technology you really do have the ideal sports car.

The S tronic gearbox offers manual or automatic shift changes and the impressive list of safety spec includes anti-lock brakes, numerous airbags, electronic stability programme, a tyre pressure monitoring system plus plenty more.

When it comes to the actual drive itself, there is certainly no disappointment. From the minute you turn on the ignition and hear the throaty roar of the engine, you know you are in for something special.
The 2.0-litre engine boasts plenty of power and, despite being a sports coupe, the all-round visibility is surprisingly good.

In and around town the TT manoeuvres with ease and out on the open road, it comes into its own, but one final bit of advice… keep a watchful eye on that speedo!