Audi TT Coupe

It’s said that variety is the spice of life – and that’s certainly the case with the new TT. With a wide range of bodystyles, engines and gearboxes, there should be a version of the rakish Audi to suit all tastes and budgets.

Styling/Image

Updating a classic is never easy, but somehow Audi has managed it. With its clean, crisp and modern lines, the second generation TT stands out from the crowd. To our eyes, the elegant coupe is the more resolved shape, while the roadster can look a little ungainly with its fabric roof in place. The rapid, range-topping TTS gets a subtle bodykit, 18-inch alloys and LED headlamps.

Interior/Practicality

Buy a coupe or two-seater drop-top and you’re likely to place style ahead of practicality. However, the fixed head TT is surprisingly accommodating, with plenty of room for front seat occupants. Space in the rear is extremely tight and even small children will find conditions cramped. On plus side, dropping the rear chairs means boot capacity increases from 290 to 700-litres. The roadster can feel claustrophobic with the hood up.

Engine/Performance

Three basic engines are on offer in the TT. Entry-level cars get the 197bhp 2.0-litre TFSI unit. Punchy and refined, it will also return 36mpg at the pumps. The larger 3.2-litre V6 is barely faster and is much thirstier, but comes with howling six-cylinder exhaust note. Diesel fans can choose the new 168bhp 2.0-litre common rail oil-burner, which promises overall fuel consumption of 51.4mpg. Finally, the range topping TTS features a 268bhp version of the TFSI powerplant, which means it covers the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.2 seconds.


Driving experience

All TTs are poised and agile over challenging roads. However, the optional Magnetic Ride dampers are well worth the extra outlay. Offering a choice of Normal and Sport modes, the upgraded suspension automatically adapts to road conditions. The S tronic gearbox should also be considered, as it is one of the slickest, smoothest and fastest-shifting automatics on the market. Only entry-level cars are two-wheel drive, all the rest get the firm’s grippy quattro transmission.

Ownership Costs

Few cars at any price hold their value better than the TT. The Coupe retains 60 percent of its value after three years, while the Roadster is even more impressive at 62 percent. If you’re a company car driver, go for the S tronic double clutch over the manual. It’s more money to buy, but higher-rate users will pay a lower annual tax bill than for the equivalent manual.


Safety/Environment

With two-stage driver and passenger airbags, ESP and Isofix child mountings, the TT is as safe as any other Audi in the range. Sportscar fans with a green conscience should pick the diesel-powered 2.0 TDI. With fuel returns of 50mpg and CO2 emissions of 144g/km, it’s almost as good to the planet as it is to drive.


Our Choice: TT 2.0-litre T FSI Coupe