Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term tests

Audi TT Final Report: 9,357 miles

A late problem with an exhaust sensor couldn’t blot our coupé’s copybook after a thrilling 12 months on our fleet

Our Audi TT has been getting a bit hot under the collar lately – and it’s got nothing to do with fiery volcanic ash in the atmosphere or the UK’s sizzling summer weather.

Rather, the temperature was rising under the coupé’s stylish bodywork. And according to the car’s manual, when two amber warning lights started flashing on the TT’s instrument panel, it was down to the diesel’s glowplug and the engine management system and catalytic converter. The handbook was unequivocal in the course of action. ‘Get it to your dealer IMMEDIATELY!’

Advertisement - Article continues below

I called my local franchise in Southend, Essex, to seek further advice. “It’s okay to drive, but bring it in asap – we wouldn’t advise you take it anywhere too far, say like John O’Groats!”

A couple of days later, the TT was in a service bay at Southend Audi, with the diagnosis that a faulty exhaust gas temperature sensor was the culprit. But the guilty part wasn’t in stock and another visit was needed the following week to do the job.

The return trip also allowed work to be carried out on a ‘mystery’ recall. The dealer listed it as a Code 23D8, which involved modifying the drainage tubes for the air-conditioning system.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

M135i

2024 BMW

M135i

50,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £22,786
View M135i
Yeti Outdoor

2017 Skoda

Yeti Outdoor

112,639 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £7,000
View Yeti Outdoor
Fiesta

2017 Ford

Fiesta

75,940 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £5,600
View Fiesta
Juke

2015 Nissan

Juke

62,700 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £5,500
View Juke

I thought I’d check out with Audi UK how many TTs were affected – and guess what? It assured me there was no such thing as 23D8. However, a quick trawl through various online forums suggests I’m not the only TT owner to have this work done.

Anyhow, the Coupé is now back to its usual reliable and brilliant self. We’ve clocked up a total mileage of 9,350 across the editorial team – and apart from the sensor and recall, the 2.0 TDI continues to run smoothly, powerfully and economically. We’re averaging just over 37mpg, which is great for this type of car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Even after a year on our fleet, the TT still turns heads thanks to its beautiful lines, distinctive optional Petrol Blue paint finish and muscular 19-inch alloys. Be warned, though – those rims are all too easy to scuff if you spend a lot of time driving in town!

Inside, the TT’s beautiful leather-trimmed cabin has worn well. The seats are supportive and comfortable, no matter what size or shape the occupants.  And the Audi continues to surprise and impress everyone with its practical boot. It really is amazing what will fit in with the rear seats down – we even carried a bike in it!

But then, this TT is full of surprises – none more so than what lies under the bonnet. The 2.0-litre TDI engine sounds positively sporty for a diesel, yet it’s smooth, refined and has bags of torque for those occasions when you need to put your foot down. Yes, the TT ownership experience has been a joy – even when the temperature rises! I can think of only one car this summer that could replace it – and that’s the TT Roadster!
 

Extra Info

“The Audi is heading off into the sunset,and according to Glass’s Guide it should still be worth £24,750 – a drop of £2,865. That’s not bad after a year and 10,000 miles. The Government’s new road tax regime has also seen the cost of an annual disc fall by £10 since we took delivery last May.”

Ross Pinnock
Road test editor

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,754 off RRP*Used from £14,000
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,788 off RRP*Used from £15,300
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,837 off RRP*Used from £12,712
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £10,195
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025