Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi TT 1.8T

It’s a class favourite, but can it stay ahead of the newcomer?

If Toyota’s new sports car wants to steal sales from established coupe contenders, then it has to face up to the Audi TT. A classy image, faultless build quality and well sorted handling mean that six years on from its original launch, the current TT has lost none of its desirability. Traditionally all this has come at a price, yet thanks to the introduction of the 1.8-litre TFSI engine, the TT is more affordable than ever. In fact, the £24,975 Sport is the same price as the GT 86, something that should worry Toyota. We’ve tested the TT in the sportier S line trim, but even then it costs just £1,070 more than the Toyota, while lower emissions and better residuals help reduce running costs and dispel the myth that opting for a premium badge means spending a lot more. Better still, sportier bumpers and subtle S line badging add to the attractive shape of the TT. And while its familiarity ensures it draws less attention on the road than the GT 86, few people would deny that the Audi has an extra pinch of style. The TT really extends its advantage when you slide into the driver’s seat. With top- quality materials throughout, the beautifully crafted cabin looks and feels more upmarket than either the Toyota or the Nissan. Smart details include a chunky gearlever, metal-ringed air vents, knurled air-con controls and a tactile flat-bottomed wheel. With chunky pillars and a narrow windscreen the glass area is small, but the driving position is perfect. As in the Toyota, the rear seats are of limited use, but split/folding means the TT is the most practical car here. Under the bonnet, the 158bhp 1.8-litre turbo engine (which was first introduced in the TT Roadster) is fantastic. There’s a lovely broad spread of power and you get the low- down urge missing from the Toyota. At the test track, the TT was just two-tenths of a second behind the GT 86 in the 0-60mph sprint with a time of 7.7 seconds, and was quicker to respond in gear, particularly in sixth. The engine is also impressively refined, while the raspy exhaust note and the slick action of the manual gearbox are the icing on the cake. In corners, the Audi is composed, turns in well and has strong grip. The smooth power delivery helps traction and the steering is nicely weighted. It doesn’t feel as alive as the rear-wheel-drive Toyota, but it’s far more agile than the heavy Nissan. It’s about as good as a front-wheel-drive car gets. In fact, if you think of this entry-level TT as an exceptionally good to drive, but far more stylish hot hatch, then you wouldn’t be far off the mark. That’s no bad thing, but in a test that’s focused heavily on the driving experience, is that enough for the TT to defeat the more powerful 370Z, let alone Toyota’s hugely talented new coupe? 

Details

 Chart position:Why? New entry-level TT is powered by a 1.8 TFSI turbo engine, and brings the upmarket Audi close to the GT 86’s price. It’s also great to drive and promises low running costs.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £16,745
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £15,100
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025