2010 Audi TT Reviews

The Audi TT was launched to a startled world in 1998 with an ultra rounded shape based around its fascinating wheelarches.

The recent introduction of the third generation Audi TT coupe and the imminent arrival of the open-top roadster has created quite a stir of publicity about the seriously stylish sportscar. To the extent that quite a few trade-ins are already appearing in the used-car yards. So here are some hints, tips and historical

Introduced to Australia in May 1999 about a year after it first created a huge stir in Europe, the Audi TT was a hit from day one. Originally sold as a fixed-roof coupe, a TT roadster was added to the local range just 12 months later, in May 2000.The dome-shaped styling is not only radical on the outside, but also the cabin, with its circular dial and vent theme works very well. It uses a lot of aluminium highlights as Audi is a big fan of this high-tech material.The overall look is great and even those who have no intention of ever driving hard love the sporting ambience created within the TT. Audi TT is great fun to drive but, at least in the front-drive models, feels more like a hot-hatch than a true sports car. Which shouldn’t surprise anyone, because underneath that gorgeous Audi skin there lurks a Volkswagen Golf GTI. While the Golf is a fine little hatch it’s not really a pure-bred sports model. There were several tragic cases of high-speed Audi TT crashes in Europe, principally in Germany, of the earliest models. These were blamed on aerodynamic flaws that were exacerbated by the very short wheelbase of the Audi TT. Later models were modified in their suspension and have a rear wing to push the tail to the road at speed. The wing takes away some of the purity of the original shape of the TT. There had been calls for it to be a lift-up wing in the manner of a Porsche unit. But Audi says this could have been too expensive. The all-new gen-two Audi TT of November 2006 sorted out the problem of the controversial addition of the rear wing, being hidden at lower speeds and raised at moderate speeds - that is at over 120 km/h, which is regarded as a moderate speed in more enlightened countries.This second generation Audi TT had the company’s trademark single-frame grille. A sleeker bonnet line carries into the car’s shoulders and tapers out towards the distinctive rear lights. Naturally, the domed roof, the most prominent feature of the first TT, has been retained. There are some that feel the TT lost its originality in the gen-two model, saying it had become generic rather than radical. Your call...The original Audi TT was offered with 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, in either light-pressure or high-pressure turbocharged format, the latter coming with the traction advantage of quattro all-wheel drive. The capacity of the four-cylinder unit was increased to 2.0 litres using a turbocharged with the second generation TT.In December 2004, a 3.2-litre V6 was shoehorned under the bonnet of the Audi TT coupe, but not the roadster. With all the torque that entailed, the TT 3.2 has also needed Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. A five-cylinder 2.5-litre RS engine with quattro was added to the range just in time for Christmas 2009.Straight-line performance is pretty good in even the smaller engined models due to the TT’s relatively light weight, so don’t automatically go for the higher powered units unless you are a full-on revhead. A six-speed was used in TT quattros from their introduction in October 1999. Front-drive cars had five-speed manual gearboxes until August 2005, when a six-speed manual was introduced.Because Audi saw the TT as being a pure sports car no automatic transmission was offered until March 2003, when a six-speed torque-converter auto was offered with the low-pressure engines. Good as it was this transmission has been somewhat upstaged in the technology stakes by the six-speed double-clutch - tagged the S tronic - used in the Audi TT 3.2 quattro.The automated double-clutch automated-manual transmission has all the labour-saving advantages of a conventional automatic, and none of the disadvantages of power loss and higher fuel consumption. However, its characteristics at very low speeds can be variable and irritating at times. Test drive one to see what you think.These are complex cars that should really only be worked on by professionals. However, good amateurs can tackle some of the routine maintenance work should they be so inclined. Spare parts prices aren't cheap, but are in keeping with others in this class. It’s much the same story with the cost of servicing and repairs.Check on insurance premiums before falling too deeply in love with one of these stunningly styled German cars as premiums vary quite a bit. Your local Audi dealer may be able to offer advice. WHAT TO LOOK FORLook for signs of previous crash repairs. A ripply finish in any of the panels, or a mismatch in paint colour from one section to the other are fairly easy to spot. If there's the slightest concern over crash repairs either get a full professional inspection, or skip that car and try to find another one.Look at the floor of a roadster for signs of water entry. If there's the slightest cause for concern get permission from the seller to lift the carpets. Check the roadster’s roof seals correctly when it is closed and that it doesn’t have any tears or cuts, especially around the stitching.Make sure the engine starts promptly, even when it’s stone cold. If there are any doubts try to arrange to come back first thing in the morning to have it completely cold. Gear changes should be reasonably light, but remember the gearbox is a long way from the shift lever, with a multitude of links connecting the two. This can give it a slightly spongy feel.CAR BUYING TIPWe hear of too many people buying used cars without even going for a test drive. Crazy if you ask us, but it’s their choice... 

But traditionalists will tell you that the folding metal hard-tops that have become fashionable recently aren't worthy of consideration. The folding metal hard-tops boast of being the best of both worlds but the folding roof takes up what little cargo space is on offer in these sports machines, not to mention adding weight - the enemy of true performance.Anyone who grew up with traditional sports cars will - once the rose-coloured glasses are removed - recall leaks, draughts, opaque plastic windows and fussy installation and removal. Modern fabric hoods are becoming much sturdier and are better insulated for noise and the elements, so much so that the snowballing trend of folding metal roofs has slowed.The open-air thrills of a convertible need not be pinned to a property-sized pricetag, with plenty of open-topped opportunities available for less. We look at five of the best here.MAZDA MX-5The designers of Mazda's MX-5 looked long and hard at the original Lotus Elan before embarking on the Japanese sports car that is now a modern classic and record holder for global sales. The true spiritual successor to such cars as the Austin Healey Sprite and the MG B - the lightweight, nimble, open-topped, rear-wheel-drive sporty - has maintained its focus on remaining true to the vehicles that inspired it.Only recently has the company strayed from its traditional path and offered a folding hard-top in the MX-5, thankfully without removing the cloth-topped variant from its range. All the vital items are here: airconditioning, cruise control, dual front and side airbags, stability and traction control, plus drilled aluminium pedals, sports leather seats and steering wheel, a Bose sound system, a torque-sensing limited slip differential and a six-speed manual gearbox with a rifle-bolt action. Enough said.Price: From $44,265Engine: Two-litre 16-valve four-cylinderTransmission: Six-speed manual or automatic, rear-wheel drivePower: 118kW @ 7000rpm.Torque: 188Nm @ 5000rpm.Performance: 0-100km/h 7.6 secondsFuel consumption: 8.1litres/100km, tank 50 litresWheels: 17-in alloys.ALFA ROMEO SPIDERAlfa Romeo's Spider is a convertible steeped in tradition. The current Spider is the latest in a long line of Alfa drop-tops, perhaps the most famous being the little Italian sports car that featured in The Graduate. The Italian marque has rarely put a foot wrong when it comes to styling its convertibles - some of its sedans were questionable to say the least - but the design talent of the artisans at Alfa Romeo, Giugiaro and Pininfarina all had hands in this rag-top.While there is a V6 on offer the 2.2-litre 16-valve four-cylinder is lighter and therefore less prone to affecting the front-wheel drive's cornering prowess. The features list for the 2.2 includes dual front, side and driver's knee airbag, six-speaker CD sound system, a full electric roof, trip computer and leather trim. The 2.2 JTS also comes standard with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control and hill-holding functions.Price: From $69,990Engine: 2.2-litre 16-valve four-cylinder, front-wheel driveTransmission: Six-speed manual or Selespeed automaticPower: 136kW @ 6500rpmTorque: 230Nm @ 4500rpmPerformance: 0-100km/h 9 secondsTop speed: 220km/hFuel consumption: 9.5litres/100km, tank 70 litresWheels: 18-in alloys.BMW 135i CONVERTIBLEThe BMW brand's littlest machine (before dropping into the Mini model range) is the 135i Convertible. The littlest Beemer is by no means a dud, particularly if the wallet extends to the 135i Convertible's $82,000-plus asking price.One of the most spirited rides within the BMW range, the rear-wheel drive, twin-turbo six-cylinder punches well above its apparent station in life, with the drivetrain offering unfussed cruising or giant-killing ability. It might look like a bit of a hairdresser's car but dropping the roof and stretching its legs will do little for the 'do.Price: From $82,200Engine: Three-litre twin-turbo 24-valve six-cylinderTransmission: Six-speed manual or seven-speed double-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drivePower: 225kW @ 5800rpmTorque: 400Nm @ 1200rpmPerformance: 0-100km/h 5.6 secondsTop speed: 250km/h (governed)Fuel consumption: 8.6 litres/100km, tank 53 litresWheels: 18-in alloys.MINI COOPER S CABRIOLETAnother one from the BMW stable of products that can make a mess of a hairstyle in the best possible way is the Mini Cooper S Cabrio. It has features like climate control airconditioning that has a Cabrio mode, a MP3/USB port-compatible sound system, pop-up roll bars, cloth/leather trim and a split-folding rear seat to improve cargo space.The brattish upstart of the Cabrio market, which can now run in targa-top or full Cabrio mode, is powered by a 128kW/240Nm 1.6-litre, turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine, enough to whip it to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds. But more gentle throttle applications can see fuel consumption as low as the official figure of 7.2 litres per 100km.Price: From $48,000Engine: 1.6-litre 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinderTransmission: Six-speed manual or automatic, front-wheel drivePower: 128kW @ 5500rpmTorque: 240Nm @ 1600rpmPerformance: 0-100km/h 7.4 secondsTop speed: 222km/hFuel consumption: 7.2 litres/100km, tank 50 litresWheels: 16in alloys.AUDI TT ROADSTERAudi's TT Roadster is a sharper-looking machine than its predecessor and it has plenty going for it. There's a range of TT Roadsters on offer, starting with the front-wheel drive, two-litre turbo, a mid-spec model with the same engine and all-wheel drive or the highly-entertaining TT S at a tickle more than $100,000.All are entertaining little sports cars to drive - with the nippy front-wheel drive two-litre a worthy machine for a leisurely drive in the country. The TT S is also a smile-inducing drop-top but a leisurely pace, while easily achieved, is not its forte.Price: From $78,000Engine: Two-litre 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinderTransmission: Six-speed double-clutch automatic, front-wheel or all-wheel drivePower: 147kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 280Nm @ 1800rpmPerformance: 0-100km/h 6.5 secondsTop speed: 237km/hFuel consumption: 7.8 litres/100km, tank 55 litresWheels: 17-in alloys.

Any Audi with an RS badge is going to be special.  I know that before I even catch sight of the latest TT for the first time, or hear the uneven thump of its five-cylinder turbo engine.The RS4 is one of my favourite drives of recent years and I expect more of the same, but different obviously, as I face up to the funky coupe with the go-faster tweaking from the RS team.PriceIt comes in at $133,700 and that makes it more costly than a range of rivals, right up to the Porsche Boxster and Cayman. Can an Audi, even a TT RS, really be better than a Porsche? Audi Australia is confident, even describing its speedy new hero as an 'ultimate sports car'.DrivetrainAudi is touting the car’s 250 kiloWatts of 'grin inducing power' and 450 Newton-metres of 'neck snapping' torque.  The numbers seem good, with a sprint time of less than five seconds to 100km/h, and a top speed inevitably restricted to 250km/h.The aluminium-bodied RS is also claimed to hit the right numbers on the green side of the ledger, with economy of 9.2L/100km and CO2 emissions of 214g/km.But the RS is really about going fast and having fun, dropping in at the top of a TT range that now starts with the 1.8-litre model at $64,900. The model is now into its second generation, retaining its familiar rounded look but picking up everything from a bigger body with more cabin space to improved suspension and mechanical package.The mechanics in the RS are special, as the five-cylinder turbomotor is new. Audi says it has its roots in the company's competition history and anyone who remembers the eighties will know Audi revolutionised the World Rally Championship with the original five-cylinder Quattro turbo coupe.Equipment The TT RS ticks most of the boxes for a driver-focussed sports coupe, from its powerful engine to grippy sports leather seats, a go-faster bodykit, 19-inch alloy wheels and re-tuned sports suspension.Cars for Australia — and Audi is only aiming for 80 sales a year — are fully equipped with everything from Audi magnetic-ride suspension to unique alloys, DVD-based navigation, a short-shift gearbox and hill-start assist.The magnetic-ride suspension is similar to the system used by HSV and the Chevrolet Corvette and the brakes have also been tweaked for better stopping.Inside, the full-leather cabin has a familiar flat-bottom steering wheel, a giant central display screen and, best of all, a Sport button on the console to unleash the full RS package.Driving -- PAUL GOVERThere is a lot to like in the TT RS. It has tonnes of punch, crushes corners, and has the right look for the job. It is still a TT, but one which has spent a lot of time in the gym. And looks good in a fitted Boss-style suit.My first few kilometres reveal the comfort and support of the front seats, the solid feel of the steering and the surprising compliance of the seats. But the engine feels a bit underwhelming and I'm reminded, as usual, of the poor visibility in the TT and the prospect of tough parking.Then I trigger the S button the console and the car comes alive. The throttle response is instant and impressive, the suspension sits taut and firm, and every gear is a new fun run.The five-cylinder motor is very quiet but reveals real meat when you head to the redline, which is when the RS shows why you might shop it against a Porsche. It has an incredible top-end thump and keeps eating gears.The shift is short and impressive, but the test car has some driveline snatch and a nasty differential whine. It does not sound good for long-term ownership in hard use.The cornering grip and balance is good, and sets a new standard for any TT as well as making a BMW Z4 feel a bit bouncy and nervy. But it's not going to drive away from a Porsche.The brakes are great, the sound system and satnav are good, and the aircon is great. The finishing in the cabin is best-in-class, as I now expect from Audi, and there is plenty of boot room.I also like the rear wing, which is obviously more than just a tuner tweak.  But I cannot avoid comparisons with Porsche. The TT RS is better than the quickest Z4 and is more refined and enjoyable than the raunchy - and much costlier - Mercedes SLK AMG.But it costs more than $130,000 and you can get a Boxster or a 2.9-litre Cayman for less. They have less power, and only have two seats, but the TT is so cramped in the back that it's really only a two-adult car and power is not everything.The RS is a very good car and a fun drive. But would - could - I pick it ahead of a Porsche Cayman? No way.She says - ALISON WARDAfter driving and loving the basic Audi TT and the speedy RS4, I was expecting an enjoyable grunty ride and unbiased appeal to any owner. But I also wanted to know how Audi would do the go-fast job on a car like the TT, which is really a sports car and nothing like the RS4 I love.Starting up it doesn't have that familiar meaty V8 sound, which is disappointing as I expect that from a fast car. Still, the TT does talk when you floor it in second or third gear. I expect it to be a bit more responsive, but it has what I'm told is turbo lag and I also find the steering too heavy.Gearchanges need to be done quickly to avoid a clunking sound, although the shift is light and positive.  Disappointingly, the sound system is the same as all the other Audis so scores lower on the 'cool-o-meter' for me.The standard leather seats are comfortable, but only once you're in them. It can be a real squeeze and the back seats are only for tiny tots - even fitting a car seat in the back is a major hassle.Boot space is excellent for the type of car and I could fit the weekly shopping in the boot. Buyers need to choose carefully on colours, as the gunmetal grey on the car I drive is not remotely sporty.At more than $133,000 I think the TT RS is pretty expensive, and even more than a Mercedes SLK or Porsche Boxster. However, it's fun to drive - especially if you hit the S button to make it give its best - and is pretty practical. So I like it.Score 79/100THE BOTTOM LINESomething very special in the TT family, but runs up against the powerhouse of Porsche.Audi TT RSPrice: $133,700Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinderPower: 250kW at 5400 revsTorque: 450Nm from 1600 revsTransmission: Six-speed manual quattro all-wheel driveBody: Two-door hatchSeats: FourDimensions:  Length 4198mm, Width 1842mm, Height 1342mm, Wheelbase 2468mm, tracks front/rear 1555mm/1546mmSteering: Power assisted rack and pinionSuspension: Front MacPherson struts; Four-link on subframe rearFuel tank: 60 litresFuel type: Premium unleadedFuel consumption: 9.2/100km combinedWeight: 1450kgSpare tyre: Mobility kitBrakes: Anti-skid discWheels: 19-inch alloysTyres: 255/35 R19Safety Gear: Dual front, side, curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, LED daytime running lights, electronic differential lock, anti-skid brakes, brake assist, emergency brake distribution, Audi magnetic ride controlCO2 Emissions: 214g/kmRIVALSBMW Z4 sDrive 35i: 80/100 (from $116,900)Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG: 76/100 (from $175,000)Nissan GT-R: 82/100 (from $155,800)Porsche Cayman 2.9: 84/100 (from $114,000)