2011 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... 

Trust me - it doesn't matter how bad you look in the morning, you'd look sensational in this.

For some it's "just" a Golf R in a sleeker suit, others see four rings on the snout and they just have to have it. But regardless of its lineage, any chance to play with a TTS is worth taking up - an opportunity to sample the Audi TTS convertible, followed later by a TT RS, almost makes the pay cheque redundant. Almost.While the RS was a rapid and entertaining drive, the TTS wasn't far behind it for pace but with a demeanour that made it good everyday transport as well for $40,000 less, it put itself ahead of its more power.VALUEAn indulgence, a toy, a compensator coupe  whatever category you think the TTS coupe slots best into, the value is not just at the bottom of the sales receipt. Draped in black paint, the TTS S-tronic (Audi-speak for the DSG) four-seater coupe tickles the bank balance to the tune of $97,364. But given the performance is substantial, the value equation looks a little better when you consider the aforementioned price difference to the TT RS.The features list includes bi-xenon automatic headlights, leather trim, cruise control, trip computer, Bluetooth phone link, climate control, power adjustable front seats, anti-dazzle rearvision mirror and rain-sensing wipers.Our test car also had the satellite navigation system (a $5500 ask), the extended leather package for $1470 and $2400 worth of 19in alloy wheels  all of which pushes the as-tested price to just over $109,000.TECHNOLOGYThe TTS is underpinned by the company's renowned aluminium space frame, with steel panels for the back half of the body, while alloy panels adorn the snout  combine that with plenty of aluminium components and it keeps the weight evenly balanced and down to a lean 1415kg.The engine punches hard for its two litres, making the most of direct injection, variable valves and an intercooled turbocharger to produce 200kW and 350Nm, as well as employing an energy recovery system under braking.The Haldex-clutch all-wheel drive system defers to front-wheel drive but has smarts-enough to send all drive aft as required.It delivers considerable grip and the double-clutch gearbox leaves almost no let-up in the drive attempting to break traction  it's a strong performance package.DESIGNSitting 10mm lower than standard car, the TT's design has undergone only mild tweaks  given it was such an improvement over the looks of the old TT, there's little need to meddle with the metal too much. Within is typically Audi  functional, well-executed and with quality materials, the snug cabin has little about which to complain.SAFETYAside from the grip and poise of all-wheel drive, the TTS gets an anti-lock and brakeforce distribution system for the four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, as well as dual front and side airbags, emergency brake assist, stability and traction control, an electronic diff lock, front seatbelt load limiters and pre-tensioners.DRIVINGAt 190-odd cm I'm not the ideal size for a TT coupe, but squeezing into the little coupe is anything but a chore. Once in it's a good low-slung driving position, which has you looking up at most other road users, at least until you're looking back at them in the mirrors.That's not difficult to do either  the little direct-injection powerplant has punch right across the rev range (350Nm of torque is on offer from 2500 to 5500 rpm) and the sharp double-clutch gearbox has no qualms about passing it on quickly to ground.Audi claims 5.2 seconds for the sprint to 100km/h and it's easy to believe  the TT RS drops that to mid 4s with a different sort of soundtrack, but it's big price ask to drop below five seconds.The TTS departure is accompanied by an entertaining soundtrack as well, with woofly noises between ratios. I'm still firmly in the camp of a proper manual gearbox  there's just something challenging and satisfying about driving a talented sports coupe and attempting to swap cogs properly to keep everything humming along nicely. But the double-clutchers are certainly getting better  meaning the paddleshifters on the wheel are largely redundant.Sport mode for the gearbox is aggressive and so is the suspension mode of the same name. But unless you're on a racetrack or a perfect public road, leave that button alone  it's too stiff to deal with some of the broken surfaces and repairs that afflict our tarmac. The standard mode is more than enough for public roads and deals ably with broken bitumen without decreasing cornering prowess.VERDICTThe TTS is an entertaining package that doesn't need a big update to keep it worthy of consideration  change for the sake of it would ruin what is a peppy little coupe, which is the best of the TT breed  RS included.AUDI TTSPrice: $97,364Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 49% Source: Glass's GuideService interval: 15,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 7.9 l/100km, on test 13.1; 188g/km CO2Safety equipment: four airbags, stability control, ABS, EBD.Crash rating: 4 starEngine: 200kW/350Nm 16-valve 2-litre direct-injection turbocharged intercooled four-cylinderTransmission: six-speed automated double-clutch manual, all wheel driveBody: 2-door, 4 seatsDimensions: 4198mm (L); 1842mm (W); 1345mm (H); 2468mm (WB)Weight: 1415kgWheel and tyre size: 245/40 18in (as tested 255/35 19in)Spare: tyre mobility kit.