2021 Audi TT Reviews

Driving Audi's TT exudes style, luxury and performance, in a cute, elegant, little package. We first met the TT in Melbourne on its Australian launch at the end of 2006 and it was one memorable rendezvous, stretching her legs on Phillip Island Racetrack.Here we saw she could handle her own at speeds of up to 200km/h.But this time, the base model TT got to spend some time in our garage and prove she's more than just a sporty car. She's one that can handle busy Sydney roads as well.Equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo engine, the entry level TT is priced at $68,900. Ours came with extra touches such as fine Nappa leather upholstery for $800, storage package, $400, and Audi's magnetic ride for an extra $3000.The turbo TT has much to offer and is reasonably priced for its segment.From the word go, the turbo TT responds. You ask it a question with the accelerator and it answers with an impressive growl.Constantly working hard, the turbo dazzles you with its charm even at cruising. It won't stop there, digging deeper when you reach higher up the tacho. Its 280Nm of torque comes on as low as 1800rpm, remaining strong through to 5000rpm. In terms of power, there's 147kW at 5100rpm to 6000rpm. The front-wheel-drive TT races 0-100km per hour in 6.6 seconds, in the six-speed manual guise.Now that's not going to break any records, but it will give you an enjoyable ride, accentuated by her low sportscar dynamics.The ride is bumpy and gets too firm at lower revs, more so when you or your passenger find that sport suspension button near the gearstick. It makes sure you feel every pot hole in the road, yet it ensures better handling around corners, providing greater control and minimising body motion.Once your foot's on the throttle and you give it decent oomph, the TT excels.She's economical to run with fuel consumption figures of 7.8-litres per 100km on our test.It comes with impractical rear seats, unless you only intend to transport children under 10. A trip into the city with an adult seated in the back provided comic relief for those in the front, but not so much for the unfortunate soul testing out her contortionist-like moves.With a hunched back and crooked neck, it was an uncomfortable ride.In terms of design, the TT has the stunning looks from when it first came onto the market in 1998. But other brands seem to have caught up with the futuristic-like appeal of the Alfa Brera, Nissan 350Z and other offerings from the likes of BMW and Mercedes.The TT possesses typical Audi character and class but with some enhanced styling changes, including a longer, wider body. The roof has been repositioned further to the rear. Because of lighter aluminium technology called the Audi Space Frame, the TT is lighter than its predecessor.A small spoiler that is activated when reaching 120km/h automatically or by the touch of a button, adds to the sporty appeal and enhances performance by increasing negative lift at the rear wheels.The design, influenced by the Bauhaus style of the 1920s, is sexy with its glamorous appearance, eight years after we first saw it.While the inside may be uncomfortable for the back passenger, those in the front will enjoy comfort, luxury and sophistication. The circle theme of the brand is accentuated on the air vents, air conditioning and radio knobs, and the speedo and tacho. Silver trim adds a contrast on the black console, as you slide into the side-hugging leather seats.With a high window line starting above your shoulder, low ceiling, snug environment and a racing steering wheel with a flat bottom, like that in the RS4, there's no doubt you'll feel low and sporty in the TT.But there are some things that could be improved, such as a spare tyre as standard. Instead it gets a tyre mobility system, an aerosol can of goo that repairs any damage. And it doesn't have a great deal of boot space, although, as one passenger said: "At least it had more space than the back seat."Caution is needed in car parks, with typical coupe long doors. And when in underground car parks with low roofs, be extra careful when opening the boot.

The TT also drew deeply from Audi's history, particularly on the styling front, and set a bold direction for the company, which is about to lead on to the R8 mid-engine supercar.Now the TT has been renewed and Audi has taken the same basic recipe but added new ingredients to develop a model claimed to be better in every area.The body is slightly bigger than the 1998 original but comes in lighter thanks to 140kg of aluminium, the cabin is roomier, there is more sophisticated rear suspension, more technology and more safety.Detail changes include a speed-activated rear spoiler and a sports steering wheel with the same squared-off bottom edge first seen in Audi's brilliant RS4.The numbers say it is 137mm longer and 78mm wider than its predecessor, but only 6mm taller, with power up from 147kW to 184kW and torque from 280 to 320Nm.The basic 2.0-litre turbo can sprint to 100km/h in less than seven seconds.The shape still shouts TT, but the detailing is a little more angular, the wheels are bigger and the roof is set back further over a body which is still pumped out to the corners.The effect is slightly more muscular and the TT will sit comfortably in a line-up with a growing sports emphasis through the S and RS models.Audi Australia expects the new TT to beat the benchmark set by the original with three models — at least at first, with the TT cabrio coming later this year — priced from $68,900.The TT line-up starts with the 2.0-litre front-wheel-drive turbo manual, moves up to the 2.0-litre automatic (above) at $72,500, and tops out with the 3.2-litre V6 Quattro auto at $88,900.These are value prices in a class where the Audi coupe goes up against the smooth, new BMW 3-Series two-door and the Benz SLK, as well as a range of other hero cars including the Nissan 350Z and Mazda's RX8.The Audi contender comes with the strength of its styling and a sports car package, but is let down — in Australia — by a boot not as roomy as it looks and no spare tyre.Still, it will be a winner and Audi Australia is reporting a full order book and asking for extra cars beyond its 2007 allocation of 400 TTs.The company's managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the car will help give the German brand another showroom record Down Under."The new Audi TT is a clear leader in terms of its design and its sporty performance. It will be a very important model for Australia and we expect the arrival of the new TT to boost both our sales and our image in this country," he says.Deliveries have already begun and Audi is expected to reveal the next step in its TT plan at the Melbourne Motor Show in March, with a preview of the new Cabriolet. ON THE ROADTHE new TT could still only be a TT. It has the same head-turner looks of the original, the same individualistic cabin and the same performance.We spent our test time in the basic car with the 2.0-litre turbo motor, and believe it will be the pick of the litter.It might not have the hit of the V6 or its Quattro all-wheel-drive, but it is a nice drive and delivers on its promises.It is a sporty coupe that can answer your calls, but is not taking itself too seriously.That sounds a little condescending, but it's important to put the TT into context.It is not as hard-edged as a Nissan 350Z or as quick as the new BMW 335i coupe, but it will have more than enough go and grip for most people who have the car on their shopping list.It is a car that is enjoyable all the time, gives you a smile, and has plenty of luxury and equipment for the price.We like the turbo motor in the TT because it has a stunning drive all the time, yet still has a remarkable top end.It is easy to keep cooking, even from idle, with excellent overtaking power and the ability to flow along twisty roads with a solid surge between corners that does not turn the car into a bucking nasty.On the suspension front, the new TT feels a lot more composed than the original.You can feel the extra numbers in the footprint in the way it copes with bumps, stays composed through corners and bites during braking.Not once did we feel the TT was trying to get away from us. The original often bounced or kicked through the steering, or just felt it was closing on the ability of its suspension to cope with the car's power and position.The new car's fully independent rear suspension obviously makes a difference, but the TT also shows the general progress that Audi has made in the front suspension of all its recent models.We have driven a lot of second-generation prestige cars over the past 18 months and, almost without exception, they feel more mature and refined.That includes everything from the new Benz CLK to the latest BMW 3-Series.It also applies with the TT, which is the same but different. More composed, more fluid and more relaxed.We liked everything from the response of the turbo engine to the smooth shift in the six-speed manual and the ability to put a couple of (small) people in the back seat.But the car is still horrendous to park, there is lousy three-quarter vision, and the boot is not nearly as roomy as you expect from the increased length.And we have to register a complaint about the absence of a spare.There is no doubt the new TT is a very, very good car and it is one we could easily choose and recommend.It is not a sharp-edged sports car, but it drives very nicely and there is something special about driving a coupe that has the ability to attract so much interest. THE BOTTOM LINE82/100A GOOD car is even better — it even looks better and sharper than the original.

What is itThe dome shaped coupe was the uber trend setter when it first hit Australia in 1999 but has since seen formidable challenges from Mazda’s RX-8, Alfa Romeo’s Brera, BMW’s Z4 and more.Audi sold around 400 TT’s a year and expects the new model to marginally exceed that.A 2.0litre front wheel drive turbo is offered in manual or with Audi’s S tronic auto, which is a system that allows the manual paddles to genuinely override the auto transmission function.Audi expects to sell half of all TTs with the $72,500 S tronic transmission, while 25 per cent of buyers are expected to opt for the $68,900 manual.The remaining 25 per cent will be among the luckiest and safest sports car owners with the $88,900 3.2litre V6 quattro S tronic. It was simply impossible to lose it on Philip Island in this car – try as we did (for research purposes).A 2.0 litre turbo roadster is also in the pipeline for $77,500, or $92,900 for the 3.2 litre S tronic V6 quattro.ExteriorThe new model TT keeps the same look with mild but effective design upgrades inside and outside. It’s still got 2 +2 seating, and it’s now a little longer than the original (+137mm) and the front end looks broader and flatter with the new single frame radiator grille. Headlights slope confidently and their line neatly continues to the A-pillar.From the side you see flared wheel arches, side air inlets and elegant LED blinkers in the side mirrors.The TT’s rear is curiously attractive, with one motoring writer commenting “yeah, it’s a nice bum” when asked what he thought by Audi’s marketing manager.The rear lights have a 3D design effect but the highlight is the electric spoiler which emerges at 120km/h. A manual override lets you have a play with downforce effects and look kinda James Bondesque in the process.InteriorInside is a mix of proper aluminium, Nappa leather, and a wider and higher centre console with three centre airlets. It’s a neat package that is only spoiled by a Bose stereo unit that looks assembled in a third world sweat shop rather than the typically inspired standards of Audi – or Bose.The three spoked steering wheel has been flattened at the bottom for a sporty feel and easy access in and out.Overall the TT is a whopping 80kg lighter than the first one thanks to the Audi Space Frame used from the A8, which provides a mix of 69 per cent aluminium and 31 per cent steel.The new TT also introduces Audi’s “Magnetic Ride” suspension, which adapts damping automatically and continuously depending on the driving conditions.There was a science wonk explanation for how this works, and these guys understand and explain it better than we ever could.We were told that it lets you do “dynamic manoeuvres” which we understood to be code for “mental stuff”. Naturally we complied and can confirm that whatever Audi Magnetic Ride does, it does it well and you’d have to try to be more dynamic than us to lose control of a car that let’s you have fun but stops you embarrassing yourself.Questions remain whether the TT can continue to inspire like the first model did given that sports car buyers are among the least loyal customers, preferring the latest, trend setter over quality and performance.The design is not much different and Audi says that playing it safe with subtle evolution was the key to staying iconic. Still, they only conceded that “a certain percentage” of existing owners would upgrade for the better performance offered.And despite offering some of the smoothest, quietest TDI’s around, Audi said there was no plan for a diesel TT.How it drivesWhile the new TT driving experience is greatly improved over its all mouth and designer trousers predeccesor, it's also hard put to live up to its “sport” coupe tag.What TT does provide, is accessibly enjoyable levels of performance. Perhaps best of all, having first driven it at the world launch in Austria five months ago, it survives the translation to Australia.Even without the devilishly clever Magnetic ride (a $3000 dollar optional continuously adaptive damping system), it endures our sub-standard bitumen to be - as we predicted - the best riding compact Audi to date.What remains undimmed is the massive distinction between the two models - the front driver which runs VW/Audi's direct injection turbo four; and the all-wheel driver that packs the group's 3.2 FSI V6.The difference is as pronounced as that which exists between VW's Golf GTI and Golf R32. No coincidence that - the former just happens to be a front driver with the same 2.0 TFSI, the latter an all-wheel-driver with the TT's bent six.So are the TTs two immensely more expensive and less practical Golfs? If this were about practicalities, then sure. But it's not. It's about emotion in motion and designer desirability and these TT has in abundance.The weight saving over each Golf means the TT’s are faster, more agile and even more tuneful thanks to Audi's acoustic workshop.The V6 is S-Tronic only, which won't trouble the target punter, but is to be deplored by the enthusiast. As functionally excellent as S-Tronic is in general, it is also frustratingly apt to change up a gear when you lest want it to.While it’s way lighter than Alfa's lardy Brera V6 (the TT's most obvious competitor), the lesser TT model is for the main part more fun and involving - especially with the conventional manual.In typical Audi fashion, both models want for steering feel. It's accurate enough, but far too light for anything that claims sports car credentials.Still, that's unlikely to dissuade the style conscious, who will gladly find the money for it.Fast factsThree engine variants:2.0litre turbo FSI 6-speed manual, 147kW: $68,900Fuel: 7.8l/100km0-100: 6.4sec2.0litre turbo FSI S tronic 6-speed (auto), 147kW, 280 Nm: $72,5003.2litre V6 quattro S tronic 6-speed (auto), 184kW, 320 Nm: $88,9000-100 5.7 sec.Fuel: 9.5l/100kmWeight: Turbo (1260kg), V6 (1410kg)Coming soonA 2.0 litre turbo roadster for $77,500, or $92,900 for the 3.2 litre S tronic V6 quattro.CompetitionBMW Z4Mazda RX8Nissan 350ZAlfa Romeo BreraMercedes SLKBMW 3 seriesPaul Pottinger is a senior roadtester on the CARSguide team, and also editor of the Sunday Telegraph CARSguide. A version of this review, as well as other news, reviews and analysis will appear in the Sunday Telegraph. Garth Montgomery is editor of CARSguide.com.au.

It's hard to believe it's 10 years since Audi unveiled its TT Coupe as a concept.  It remains a standout design.MODEL WATCHThe Audi TT Coupe's no-nonsense lines could have been carved from granite. Crisp and clean, they were a break from the then common soft edges and rounded shapes.The TT Coupe's body was fully galvanised steel, though aluminium doors, bonnet and boot lid helped keep down the weight of the 2+2 coupes to a lean 1220kg.  At first the TT Coupe was available only in front-wheel-drive, joined a few months after its 1999 launch by an all-wheel drive Quattro. Audi used its considerable experience in turbocharging to great affect on the TT Coupe's engines. The base engine was a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit with five valves per cylinder, which developed 132kW and 235Nm over a broad band between 1950 and 5000 revs.The more powerful version had uprated pistons, connecting rods and big-end bearings to withstand the extra induction pressure of the bigger turbocharger needed to boost its output to 165kW and 280Nm, which flowed from 2200 to 5500 revs.Performance of both was brisk, the front-wheel-drive TT able to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, while its Quattro cousin required a second less for the same sprint. Top speeds were more than 220km/h.  A five-speed gearbox was linked to the 132kW engine; the more powerful 165kW engine was backed by a six-speed unit.Inside, the TT Coupe was equipped with climate-control air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, six-stacker CD, leather trim and remote central locking.IN THE SHOPThe earliest TT Coupes are fast approaching the time for a cam-belt change, so it's crucial to check for a service record to confirm the belt service has been done on cars that have done more than 100,000km.Regular servicing is important on any engine, but even more so today with the tight tolerances manufacturers use. Missed oil changes can result in clogged oil galleries as sludge builds up. Left long enough, it can cause major internal damage when the oil can no longer get to where it's meant to be.  A service record can be reassuring that the correct servicing has been done, but it's worth looking inside the oil cap to check for sludge.Make sure the clutch is smooth as you depress and release the pedal, and that the gearbox shifts smoothly.  When driving, listen intently for any clunks or noises going over bumps or when making turns, and investigate any noise.CRUNCH TIMEWith its sports-car handling, the TT Coupe is well equipped to avoid collisions, particularly the Quattro, with its all-wheel-drive system. It has the considerable protection of dual front airbags and front side airbags.OWNER'S VIEWMonty Stephens' TT Coupe has done 60,000km. During the warranty period one headlight blew twice, the battery died at six months and the entire $2000 instrument pack died the day before the warranty expired. Since then the driver's-side power window has failed ($600 to fix). He gets 9-10 litres per 100km around town and averages around 7.5 litres per 100km on a trip.RATING15/20 The TT Coupe is a fashion statement on wheels. It's good looking, has good performance and handles well.

Billed as the ultimate TT, the 3.2 shares its powerplant with the VW Golf R32 and umpteen other products from that manufacturer.It's a great engine made even better when hooked up behind Audi's latest automatic six speed Direct Shift Gearbox.But at around $96 grand, there are plenty of quicker cars with just as much cache. The TT could do with a little more vroom off the mark to see off pesky WRXs.Has strong engine performance tempered by the DSG off the mark where it is a little reluctant.Takeoffs on a steep slope can be problematic if you have your foot on the brake and accelerator at the same time.Engine sounds delicious at all revs – burbling bottom end, a banshee at the top and deep rumblings in between.Drinks premium unleaded frugally for high output engine.Transmission offers sequential shifting via steer- ing wheel paddles and selector shift.More fun to drive in sequential mode.Engine is great to look at, crowd puller at a (gourmet?) barbecue.Body still looks "fabo" now with boot spoiler. Wheels are 18in Avus style multi spokers. Look the business carry low profile Conti rubber.Brakes are magic, massive multi-piston items operating on huge discs. Pop your eyeballs.Quattro all wheel drive provides high level of grip in all conditions. Weighs a bit though. Contributes to TT's extra sporty feel.Handling is pin sharp even hauling 1530kg.Cabin is adequate for two but there's a rear seat for some reason.Boot is good size, and there are storage compartments dotted around the cabin.Interior looks great even after all this time, still cuts it with new stuff (almost) has an awesome sound system, everything that opens and shuts, the full luxury treatment.No manual transmission available.Low seat and roof height makes access an issue for some.Love the xenon headlights, night into day.

It's a quick machine, but the real secret to its acceleration lies not in the engine – though that's a beauty – but the rapid-fire gear changes of a unique transmission.DSG is an electronic double-clutch system attached to Audi's six-speed manual gearbox.Simply, it's a clutchless manual. But it gets complex because there are two clutches.One clutch is engaged and driving the wheels while the other has already picked up the next gear and is poised to engage. Then the two clutches swap duties.What it means is an almost seamless gear change, far faster than you and I can ram through the box of a manual transmission.But it's not all about speed. The gears are fed into the drivetrain under full load -- you don't back off the accelerator – so there's maximum power for maximum performance.The DSG – for Direct-Shift Gearbox – has a gear lever like an automatic, so you can pop it into Drive or manually flick the lever in the Tiptronic mode. You can also click up and down the gears using the steering-wheel paddles.That aside, the 3.2-litre V6 that is a tweaked version of the Golf R32 engine, is a gem that boasts heaps of torque and a keen ability to rev hard.When driven hard, the TT V6 is a neat machine. The all-wheel-drive system needs a lot of provoking to break away and even then it's a smooth slide starting with a bit of understeer. To correct that tendency, simply lift off the accelerator and the back comes around – all very controlled.It's also the first time Audi has fitted a transverse engine to one of its cars. This is important because, unlike its other models, the engine isn't hanging out in front of the axles to potentially upset the handling.The TT's steering is firm but not especially communicative, and the odd near-vertical placement of the wheel isn't as awkward as I first thought.Though I was having bags of fun out on the track, the TT didn't always play ball.Primarily the DSG overrides your desire to take the engine to the limit, meaning even though you have selected the manual-shift mode, it bales out and picks a higher gear.That's safe for the engine, but not especially welcome when you're halfway through a bend.But the TT V6 is still the pick of the TT range, even though it's expensive.There's precious little room inside the cabin for anyone but two occupants. Sure, there are lovely leather seats in the back, but you won't fit if you have legs and a head.The boot that sits under the steeply raked rear glass is actually quite accommodating, though there's a dreadful spacesaver tyre beneath.Equipment levels are excellent, though visibility from the driver's chair is pretty poor.

Equipped with Audi's new direct-shift gearbox (DSG), the TT behaves differently in each of the three transmission choices offered.In full automatic the TT is a cruiser, albeit a quick one, with gear changes almost seamless and a transmission that is, in all but a few situations, in the right gear at the right time.Shift the lever into "S" (Sports mode) and the TT takes on an almost beast-like personality, with aggressive shifts.Finally, for the driver who wants the fun of a manual, there is the option of the tiptronic mode, which can be shifted using paddles on the steering wheel or the gear lever.Throw in a 3.2-litre V6 engine and a few tweaks inside and out and Audi's TT model will comfortably cruise to its replacement date (about two years) without growing old.The launch of the 3.2 V6 TT gives customers something to smile about.The DSG is not new but was only sampled when mated to the A3's 2.0-litre diesel engine, not the 3.2 stonker that is under the new TT's bonnet.DSG is Audi's double-clutch automatic transmission. The two clutches operate simultaneously – one is able to open at the same time the other is closing, with an overlap between the two, so changes are almost seamless (0.2 seconds to change cogs).Changes in manual mode are simply quicker than a driver can do using a conventional manual, unless the driver changes without using the clutch, and most gearboxes won't stand for that for too long.In auto there were a few occasions when the box was a little hesitant (mainly in heavy traffic) but overall the system felt one step ahead and was always in the right gear at the right time.Sports mode is perfect for the windy long stretch of road with the system holding the gear for longer (up and down). It's not as easy to control in traffic.The rough feel of the clutch when starting gives the TT that manual feeling, which not many tiptronics offer. The transversely mounted engine produces 184kW of power at 6300rpm and 320Nm of torque between 2800rpm and 3200rpm.On the outside, changes are subtle but enough to freshen the TT's overall look and distinguish it from its turbo cousin. The larger rear wing and black honeycomb-patterned new bumper panel are the key features.Inside, changes are also subtle, with the 3.2 gaining an aluminium gear surround and a different instrument cluster.The extra grunt means more additions to control it, which sees the 3.2 get upgraded anti-roll bars, upgraded brakes, stiffer suspension, and the other big addition of Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system.Like all TT models the new version has plenty of safety additions, including two front airbags and pyrotechnic belt tensioners for the front seats. Head/thorax airbags in the front seat backs protect the upper body and head in a side impact.The TT comes with automatic climate control and has some cool extras like the trendy chrome cover that conceals the radio when not in use. The power window buttons are in an unusual position and took a while getting used to and the lack of steering wheel radio controls means a slight reach is needed to turn the volume up or down.While not electric, a comfortable seating position was not hard to find.Unlike many coupes, the TT has a fair number of storage compartments, but essentially remains a two-seater, with room in the rear only for small people.Then of course, there is that sweet Audi smell.On the road the bright Imola yellow TT attracted a lot of attention and a few sore necks, with its head-turning looks.The TT also features a driver navigation system integrated into the main computer system.

Given a new spirit six years into its enduring life cycle, the TT is now running with six cylinders and the direct shift gearbox (DSG) system that made its debut on the A3 diesel earlier this year.What is now clearer is just how good DSG goes about its changes – smoothly and with the efficiency no driver anywhere could match using a manual transmission.The 3.2-litre V6-powered TT with the DSG box – which gives you the choice of D for drive, S for sport or sequential mode with steering-mounted paddle shifts – will be available from January 1, 2005, for $95,600.Inside there are few changes save for an aluminium surround for the DSG gearbox.But the piece de resistance is the marriage between the 184kW V6 to the DSG transmission which is even sweeter than in the diesel.DSG at the moment is fine for transverse-mounted engines.But it is not yet refined enough for longitudinal powerplants which is why Porsche is saying it needs more development before it buys into DSG.The twin clutch DSG in the V6-powered TT is smart, smooth and swift, taking merely .2sec to change cogs.When the next gear shift is near, an appropriate gear is preselected but its clutch disengaged.Shifting gears opens the clutch of the activated gear while the other clutch closes at the same time with a degree of overlap.In application the shifts are smooth and lightning fast and it is a bit of a foolproof set-up in that you don't have to match road speed with engine speed for a controlled shift.In S for Sport mode everything becomes livelier. The downshifts and upshifts are not as long and everything is done with a lot more urgency.There also is a launch control mechanism, although not as aggressive as in the screaming M3, it is accessed by slotting the shifter into S, switching off the ESP and feeding the revs to about 3200rpm for a fiery take-off.In keeping with the power changes which also include 320Nm of torque available from between 2800rpm-3200rpm there are upgraded anti-roll bars, upgraded brakes, sports suspension and the all-paw bite of quattro.Distinguishing features on the exterior are larger air intakes in the nose, titanium finish Xenon headlamps, larger rear spoiler and a modified exhaust system.Audi says that every time it has launched a new variant since the car was launched here in May, 1999, almost a year after being launched in Europe, it has experienced a spike in sales.Out of the 330 TTs expected to be sold in 2005, Audi says 180 will be coupes with up to 30 per cent V6s.If you discount the HSV Coupe 4 with its V8 engine, the V6 TT is the only car in its class – which features the 3-litre BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK as its chief competitors – to feature all-wheel-drive.

The 3.2-litre engine is a lift from Volkswagen's hot R32 Golf, but has been massaged to produced some extra oomph, delivering 184kW of power and 320Nm of torque.This is 7kW more power than the Golf, but maximum torque produced between 2800rpm and 3200rpm remains unchanged.In comparison, the high performance, turbocharged four cylinder version of the car produces 165kW and 280Nm.The bubble shaped TT still looks remarkably fresh considering the design dates back to 1988.The V6 model can be readily identified by a larger rear wing and a black, honeycomb patterned rear bumper panel.Inside, it is distinguished from other models by an aluminium gear surround and an instrument cluster that includes a 280km/h speedometer – mind you, it is speed limited to 250km/h.As well as the V6, the car has also been fitted with Audi's new DSG, double-clutch automatic trans- mission.Although a manual version of the car will not be offered, punters can take comfort in the fact that this six-speed tranny is in fact quicker than a manual.Gear changes or more accurately "gear transitions" are super fast and super smooth, with many changes options from which to chose.Because the system employs two clutches that operate simultaneously, one clutch is able to open at the same time as the other is closing, with an overlap between the two – so changes are almost seamless with no apparent loss of power.The driver can chose to leave the car in D, or the aggressively geared Sport mode, or change gears manually via the gear lever or wheel mounted paddles (or combination of both).The TT's compact DOHC cam engine is mounted transversely in the front of the car.The engine features a variable intake manifold and modified intake ports and Audi has put in some extra hours modifying the cylinder head and air intake to produce the extra grunt.Power is transmitted to all four wheels via Audi's Quattro all wheel drive system, modulated by a specially calibrated electronic stability control system, designed to keep the car on the road.The 17 inch dual piston brakes are a lift from the sensational RS4 sports sedan, with ventilated floating caliper 334mm units front and 265mm units back.Wheels are 7.5x18 inch alloys fitted with 225/40 series rubber.The V6 TT can spring from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, compared with the turbo's 6.4 seconds.Not a great deal of difference, you might say, but it's the extra torque that makes the car so much more driveable and far more responsive to the throttle than the turbocharged version.The note from the twin exhaust system is sensational.We were able to give the new V6 TT a workout over some of Sydney's rougher back roads.While the car weighs in at a hefty 1520kg, it still has a tendency to move around on poorly formed roads, especially under brakes.This can be attributed to the short wheel base and takes some getting used to, before driver confidence begins to grow.The TT will ultimately understeer as we discovered but has high levels of grip.The suspension is a combination of Mac struts at the front and double wishbones with trailing arms at the rear.Stiffer roll bars have been fitted front and back and spring and damper settings have been revised to cope with the extra power.The ride is firm and the suspension will bottom out on larger bumps.The V6 has a 62-litre tank and drinks 98 RON premium unleaded at the modest rate of about 9.8L/100km.Standard equipment includes satellite navigation and high powered self-levelling xenon headlights.Safety features include two front airbags, as well as head and thorax airbags.The V6 model carries a $3100 premium over the turbo, priced from $95,600 before on-road costs.

It adds self-shifting to the stunning German sports car for the first time, with six speeds in the automatic gearbox and a semi-manual shift mode - complete with buttons on the steering wheel - that gives it the "Tiptronic" name.The six-speeder has taken a while to hit the road, but only because of the engineering work needed. It has been a big job, because the new gearbox has needed a fair bit of mechanical work and a lot of electronic tweaking.The self-shifter works with both of the TT's engine choices, the 132kW and 165kW turbocharged fours, and is also matched to both front and four-wheel-drive, as well as coupe and convertible bodies.The 132kW motor comes with the front-drive set-up, while the all-wheel-drive is needed for the extra go with the 165kW powerplant. Either combination can go into the two-door and droptop.The arrival of the Tiptronic 'box has given Audi the chance for a couple of other updates, including a new look for the grille, some extra colours and a few minor revisions in the cabin.You'd be hard pressed to pick the changes, but Audi has held the price line and that's good news.It comes in a busy year for the company, which has already introduced the A4 convertible and is closing on a local introduction for its new A8 flagship.The A4 convertible shows the advances the German carmaker has made in design and quality, which now matches the Lexus benchmark in the cabin, while the A8 will be a much tougher challenger for Mercedes' S-Class standard bearer and the radical BMW 7-Series.We rated the TT as a cut-price alternative to a Porsche when we first drove the car, and nothing much has changed since then.It's still a strong seller for Audi, adding 110 cars to the company's total in the first quarter of this year. That's up from 74 last year, a result that runs against the flow for sports cars.Coupes and convertibles usually hit showrooms hard and fast, peak early, then fade away as trendier newcomers take their place.The TT hasn't fallen into that trap, partly because it still looks as futuristic as the day it arrived and partly because of its all-round appeal and Audi's quality workmanship.The arrival of the automatic will give it another kick, as it boosts its appeal in a country where most people prefer not to change gears.It will also boost the TT's ability to fight off new sports car arrivals, led by Nissan's go-go 350Z and Mazda's four-seat RX-8, even though the scorekeepers call the Audi a luxury car and put it up against coupes and convertibles from Alfa Romeo, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo.A starting price of $70,320 definitely puts it into the luxury-car arena, but plenty of people would argue that - particularly with the 165kW engine, convertible roof and quattro drive - the TT qualifies as a sports car.Prices for the TT newcomers have been kept competitive, with the starting-price 132kW coupe at $80,900 and the flagship roadster with the hot engine and all-wheel-drive at $92,500.On the road WE WERE stunned when we first saw the Audi TT and the car still has the same instant impact.It's futuristic and retro at the same time, as well as a one-off, and we're glad to be living in a golden age of motoring where cars like the TT go from good idea to showroom reality.The six-speed automatic is clean and sweet as a straight auto and shifts up a cog for enjoyment when you switch to the Tiptronic change.Our test car didn't come cheap, despite the basic 132kW engine and front-wheel-drive.It was a convertible, which takes the starting price up to $80,900, and the addition of metallic paint ($1250), a Bose sound system ($1300) and cruise control ($990) meant it weighed in at $84,440 before on-road costs.The three extras were all just-about essential in a car like the TT Tiptronic, showing how easy it is to spend money in the luxury class.The paint gave it a bit more glow, the Bose boomer made things much more enjoyable and cruise control is just about compulsory in today's speed-camera world. The price of our droptop Audi is just about right in a field which includes BMW's runout Z3s, soon to be replaced by the Z4, and everything from the floppy Alfa Spider and rorty Honda S2000 to Mercedes' SLK to Porsche's Boxster in the two-seat luxury class.To get through the old stuff first, we still love the TT's grippy bucket seats, the twin chromed rollbars, the one-finger operation of the folding roof, the fuss-free top-down travel.It's still tough to park, because you cannot see the corners, but that's offset by the gorgeous looks.We found it hard to spot Audi's promised updates in the cabin, but that's partly because it didn't need any work and partly because the test car came with an all-black interior.It was far too cave-like for our tastes, particularly after driving the A4 convertible with a light-tan interior that's one of the best in any car we can remember.The mechanical package of the TT is impressive. The six-speed shift is eager to kick down for overtaking and Audi says it's only one second slower in the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint despite its extra weight and the lack of a clutch to kick things off. The fuel economy is good, too.Things really get enjoyable when you slide the transmission across the gate into the Tiptronic mode, which opens the way for one-touch up-and-down shifts. With six gears to choose from, and almost-instant shifts, you can have real fun on twisty roads or just play around in the city.A dashboard display lets you know what's happening and there are times when it's great to bump down three ratios, using the central shifter or the buttons on the steering wheel crossbar, to get maximum impact.The ride and handling was as we remembered, so no complaints there.But the TT Tiptronic wasn't fault-free. We found the buttons on the wheel too small and the operation of the gear lever an annoyance. Audi persists with a system where you push forward to change up a gear, and pull back to go down.We believe this is the wrong way around, because it goes against the car's natural acceleration and braking forces.