Audi TT 2019 revealed

Audi has refined its TT for 2019, with a mid-life makeover to celebrate the reveal of the 20th anniversary of the original model back in 1998.

The update to the third-generation TT will get subtle body style changes and an increase in power for its engines, along with a welcome boost in the level of standard equipment.

Australia is expected to see the TT in mid-2019, following its fourth-quarter launch in Europe.

Externally, Audi describes the body panel changes as “more masculine, more progressive and even sportier than before”.

The single-frame radiator grille is now three-dimensional with large vertical air intakes at the sides and a full-length splitter added to the front to emphasise the car’s width.

Headlights are LED as standard and LED matrix as an option, with indicator lenses now in a new design.

At the rear, horizontal accents also promote the wide stance and there is a new diffuser and air vents above the tail-lights, each highlighted by three horizontal fins.

The fuel filler is now the capless type that Audi said is “a typical sports car feature”.

Length is slightly longer at 4190m, up 13mm, but the wheelbase remains the same at 2505mm. The S Line option rides 10mm lower than the other versions at 1343mm.

There is also no change to the luggage capacity with the coupe variants offering 305 litres of space and the convertibles with 280 litres.

Engines have been massaged for more power and better economy, and petrol engines now include a particulate filter.

The final specifications for Australia won’t be known until closer to the car’s launch but in Europe, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol has a minor output increase to 170kW/370Nm.

The biggest change is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for the TT – up from six speeds – similar to the unit in the TT S, with the ratios bunched for the first six gears and the seventh now for economical cruising.

Audi said that the close-set ratios improve acceleration times and make the car more responsive in the mid-range, making it better suited to tight, winding roads.

The driver-oriented Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch screen will become standard across the board and now includes the drive-select dynamic handling system. Also standard are illuminated USB ports as well as Bluetooth for wireless pairing of devices.

Audi connect carries over with more features and on-board services on-board via fast LTE. 

The Audi smartphone interface connects smartphones with the car and can stream content seamlessly to the Audi virtual cockpit via USB. 

Optional audio systems include the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with a 680-watt amplifier and 12 speakers, including two centre speakers and two bass boxes.

Safety features extend from lane-change assist to side assist, lane-departure warning, active lane assist, traffic sign recognition (to be confirmed for Australia), and park assist with display of the surroundings with the reverse camera.

Audi’s TT first entered Australia in 1998 after being shown as a coupe concept at the 1995 Frankfurt motor show and in the same year, a convertible design at the Tokyo show.

The second generation was introduced in 2006 and closed the gap with Audi’s family design language. There was also an “S” version with 200kW and, later, an RS with 250kW.

The third generation was launched in 2014.

Are the minor changes to the TT enough to spark your interest in the updated sportscar? Tell us what you think in the comments below.