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Audi TT 2011 Review

EXPERT RATING
8

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.

VALUE

An 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.

TECHNOLOGY

The 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.

DESIGN

Sitting 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.

SAFETY

Aside 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.

DRIVING

At 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.

VERDICT

The 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 TTS

Price: $97,364
Warranty: 3 years, unlimited km
Resale: 49% Source: Glass's Guide
Service interval: 15,000km or 12-months
Economy: 7.9 l/100km, on test 13.1; 188g/km CO2
Safety equipment: four airbags, stability control, ABS, EBD.
Crash rating: 4 star
Engine: 200kW/350Nm 16-valve 2-litre direct-injection turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder
Transmission: six-speed automated double-clutch manual, all wheel drive
Body: 2-door, 4 seats
Dimensions: 4198mm (L); 1842mm (W); 1345mm (H); 2468mm (WB)
Weight: 1415kg
Wheel and tyre size: 245/40 18in (as tested 255/35 19in)
Spare: tyre mobility kit.

Pricing guides

$25,520
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$9,680
Highest Price
$41,360

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
RS Limited Edition 2.5L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $30,360 – 36,520 2011 Audi TT 2011 RS Limited Edition Pricing and Specs
S 2.0 TFSI Quattro 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP $15,840 – 20,240 2011 Audi TT 2011 S 2.0 TFSI Quattro Pricing and Specs
RS 2.5L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $23,210 – 28,600 2011 Audi TT 2011 RS Pricing and Specs
S 2.0 TFSI Quattro 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $19,250 – 24,420 2011 Audi TT 2011 S 2.0 TFSI Quattro Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Stuart Martin
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$23,210

Lowest price, based on third party pricing data

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.