Star cars
Audi TT
STAR CAR Drive
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI
What is it? The entry-level version of all-new Audi TT Verdict Fast, with an outstanding cabin, but not much fun This all-new TT will have to really go some to maintain the success of its predecessor, which won the What Car? Coupé of the Year Award for all but the last year of its production run. Mind you, this all-new car is lighter, stiffer, and it also has a longer wheelbase, despite retaining virtually the same-sized body, so it promises great things. Here we test the entry-level model, which gets a 2.0 turbo petrol engine, front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. Other options include the same, 227bhp engine with four-wheeldrive and a six-speed automatic gearbox, while a 307bhp TTS model also joins the range later this year. A 2.0 TDI Ultra model promises to satisfy those with economy concerns. What’s it like to drive? Unflappable. Turn in to a corner and the steering builds weight to give you a good sense of what the front end is doing, and it’s easy to judge whether you need to back
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off a bit or not. Even in this front-wheel drive car, which brakes the front inside wheel (quattro models brake both inside wheels) during hard cornering to help prevent the nose from washing wide, grip levels are monstrous, and even if you do manage to test the car’s limits, the TT is never remotely intimidating. The engine enhances the accessible driving style. It revs keenly, without any unpredictable surges, and while it’s happy to sit at low revs, most drivers will prefer to keep it bubbling along in the broad mid-range. Ride comfort on our car, which came with 18-inch alloys and standard suspension (10mm lowered suspension is a no-cost option on S line trim) is generally settled. Scruffy, low-speed town roads don’t cause much shuddering, and even midcorner bumps don’t knock the TT’s composure. Only the rural roads around our Spanish test
route, which were virtually corrugated, made it feel even remotely choppy. Other than some wind noise over the windscreen at motorway speeds, there’s no problem with refinement, either. It’s just a shame that, even with the standard Audi Drive Select (which adjusts throttle response and steering weight) in maximum attack, the TT 2.0 TFSI is less than thrilling. Sure-footed, yes, and effortlessly easy to drive rapidly, but it falls short of the invigorating fun that some rivals offer, not least the BMW 2 Series.
What’s it like inside? Everything is focused on the driver. The 12.3-inch readout tucked into the instrument binnacle is the window to all of the car’s systems, and it’s a thing of wonder. Add the sat-nav (part of a £1795 Technology Pack), and the map fills the screen, leaving the 3D-effect digital speedo and rev counter floating in the foreground, depending on which screen layout you choose. The system does take some getting used to, but most functions are easy to find and adjust via the steering wheel or central dial.
Elsewhere in the cabin there’s an outstanding sense of quality and solidity, with various clever design touches – such as the air-con temperature readouts and dials mounted centrally on the vents – catching the eye. Drivers of all shapes and sizes can get comfortable thanks to a broadly adjustable wheel and super-supportive seats finished in Alcantara and leather – even on base Sport cars. In fact, equipment levels are good enough on Sport that the step up to S line – which costs £2550 more – is hard to justify. A DAB radio, USB port, airconditioning, and keyless start are all included, so the main benefits of stepping up to the higher trim are LED headlights (instead of xenons) an upgrade from 18-inch to 19-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior styling and automatic lights and wipers. Unfortunately, rear parking sensors, cruise control and dual-zone climate control cost extra on both trims. The rear seats remain as useless in this TT as they were in the previous two generations. Even children will feel cramped, and adults won’t fit without extreme contortion. It is, however, useful for luggage space, and the seats fold flat so that you can extend the shallow boot’s floor, making it easier to load bulky items.
EQUIPMENT Automatic lights and wipers are only standard on S line-trimmed cars
temperature controls The dials to adjust the cabin temp are incorporated into the vents
There’s plenty of space in the front, which means that pretty much everyone will be able to sit comfortably
As ever, the rear seats are nigh on unuseable for adults, and even children will complain after a short while
The boot is a fair size, and it’s best to also fold down the tiny rear seats and use the space as luggage room
Large screen includes all the instruments and allows the driver to easily view all of the car’s systems
Should I buy one? If you want a faultlessly composed, rapid coupé, with the best interior in its class, that will be easy to live with and offer very competitive running costs, then yes. If you want something that’s going to deliver driving nirvana, then probably not. Vicky Parrott Vicky.Parrott@whatcar.com
Buyer’s file Engine size
2.0 T
2.0 q’tro auto
2.0 D
2.0 T (TTS)
Price
£29,860
£32,785
£29,770
£38,900
Power
227bhp
227bhp
181bhp
306bhp
Torque
273lb ft
273lb ft
280lb ft
280lb ft
0-62mph
6.0sec
5.3sec
7.1sec
4.9sec
Top speed
155mph
155mph
150mph
155mph
Economy
47.9mpg
44.1mpg
67.3mpg
39.2mpg
CO2 g/km/tax
137/20%
149/22%
110/18%
166/26%
Insurance groups tbc Airbags 4 Doors 2 Seats 4 Colours 10 On sale Now or try a... BMW 2 Series Volkswagen Scirocco
web See more pictures of the Audi TT at whatcar.com whatcar.com november 2014
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