2005 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... 

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.