2006 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... 

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.