2008 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... 

The coupe is a slingshot and the roadster version is not far behind on pace — just 0.2 of a second slower to 100km/h at 5.4 ... but a world ahead on atmosphere.Where the coupe can be a little claustrophobic with the close-set roofline — the price paid for such a spunky profile — the 60kg heavier TTS Roadster opens up to provide the two occupants with a feeling of open-air rejuvenation. The icing on the cake and something that turns other drivers green with envy is the ability to open or close the roof at suburban side-street speeds below 50km/h.The passenger can enjoy the open-air motoring, the ear-belting sound system and the comfy (but optional) baseball-mitt leather seats.Audi calls it “Chennai brown seat upholstery with matching moccasin seams and Espresso coloured stitching” — priced at $2650. Thankfully it's not the other sort of moccasin. What the second occupant doesn't get is the amusement factor found behind the wheel.They're busy looking for grab handles and pointing out potential road hazards, or commenting on the dirt being tickled by the left-hand wheels mid-corner. The car's colour is not Kelvinator white either, rather an off-white pearl-ish hue that looks good on the convertible and a colour being adopted by more and more brands.The back-road canter has not bothered the stability control's electronics at all. Leech-like grip on the road — thanks to a wide-track as well — in all road conditions is delivered by the all-wheel-drive system that uses a multi-plate clutch (between the front and rear axles) that apportions drive to the rear hydraulically as required.Audi says the system delivers the extra drive in milliseconds — twice as fast as it used to, courtesy of a new pressure reservoir feeding the system.Stretching the legs of the TTS droptop a little more, without a passenger, shows just how talented the roadster is. Even without resorting to the sport setting on the magnetic suspension, the TTS rips through a series of bends with out concern — sport mode tightens things up but removes the compliance required on some of our roads. The 2.0-litre turbo snorts and huffs with gusto under deceleration, as the double-clutch gearbox blips delightfully down through the gears. While the corners don't push back heaps of feel — there are only a few Audis that do — the TTS fires out of bends and devours straights.A Porsche Boxster is still a more precise instrument, but you'll need an S to match the Audi for pace.Mercedes-Benz's new SLK 350 has much-improved steering, as well as the pace to match the Audi, as does the Z4 M Roadster, but it's a tie between the spunky little Audi and the Porsche in the beauty pageant.A freeway stint with the roof up showed that even rag tops can be half-quiet. Indeed the noise level in the cabin isn't bad. The uprated 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder does emit some interesting snuffles and braps, the kind the driver wants to hear. Roof down please — 12 seconds later, the problem is solved — the soundtrack improves and with windows up and electric wind-blocker in place, entertaining open-road work has an extra aural element.The Hungarian-built TTS Roadster we're sampling has the optional dual-clutch six-speed automated manual, which can be left to its own devices in normal or sport modes, with paddleshifts on the back of the steering wheel's spokes. Shifts are slick and sharp, removing drive from all four wheels for only a blink — the best of both worlds; around town these gearboxes are getting better for low-speed carparking duties as well.The xenon headlights are joined by the de-rigeur Audi LED daytime running lights and it's an impressive look, particularly at night. The bottom lineWith a price tag on the other side of $100,000 it's most definitely an indulgence, but an entertaining one that is easy to make use of day-to-day. SNAPSHOTAudi TTS Roadster 2.0 TFSIPrice: from $103,265Engine: 2L/4-cylinder turbocharged 200kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed S tronic direct-shift, 6-speed manual0-100km/h: 5.4 seconds, manual 5.6secondsEconomy: 8L/100km (manual 8.2) 

If Audi's current TT turbo four and naturally aspirated V6 don't ring your bell then you're in luck because now there's a high output turbo four called the TTS that will keep the hotrod rice-burners honest. Only thing is you will need deep pockets to get into the Audi TTS coupe or roadster because the kick off point is $92,900 for the manual coupe, easily pushing through the 100 grand mark if you tick a few option boxes.This is the first “S” model TT which is now in generation II having first appeared back in 1999.Like other Audi S models, the range-topping TTS offers a sportier edge to its style, performance and handling and is aimed at drivers who really enjoy their wheel time.The engine is a revised version of the 2.0-litre, direct injection, turbo four cylinder (TFSI) in the entry model TT and quite a few other Audi/VW products but in this case, it's seriously tweaked to pump out a hairy-chested 200kW/350Nm.The cylinder head is different as are the injectors, turbo and intercooler and it's available with a six speed manual or optional six speed, dual clutch, robotised manual called S-tronic.We really don't understand why Audi would go the two transmission route because only S-Tronic is needed, capably fulfilling both manual and automatic roles. It's also quicker in a 0-100kmh sprint at 5.2 seconds and doesn't use any extra fuel.Maximum torque becomes available at a shade over 2000rpm holding to 6000rpm which translates into superb response on the open road, especially with the S-tronic transmission. This is because gear change times are a fraction of either a manual or conventional auto. Alternatively, you can leave it in “D” and let the car do everything for you.A particularly pleasing feature is the exhaust pop on up-changes _ a bit like an F1 or rally car. It also blips the throttle on down-changes and can drop down two gears if the selector is held and speed allows.Drive goes to all wheels via Audi's clever quattro system that apportions power front to rear and also from side to side.It translates into impressive grip and drive on winding roads or slippery conditions.This is further aided by dual mode magnetic suspension that adapts to any given set of conditions offering comfort and control for high speed and low speed driving on varying surfaces.Safety equipment is extensive with sport mode stability control, multiple air bags and an electronic diff lock in the package.The interior is a study in modern technical style, functional, ergonomic and comfortable. Various types of leather upholstery are available including a funky baseball mitt style in light brown.The roadster has an electrically folding soft top, roll bars, decent boot and offers performance and handling essentially the same as the coupe.Like all TTs, the TTS features an aluminium space frame chassis offering strength and lightness. Additional weight savings are made through the use of aluminium suspension components and sub-frame structures. But the TTS still weighs in at around 1400kg depending on the model. Buyers will appreciate the bi-xenon headlights, quad tail pipes, auto rear wing, premium audio and body aero parts that add to TTS's allure.We punted it hard around Phillip Island race track and nary a wheel went out of place even at the limit. The Brembos took everything dished out and the car lapped up its track time - just like the drivers.Our only complaint is the positioning of the S-tronic change paddles on the wheel. They should be fixed on the steering column. 

But what are hats and sunscreen for?Besides most of today's roadsters can get their fabric or folding metal lids up at the push of a button within half a minute. These are Carsguide's favourites: Affordable fun Mazda MX-5 Price: from $42,870Engine: 2L/4-cylinder; 118kW/188NmEconomy: 8.5L/100kmTransmission: 6-speed manual or autoIf there was an annual award in this category it would reside perpetually in Mazda's trophy cabinet. The original MX-5 reinvented the classic Brit roadster adding such novel notions as performance and reliability.The third generation retains the 1989 model's exhilarating dynamics and sheer fluidity. If you don't find pleasure in the way an MX-5 drives you've probably ceased breathing.Purists might decry such modern innovations as air-con, power steering, ESP, a folding composite roof and (egad!) an auto transmission, but it hasn't been 1957 for some time now. Still others would rather it went quicker, but they're missing the point.The MX-5 is the affordable roadster. Track marqueLotus Elise SPrice: $69,990Engine: 1.8L/4-cylinder; 100kW/172NmEconomy: 8.3L/100kmTransmission: 5-speed manualThe salient figure here is 860 that's the number of kgs the entry-level Lotus weighs, or about 500 less than a Toyota Corolla whose engine this spartan roadster uses to get from standing to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.While it's absolutely one for the enthusiast - or the fanatic - even if you've not the least wish to drive something so uncompromised (though a good deal more civilised than the Exige) you should at least be driven in a Lotus once. It'll open your eyes. Wide.At its best at track speeds, where the Lotus's wonderfully unassisted steering comes into its own and where it doesn't matter that it takes ages to assemble to roof, you can smilingly drive one every day. But beware barging SUVs. Zed's not dead Nissan 350Z RoadsterPrice: $73,990Engine: 3.5L/V6; 230kW/358NmEconomy: 12L/100kmTransmission: 6-speed manual or 5-speed autoThe Roadster version of the still outstanding 350Z gives very little away to the coupe model and while the same-priced auto is a cog short of the manual's six, it's easy to live with in city traffic.Though we've yet to try the Roadster with the substantially new the faster V6 that causes the bonnet to bulge so priapically, our recent week in the revised Coupe suggests that it too will be more of an already good thing.It's almost impossible to believe that same company is responsible for the Tiida ... Gay tidingsAudi TT Roadster V6 quattroPrice: $92,900Engine: 3.2L/v6; 184kW/320NmEconomy: 9.6L/100kmTransmission: 6-speed DSGLike the coupe, the lighter front-wheel-drive with the GTI's turbo four pot is a better bet most of the time than the heftier all-wheel-drive, though it's not really a sports car there'll be moments when you'll love yourself for the latter's extra go and grip.Dispensing with the coupe's comedy back seat, there's ample room behind when with the fabric roof's folded. Some find the ride a bit terse; I don't but would still take the optional magnetic suspension.With performance and handling that are both entertaining and accessible while wrapped in such an aesthetically bell-ringing package, the TT is fairly loveable. If only ...Porsche Boxster SPrice: from $135,100Engine: 3.4L/6-cylinder; 217kW/340NmEconomy: 10.4 or 11L/100kmTransmission: 6-speed manual or 5-speed autoIn our rare idle moments hereabouts, certain of us scan the classifieds trying rather pathetically to convince ourselves that a used Boxster is almost within our reach. Almost. Well, maybe one day ...That's the problem with spending any amount of time in a Boxster, particularly, the top whack S. There's nothing wrong with it, you see. Well, maybe the ride on bigger tyres is just a bit savage, but so what when all else is perfect. It even sounds wonderful.At it's worst, the Boxster will make you hate yourself for not being a better driver. So sublimely intuitive is the handling, so poised and balanced does it feel even in extremis, it almost always feels capable of more. Even if you're not. Two plus twosAffordability aside, floating the open top proposition can founder on the fatal shores of practicality. Society frowns upon selling one's children, though surely financing a Boxster should be cause for sympathy.Still, Volkswagen's Eos (from $49,990) cabriolet/coupe comes is a practical, stylish and - with the drivetrain of the Golf GTI - tolerably rapid 2+2. It retains adequate bootage with the sophisticated folding metal lid, which can be configured five different way, folded down. Uniquely there's also a diesel option (from $48K), so you needn't use much juice.And there are further options afoot.With BMW's glorious twin-turbo 3-litre petrol six, the 135i cabriolet (due in June) will be by far the sharpest 2+2. Audi's A3 cabrio, likely to feature the 1.8-litre TFSI, follows in July.And if fortune smiles upon you to the tune of $1.19 there's the sensuous land yacht that is Rolls-Royce's Drophead coupe. Plenty of room in the back for the kids in this baby.