2009 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 swoopy Audi TT coupe has received an engine transplant to go Porsche hunting.  The leaner and meaner $133,700 TT RS has Porsche's performance benchmark Cayman in its sights.DrivetrainUnder the aluminium bonnet is a turbocharged direct injection 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder mated to Audi's quattro all-wheel drive.  It is an engine that has a strong links to Audi motorsport and can trace its roots back to the first Audi quattros in the 1980s.Audi engineers have tweaked the in-line five to punch out 250kW at 6500 revs and 450Nm from 1600 revs.  This gives the RS a zero to 100km/h sprint time of just 4.6 seconds and governed top speed of 250km/h.Buyers looking for a little bit extra can option up the car with a $3900 carbon package that raises the top speed to 280km/h.  To cope with the added performance there are a host of performance additions, from larger 19-inch alloys to beefier brakes and Audi's magnetic ride control. Unlike the Cayman, the RS is available only as a six-speed manual.StylingVisually there are special RS-design elements including a diamond-look grille, large side air inlets and brushed alloy exterior mirrors.  A fixed rear wing spoiler and diffuser insert with oval exhausts complete the picture.Sales Audi Australia expects to sell around 80 a year, according to managing director, Joerg Hofmann.  "Our RS models, while niche, are always very popular for buyers wanting the ultimate in performance," Hofmann says.In Europe the RS is available as a Roadster but this is not coming to Australia, according to Audi product planning boss, John Roberts. Roberts says RS volumes will be small, making up just 5 per cent of overall TT sales. The most popular model remains the 2.0 TFSI.  Roberts says the rest of the TT lineup carries on remains unchanged.The RS will not replace the 3.2 TFSI model, he says.  "There is room for both," he says.  "The 3.2 is still available and it will remain a part of the lineup."BodyThe RS benefits from the newest generation TT's larger, longer and lighter aluminium space frame body.  The four-seater tips the scales at 1450kg and uses 69 per cent alloy construction up front and steel at the back.Equipment and optionsApart from the carbon package, adaptive headlights are $780 and a premium Bose sound system costs $1377 while metallic paint adds $1377.  Standard kit includes Audi designed front bucket seats upholstered in Nappa leather.There is also a DVD-based sat-nav system with MMI operating logic including a glovebox-mounted CD changer, brushed aluminium inlays, a flat-bottomed leather multi-function sports steering wheel, a boost pressure indicator, an oil temperature gauge, a lap timer, automatic air conditioning, and xenon-plus headlamps with LED daytime lights.  The arrival of the RS brings the TT model count up to seven.DrivingAS fashion statements go, the TT RS is the automotive equivalent of Jennifer Hawkins with attitude.  Not only does it ooze style but it has a healthy degree of substance thrown in.  It is no poser either, with a potent five-cylinder engine and stick-like-clue handling.The look is crisp but perhaps more importantly, so too are the car's dynamics, which help lift the TT game to a new level.  It is the brawniest TT by far, with a 10mm lower ride height, fixed rear spoiler, some serious five-spoke alloys on low-profile rubber and a more aggressive body kit.The transversely mounted light-weight 2.5-litre five-cylinder is a treat. It's hard to believe that it can trace its roots to some VW group commercials.  Audi has fiddled with the engine internals though.It gets a vibration damper to smooth out the beat, the pistons are caste aluminium and the crankcase is made from high-tech graphite cast iron for strength and low weight.  At idle the 2.5 has a distinctive five-cylinder pulse and at full throttle gains a wonderfully sing-song note.For a little more spice you can press the "S" button on the console and the car's whole character changes.  The throttle map is changed and the more raucous exhaust lets everyone know this engine is a five-cylinder with attitude.  Not only does the RS sound good, but it also performs as you expect.It will hit 100km/h in 4.6 seconds but that's not the half of it.  The engine will punch through sharp corners, making full use of the quattro all-wheel drive. The six-speed gearshift is precise, if a little notchy.The RS's grip and steering is reassuringly confident while the standard magnetic ride control makes the ride amazingly supple for a sportscar.  However, on the sport setting it is very firm and probably best suited to track days. Audi describes it as "uncompromisingly stiff" and that's a fair assessment.While the engine's mid-range shove is impressive it will still let you doddle along in top gear at 60km/h without complaint.  The TT's cabin is beautifully executed and like all Audis, impresses with its level of quality and attention to detail, even down to the thick  rimmed flat bottom steering wheel.The hip-hugging seats are impressive but for easier access the standard sports seats - a no cost option - may be better for day-to-day use.  At a pinch you can also fit passengers in the rear seats - just.  The RS will certainly make Cayman buyers think twice.But if performance is a key criteria, the RS raises the question of why you'd bother with the TT 3.2-litre V6.Audi TT RSPrice $133,700Engine turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinderPower 250kW at 6500 revsTorque 450Nm from 1600 revsTransmission Six-speed manualEconomy 9.2 litres/100km (combined)RivalsPorsche Cayman S Still the benchmark luxury sportscar ($157,300)Nissan GT-R Built for the track rather than the road ($155,800)Nissan 350Z 3.7 Coupe Don't dismiss it just because of the price ($67,990)BMW Z4 sDrive 35i Folding roof adds to the enjoyment ($116,900) Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Two-seater but heaps of fun ($118,000)

What price is a single letter of the alphabet? Well, about $40,000, if the letter is an R you want to add to the Audi TTS.

Diesel just got sexy, with the arrival of the turbocharged Audi TT TDI 2.0 quattro.