2012 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... 

Blood banks give you a cup of tea, a biscuit and a lie down in exchange for a litre of your best red.Giving blood helps out your fellow man and the only downside is you feel a bit drained after the exercise. You won't be alone. The Audi TT 2.0 TDI is the automotive equivalent of the after-effects of donating blood. Pity is, the effects aren't temporary.Adding a turbo-diesel engine to the TT coupe effectively, completely and irreversibly changes it from a lithe, nimble and lustful coupe into a bloodless carriage. Honestly, a Corolla could be more fun.Not a lot. My calculator says the $68,950 petrol-fuelled version is streets better. For example, the petrol TT costs $4850 less than the $73,800 TDI tested here. The price difference in fuel per year is $107. That means it'll take 45 years for the modest fuel economy benefits of the diesel to pay for itself. But I admit that, the drivetrain aside, the TDI is as sweet as any TT, is a wonderful handler, is comfortable (for two) and perfectly made.It just looks like a work of art. That raked tail, slim headlights and in-ya-face vertical and impossibly overdone grille are disparate design cues that, remarkably, meld into an iconic shape. Most people love the TT. It signifies perfection, style and performance and indicates the owner has a few spare dollars in his pocket.The cabin is beautifully minimalistic. Some switches are so small and so randomly placed that it may take hours to find them. Ah, those Germans. How many other carmakers make a game out of operating the car? Bad news includes the useless rear seats and the lack of a spare wheel.The 125kW/350Nm engine drives all wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch auto, assisted where necessary by paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The body is a blend of aluminium and steel which gets the coupe's weight down to a trim 1280kg.Well, at least for the 2-litre petrol model because the diesel version is a porky 140kg heavier. It has a six-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission. That's one cog less than the petrol engine's seven-speed box but the diesel copes thanks to its prodigious torque.Surprisingly, this is rated as a four-star car. Partly that's because there's not much difference to the first-generation TT.There's also four airbags - I hate to be fussy but six is now considered the bare minimum - but no complaints about the sophistication of the brake and chassis components and electronic aids. No spare tyre but there's aerosol sealant and a compressor. Good luck with that.You've probably noticed I'm a little peeved. The concept of a diesel in a sports coupe probably makes sense in Europe where diesel is about the same price as petrol and the extra fuel economy reduces refuelling stops as one cruises the autobahns.Maybe some driver's prefer the punch of the diesel's torque. But no, it doesn't work in Australia and even the calculator agrees. The TT's handling is predictable and the all-wheel drive “quattro” system is so secure, especially in the wet. But pick a tight series of corners and you can feel the extra weight of the diesel version, especially in the nose. The diesel also makes the wrong exhaust noise - it's more a dull, low-speed vibration than the petrol's full symphonic range - and that sours the drive.It's a car you want to love. But your wallet - and your ears - win here and make the petrol model a far sweeter proposition. Or two 86s.Audi TT 2.0 TDIPrice: $73,800Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km, roadside assistResale: 51%Service interval: 12 monthsSafety rating: 4-starSpare: noneEngine: 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel 125kW/350NmTransmission: 6-spd dual-clutch auto, AWD Body: 4.2m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1420kg Thirst: 5.5 1/100km; 144g/km Co2

Fun has a distinct aural signature in Audi's hot TT RS. There's an exhaustive sigh, almost a quick gasp for air as an athlete would take in mid-step, as the TT RS's dual-clutch box senses a corner and picks up a lower cog. It arrives as a brief "blat'' and disappears as the other gear enters the drivetrain and the coupe squats for the apex. Other cars do this.Even, mysteriously, the Toyota Aurion Sportivo which has the sporty prowess of a gerbil. But in the TT RS it is part of the chemistry of a car that since 1998 has refocused a shy Audi and singularly responsible for putting the marque on the shopping list.VALUEThe TT RS costs $139,900 - a whopping $74,450 more than the entry-level TT 1.8 TSFI that shares the body. In fact, even the hot TTS is $98,900 - a $41,000 reduction - and you can have almost as much fun as the RS. Where's the value?Possibly the leather-trimmed cabin - including embossed leather sports seats that cosset the body - and the prominent fixed rear wing, the 19-inch alloys, the sat-nav and the bi-xenon headlights's washers. More likely the extra 50kW/100Nm over the TTS, the different gearbox and the Porsche-crunching acceleration. Definitely that rousing exhaust roar.DESIGNThe jelly-mould shape is less pregnant than the first generation (1998 to 2006) but just as distinctive. There is a third-gen coming in 2014 which keeps the same exterior dimensions but more tightly wraps the skin, so the current car serves duty in between. It's undoubtedly attractive in a purposeful way - though the fixed rear wing interrupts the TTS's roofline flow - and though it looks compact, seats two adults low and within an airy cabin.It sits on beautiful five-spoke alloys that showcase the 450mm dinner- plate front discs (425mm at the back) and enclosed by thin ribbons of rubber. Leather-scalloped rear seats are only for children but best served folded flat to expand the luggage area. Cabin work is excellent even though you may be searching for "hidden'' switches.TECHNOLOGYThe all-wheel drivetrain is unique to this part-aluminium space-frame car, with a 250kW/450Nm 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol with intercooler that pumps maximum torque from 1600rpm. The gearbox is a dry-clutch singl e-disc unit with seven gears, unlike the two wet clutches and six cogs in the TTS.The brakes are bigger, the wheels up to 19-inch, the steering and suspension get a "sports'' button that also sharpens the throttle response and pulls the box down by one ratio. The car weighs 50kg more than the 2-litre TTS but the engine is so strong it wipes almost a second off the 0-100km/h time at 4.3 seconds.SAFETYOnly two airbags but the coupe gets a five-star crash rating, showing airbag numbers aren't the only factor capable of saving lives. The TT RS copies the TTS safety gear, from the full suite of chassis and brake electronics to auto levelling for the headlights and suspension. There's also front and rear park sensors but no spare wheel.DRIVINGThe RAC Driving Centre track is as tight in places as a go-kart track yet opens to a 160km/h-plus straight. Its deceptive size and close-arc corners trick newcomers to WA's annual Targa West event where the track hosts the prologue. It befriends  smaller cars and smiles kindly on all-wheel drives, so the TT RS feels at home. Press the sport button, pull back the gearshifter to the "S'' position and go. The coupe picks up the scent, launches forward and seamlessly drops into a higher gear when the tacho hits 7000rpm.The electric-assist steering firms in the sport mode, ignoring any inherent vagueness with these systems. The engine pumps from just off idle and it's its seamless flow - without lag or slump - that makes it such an easy car to push hard.Handling is ever-so confident with the car able to be gently moved from oversteer to understeer by throttle control. The same strengths of confidence translate to the street. If it stumbles, it may be in driver visibility. While park sensors help parking, the low seat position, big C-pillars and small rear glass can hide some traffic.VERDICTSensational car that is as benign as a Polo yet able to turn into a feral Porsche Cayman eater.AUDI TT RSPrice: $139,900Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 55 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: Five starSpare: noneEngine: 2.5-litre 5-cyl turbo-petrol 250kW/450NmTransmission: 7-speed DSG dry-clutch auto; AWDBody: 4.2m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.3m (h) Weight: 1475kgThirst: 8.5 1/100km; 95 RON; 285g/km Co2 

When we first drove Audi's top dog TT, the five-cylinder TTRS manual, it was a tad underwhelming. Good, but not THAT good.Late last year, they slipped a dual clutch S-Tronic manumatic transmission under the bonnet and it has made a big difference moving the TTRS to near the top of our sports car rating, ahead of the favourite Porsche Cayman S.Apart from the fact that it would blow away the Cayman S in a straight line and around corners, the TTRS has a glorious sound (a five-cylinder trumpeting snarl) and exciting feel to it that really grabs your attention.TRANSFORMERThat S-Tronic seven-speed box has totally transformed the car thanks in part to its rapid-fire gear changes, the snap, crackle and pop exhaust antics on up-changes and the throttle blip on down changes.QUICKERIt's a quicker car by a longshot and allows you to keep both hands on the wheel when you are having a bit of a go.The S-Tronic offers a couple of manual modes as well as full auto matching the car's chassis selection options that offer sport and normal.Sport is fairly firm while normal is, well normal. But you want sport engaged when you are on the right road.ENGINEPower comes from a 2.5-litre, turbocharged, five-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection and variable camshafts on both inlet and exhaust sides.The award winning engine passes Euro 5 emissions regs on the way to sipping fuel at a rate of 8.5-litres/100 average- better on the highway. It needs 98 octane to give its best but you don't mind paying extra for what you get in the TTRS.The engine is good for 250kW/450Nm, the latter at a low 1600rpm.SPRINTIt will put away a 0-100kmh sprint in 4.3 seconds when you use the launch control system that comes with S-Tronic.SPACE FRAMEIt weighs 1475kg and has what Audi calls its ASF (space frame) chassis construction with many aluminium body panels.The car we drove was a Limited Edition that featured extra goodies for no extra money. These included the interior LED lighting package, gorgeous five arm 19-inch alloys, the dual mode sports exhaust (a must) and the black pack for some body hardware.Adaptive bixenon headlights are also included as well as Bose audio and extended leather.VERDICTThe TTRS has brilliant dynamics thanks in part to its quattro all wheel drive system that pushes and pulls the car through corners. It's an impressive drive, that's for sure.Audi TT RSPrice: $139,900Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinderPower: 250kW at 5400 revsTorque: 450Nm from 1600 revsTransmission: dual clutch S-Tronic manumatic transmission, quattro all-wheel driveBody: Two-door hatchSeats: FourDimensions:  Length 4198mm, Width 1842mm, Height 1342mm, Wheelbase 2468mm, tracks front/rear 1555mm/1546mmSteering: Power assisted rack and pinionSuspension: Front MacPherson struts; Four-link on subframe rearFuel tank: 60 litresFuel type: Premium unleadedFuel consumption: 9.2/100km combinedSpare tyre: Mobility kitBrakes: Anti-skid discWheels: 19-inch alloysTyres: 255/35 R19Safety Gear: Dual front, side, curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, LED daytime running lights, electronic differential lock, anti-skid brakes, brake assist, emergency brake distribution, Audi magnetic ride controlCO2 Emissions: 214g/km