Audi TT 2004 Review

The 3.2-litre engine is a lift from Volkswagen's hot R32 Golf, but has been massaged to produced some extra oomph, delivering 184kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

This is 7kW more power than the Golf, but maximum torque produced between 2800rpm and 3200rpm remains unchanged.

In comparison, the high performance, turbocharged four cylinder version of the car produces 165kW and 280Nm.

The bubble shaped TT still looks remarkably fresh considering the design dates back to 1988.

The V6 model can be readily identified by a larger rear wing and a black, honeycomb patterned rear bumper panel.

Inside, it is distinguished from other models by an aluminium gear surround and an instrument cluster that includes a 280km/h speedometer – mind you, it is speed limited to 250km/h.

As well as the V6, the car has also been fitted with Audi's new DSG, double-clutch automatic trans- mission.

Although a manual version of the car will not be offered, punters can take comfort in the fact that this six-speed tranny is in fact quicker than a manual.

Gear changes or more accurately "gear transitions" are super fast and super smooth, with many changes options from which to chose.

Because the system employs two clutches that operate simultaneously, one clutch is able to open at the same time as the other is closing, with an overlap between the two – so changes are almost seamless with no apparent loss of power.

The driver can chose to leave the car in D, or the aggressively geared Sport mode, or change gears manually via the gear lever or wheel mounted paddles (or combination of both).

The TT's compact DOHC cam engine is mounted transversely in the front of the car.

The engine features a variable intake manifold and modified intake ports and Audi has put in some extra hours modifying the cylinder head and air intake to produce the extra grunt.

Power is transmitted to all four wheels via Audi's Quattro all wheel drive system, modulated by a specially calibrated electronic stability control system, designed to keep the car on the road.

The 17 inch dual piston brakes are a lift from the sensational RS4 sports sedan, with ventilated floating caliper 334mm units front and 265mm units back.

Wheels are 7.5x18 inch alloys fitted with 225/40 series rubber.

The V6 TT can spring from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, compared with the turbo's 6.4 seconds.

Not a great deal of difference, you might say, but it's the extra torque that makes the car so much more driveable and far more responsive to the throttle than the turbocharged version.

The note from the twin exhaust system is sensational.

We were able to give the new V6 TT a workout over some of Sydney's rougher back roads.

While the car weighs in at a hefty 1520kg, it still has a tendency to move around on poorly formed roads, especially under brakes.

This can be attributed to the short wheel base and takes some getting used to, before driver confidence begins to grow.

The TT will ultimately understeer as we discovered but has high levels of grip.

The suspension is a combination of Mac struts at the front and double wishbones with trailing arms at the rear.

Stiffer roll bars have been fitted front and back and spring and damper settings have been revised to cope with the extra power.

The ride is firm and the suspension will bottom out on larger bumps.

The V6 has a 62-litre tank and drinks 98 RON premium unleaded at the modest rate of about 9.8L/100km.

Standard equipment includes satellite navigation and high powered self-levelling xenon headlights.

Safety features include two front airbags, as well as head and thorax airbags.

The V6 model carries a $3100 premium over the turbo, priced from $95,600 before on-road costs.