Audi's sleek coupé shook the motoring world when it went on sale in 1998. The 2+2 was a strikingly good-looking machine that stood out from the crowd. Based on a VW Golf platform, TT was compact and daring.
TT infamously had a couple of headline-grabbing high-speed crashes that were blamed on aerodynamic problems when changing direction at speed. This was sorted by revising the suspension and the addition of a rear spoiler - to aid downforce. Inside the mark 1 you paid the price for the compact exterior shape with a restricted view from the driver's seat - imagine looking out of a post box.
The larger, second-generation TT came along in 2006. This Walter de Silva-designed machine featured much-improved suspension with the introduction of 'magnetic ride'. The new, third-generation, Dany Garand-designed car is now here and we put it through its paces in all-wheel drive Quattro form.
Built on the same VW group platform used by the Audi A3 (Golf, Octavia and Leon), the car remains compact on the road. Audi is a master at elegant exteriors and the latest TT has beautiful design touches and lines that will keep owners happy for many years to come. TT remains a 2+2, although there is a five-door 'Sportback' on the way, which will certainly improve access.
Inside, little touches like the clever air vents that incorporate switches and rotary controls (for heated seats etc.) are simply brilliant. The big party trick is Audi's 'Virtual Cockpit', where the driver gets a futuristic, quad-core powered 12.3-inch TFT display. This innovation not only displays a digital speedometer and rev-counter, but at a touch of a button you can reduce those dials and increase the sat nav map to fill out the display. Very cool. Via 'Audi Connect' (4G) the car can display Google maps and Streetview in real time too! Another cool option that we will see more of is matrix LED headlights. They almost turn night into day!
Our 2.0-litre TFSI (petrol) quattro came with an 'S-Tronic' (DSG auto) gearbox and weighed in at €65,976 (including €9,876 of options and packs). Despite having 230hp and 370nm of torque, the machine could be driven with restraint quite easily. When provoked, the TT can perform with intense confidence thanks to its rear-wheel drive-biased 'quattro' traction and road holding. Going 0-100kph takes 5.3 seconds, helped by TT's low weight of just 1,335kg.
Our tax band 'B' car (€390 road tax) claims an average fuel consumption of 6.4l/100km - we averaged closer to eight litres with a light right foot. More fuel-efficient TTs are available like the expected volume-seller, TT TDI 'ultra' (front-wheel drive/manual gearbox). Perhaps the perfect TT is the 310hp TTS at €63,350, with enough power to make you definitely take the long way home.
TT prices start at €47,550 (on the road) and two petrol models and one diesel are available. In no time tempting optional extras can add up, e.g., 'S-Line' trim adds €3,500. Audi has a launch offer of 'quattro and S-Tronic' for four grand - that's not bad!
Audi is very proud of its position in the Irish market and its 4.5% share should grow in 2015, thanks to an excellent range of machines.
TT is a beautifully executed machine.
Michael Sheridan
