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Ten Second Review

You may think you know the Audi TT - but perhaps you don't. The Ingolstadt brand has refettled its little sportscar in recent times, with key upgrades - especially beneath the bonnet. Plus there's a fresh badging structure that sees the entry-level version re-branded the '40 TFSI' while swaping out its old 1.8-litre petrol engine for a 2.0 TFSI unit with 197PS. As usual, there's a choice of Coupe or Roadster bodystyles.

Background

Old motoring prejudices can take a long time to overcome. Take the Audi TT as an example. When it was first launched back in 1998, it was criticised for being a touch dull to drive. Actually, the package on offer was pretty well pitched for the needs of most likely buyers - and Ingolstadt gradually fettled it further over the years. The second generation model was under-rated too, as has been this MK3 version. In response, this German brand has updated the range and added in extra equipment and a new 2.0-litre engine at the foot of the line-up to replace the previous 1.8-litre TFSI powerplant. There's a new badging structure too, which kicks off with the '40 TFSI' variant we're going to look at here. It uses the 2.0-litre petrol engine that the range hinges around. Does it offer anything for keen drivers?

Driving Experience

Where there used to be a single 2.0 TFSI engine available to TT buyers, now there are two - an entry-level unit developing 197PS (badged '40 TFSI') and a version of the previous 2.0-litre engine which gets a boost to 245PS (and '45 TFSI' badging). There's now no longer a diesel option. You might be surprised by how fast this base 40 TFSI version goes: the 62mph sprint occupies 6.6s en route to 153mph. And thanks to a stiff MQB chassis from the Golf GTI, it handles the twisty stuff eagerly too. In conjunction with the 197PS 2.0 TFSI engine, as with all TTs, customers are now restricted to seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch auto transmission. The 245PS unit is available with either the manual gearbox and front-wheel-drive - or with S tronic auto transmission and the multi-plate clutch-based quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. There's the usual 'drive select' driving modes set-up. In "auto" mode, optimum traction and balanced driving dynamics are given priority. In "dynamic" mode, torque is distributed to the rear axle earlier and to a higher degree. Audi's magnetic ride adaptive damper control system is optional for this version.

Design and Build

One thing's for sure. Even if you'd never seen this car before, you'd know it was an Audi TT. Some commentators have been a little disappointed in how safe Audi has played the exterior styling but this is still a very good looking little coupe with some lovely design touches. The fuel flap on the right side panel for example, is the classic race-style circle surrounded by socket screws, with no filler cap beneath the flap. This means that there is nothing to be unscrewed and the pump nozzle slots straight into the tank neck. As for styling changes to this enhanced model, well the main one is a revised design for the three-dimensional Singleframe radiator grille and larger side air inlets. Inside, the fascia is dominated by the Audi Virtual Cockpit, now featuring an additional sport display providing information on engine output, torque and g forces. Located directly behind the steering wheel, a 1440 x 540 pixel, 12.3-inch digital screen shows all information directly in front of the driver. Operated via the MMI Touch button, voice control and the multi-function steering wheel, the display can be switched between 'classic', with prominent speedometer and rev counter, or 'infotainment', which brings functions such as the navigation map or media to the fore. The round air vents - a classic TT feature - are reminiscent of jet engines with their turbine-like design. The vents also contain all the controls for the air conditioning system, including seat heating where applicable, plus temperature, direction, air distribution and air flow strength. As an option, they can also house small digital displays which show the chosen setting. A 2+2, the TT Coupe gets a load area with a capacity of 305-litres, which can be extended by folding the rear seat backrests forwards.

Market and Model

Prices kick off at just over £34,000 for the base 40 TFSI 197PS model in Coupe form. You'd probably be paying closer to £41,000 if you chose a 45 TFSI Coupe, then added in a few well chosen extras. As usual, in either case, there's a premium of around £1,800 for the Roadster bodystyle. There are six 40 TFSI model trim levels - 'Sport', 'Sport Edition', 'S line', 'Black Edition', 'Final Edition' and 'Vorsprung'. The 'Final Edition' versions are marked out by the black styling pack with black Audi rings and badging, black door mirrors, black tailpipes and a fixed rear spoiler also finished in black. Privacy glass and red brake calipers housed behind 20-inch 5-spoke Y-style, plus matt grey diamond cut alloy wheels complete the exterior upgrade. Buyers have the choice between Tango Red, Glacier White and Chronos Grey metallic paint as standard. Inside the 'Final Edition' models, the armrests in the doors, door pull handles and trim on the centre console are all finished in leather as part of the extended leather pack. An Alcantara steering wheel with red stitching and 12 o'clock marker is unique to the 'Final Edition', along with the Tango red inserts on the seats, air vents and centre console (coupe only). Further enhancements include Alcantara-trimmed seats with decorative red stitching and red piping on the floor mats.

Cost of Ownership

The TT has always been one of those cars where once you'd stumped up the asking price, ongoing costs were agreeably modest. This latest model continues that trend. With the base 197PS 2.0 TFSI powerplant of the 40 TFSI model, you're looking at 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and 156g/km of CO2. Even if you opt for the punchier 245PS 2.0 TFSI petrol engine of the 45 TFSI variant, you'll get very similar returns - and you could actually improve on them by nearly 10% of you select the optional 7-speed S tronic auto gearbox. When the Audi drive select system is set to its 'efficiency' mode, the S tronic transmission decouples and 'freewheels' each time the driver takes his or her foot off the throttle pedal. All up, the TT 2.0 40 TFSI weighs just 1,230kg thanks to the extensive use of aluminium chassis members, body panels and suspension componentry. Buyers get a three year 60,000 mile warranty and residual values look extremely strong indeed. Still want that Cayman?

Summary

The Audi TT remains a strong contender with a base-spec 2.0 TFSI engine under the bonnet. Even in this 40 TFSI entry-level form, this model is respectably quick, getting you through 62mph in just over 6 seconds, hitting almost 155mph and yet it'll still return around 40mpg if you drive with a little more decorum. Look under the bonnet and you'll find much the same 2.0 TFSI petrol unit you'll find in the Golf GTI, tuned in this instance to 197PS. The TT rides on much the same MQB chassis as the god-like GTI too. Which explains why in terms of handling, this is actually a seriously capable driver's car. And a seriously likeable one too.