Audi was always going to have a challenge on its hands designing a successor to the original TT Coupe. The lines were cutting edge, bold, and unique, but at the same time were keeping in the style of the rest of Audi’s fleet. The car’s unveiling as a concept back at the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show and then as an almost identical production version in 1998 was a turning-point in automobile design. It showed other manufacturers what could be achieved with a little creative freedom and artistic flair and in the process helped push Audi into the spotlight as a genuine alternative to BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Unfortunately, the unique styling was never going to completely hide the car’s humble beginnings as a sister to the Volkswagen Golf. The TT certainly looked the part but its ride and handling definitely left much to be desired. This was due mostly in part to its poor stability during high-speed cornering and a tendency for it to understeer (a worldwide recall was implemented in 1999/2000 to address some of the issues).
In steps version 2.0, a suave-looking coupe oozing Bauhausian style and an unmistakable evolution of the original. The designers have managed to release a sequel that looks every bit as bold and unique as the original, while at the same time created a more mature look that gives the car a much tougher and more masculine appearance. Its wide flanks nearly covered the width of my driveway, and the oversized brutish grille will see most other drivers quickly scurry into the slow lane when the TT comes barreling down the highway. Flared wheel arches, an electronically controlled rear wing, and an aluminum fuel cap embossed with the TT logo, all allude to the performance potential of the new coupe.
After fully expecting to pickup the keys to the more powerful and better equipped V6 quattro model, I was a tad disappointed to discover that I was left with the lesser 2.0L version sporting the same TFSI motor as the VW Golf GTI. Less power, smaller 17in wheels, front-wheel-drive? Things weren’t looking good, but after a week behind the wheel I start to wonder - ‘If the base model is this damn good either the V6 quattro is breathtaking or it’s not worth the extra coin.’ Having previously tested the AWD Golf R32 with the same 3.2L V6, I’m tending towards the latter.
Yes, that’s right. The 2.0L turbo is just as good as the V6, if not better. But how could this be, I hear you all shout in unison. First up, my test car came with some optional goodies such as the S-tronic dual clutch gearbox and magnetic ride active damper control. However, the beauty of the new TT is its aluminum construction. The lightweight metal accounts for 69% of the vehicle’s structure, the rest being made of steel positioned in the rear of the car to ensure better weight distribution. The 3.2L Quattro model, on the other hand, has to lug around an additional 150kg over the 2.0L TFSI version, which tips the scales at just 1,260kg. Still, engineers couldn’t overcome the front-end biased 59:41 weight distribution for the FWD, and you need to compensate for this when throwing it into a fast corner.
The TT always feels very light on its feet. Its low slung stature and wheel at-each-corner design gives it a chuckable feel, just point it and shoot. Unfortunately, the electrically assisted steering masks the level of feedback transmitted back through the steering wheel, which in effect gives the feeling that you’re behind the wheel of an arcade machine. The relatively liberal traction control system has trouble dealing with the copious levels of torque steer, especially when the road surface becomes rough. Keeping you glued to the tarmac is a set of 245mm rubber but with the FWD, the rear wheels are only there to prop up the car. Maintaining pace though corners is easy, but powering out of the turn sends the coupe into understeer and requires a firm grip at the wheel to keep it in line. The magnetic ride sports suspension is quickly earning its rep as one of the best damper control systems on the market and for good reason. The coupe remains flat, with barely a hint of body roll through curves and there’s never the fear of the tires slipping or the whole thing just sliding onto the side of the bitumen.
Response from the 2.0L TFSI engine is near instant. Power comes on from very low in the rev range, and the motor has a willingness to spin all the way to redline. The sound emanating from the tailpipes is a raspy growl that belies the small four-cylinder design and at high revs you can even hear a little turbo whine in the background. Audi’s official output figures read 200hp (147kW) at 5,100rpm and 280Nm of torque from as low as 1,800rpm, numbers that explain the strong off the line punch the 2.0L delivers. Drive is sent to the front wheels via the brilliant six-speed dual-clutch gearbox that you may remember was offered on the previous TT. Gear changes are quick and seamless and with sport mode activated, you’ll hear the tires squeal at almost every hard launch.
The interior of the TT reminds me why Audi is at the top of the game when it comes to creating a luxury confine. Nothing over the top but nothing too Spartan either, just the right mix of brushed aluminum, supple leather and high-quality plastics. Interior space is a major improvement over the previous model, which was widely criticized for being too cramped. With supportive leather buckets, a grippy F1-style steering wheel and dash controls aimed directly at the driver, the new TT is definitely not a hairdresser’s ride. Headroom and all ‘round vision is surprisingly good for a sports coupe. Storage space is good too. Lift the rear hatch and fold down the seats and you’ve got enough space to store two golf bags. The only downer is the cramped backseat, which can only realistically accommodate small children.
‘TT’ is no longer a dirty word when it comes to talking sport cars. The second generation coupe manages to keep the unique styling of the original but this time ‘round, has the performance credentials to back up its go fast looks. Throw in the fact that it has an amazing interior, Audi’s exceptional build quality and a reasonable price tag, and it’s easy to see why the TT rates as one of the best cars in its segment.
