Audi TT Expert Review

TT has been an iconic design for Audi and there is no denying that it has a distinctive styling on the road. Now, in its second-generation, the Indian market gets the 2.0-litre version of this coupe and we take one of a quick spin .

There is also a sports version, which gets more power and ofcourse is more track ready than the coupe. We find out if the beauty of TT is only skin deep? Or does it have the blings to open all the doors?  

Design :

The second generation of the TT is more on steroids as compared to the predecessor that was round and curvy. The styling of the current TT still resembles the previous generation Audis with the simple LED cluster design on the headlamps and a black front grille design. The clamshell bonnet is crowned and has a crisp line flowing from the A-pillar that merges into front diffuser-like bumper design. The fog lamps are housed in a black colour moulds. 

Even the headlamps are pulled back as they end on the shut line of the bonnet, which then forms a swage line that flows all the way to the tail lamp. The silhouette of the TT, has flared wheel arches with a sloping roof. We like the styling of the fuel lid, with brushed aluminium and it is one of the highlights of the design. The rear forms a smiley, with the tail lamps acting as the eyes, and a cut for the number plate and reflector forming the rest of the face.

Interiors :

The interiors of the TT are chic and sporty, with a small steering wheel and red and black combination trim. The twin dial instrument binnacle gets chrome surrounds and easy to read, and also gets additional driver’s information at the centre.

The centre console is basic with three AC vents, Bose music system and climate control knobs. 

The front row is spacious, with bucket like seats that hug you tightly to avoid any sort of lateral movement. The back support and thigh support is also good.

The TT is a strictly 2+2 seater as the second row is tight on kneeroom and headroom due to the sloping roof.

The rear seats are better suited for support the luggage in the boot than for seating. Boot is also fairly large as it can easily gobble your weekend luggage.

Engine and transmission :

The Audi TT Coupe is available with a 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which also powers several other Audis like the A6 , Q5 etc. This is a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that churns out 211bhp of power and 350Nm of peak torque. This mill had impressed us on the A6 and Q5. So when this same engine gets mounted on the TT, it becomes a lethal combination.

The power delivery is linear and there is sufficient power at tap as its torque band is broad beginning from a low engine speed. Step on the gas pedal and everything in view will be left back. The engine noise is sweet, but the exhaust note isn’t one that enthusiasts generally prefer. The TT gets the dual clutch S-Tronic transmission that powers all the wheels. We like the alacrity with which these boxes respond. The self-shifting box is smooth and has linear shifts in the comfort mode, however, once you engage the dynamic mode, things change drastically. The response of the engine and the transmission is augmented and even the exhaust note is a bit louder. 

Driving Dynamics :

TT has a smooth and composed ride and doesn’t feel jittery. The ride and the suspension are well balanced. The good bit is that the ride doesn’t feel harsh even in the sport mode, which is a boon. Some coupes have stiffened suspension that can break your back. 

The TT feels nimble and the first reaction to a chunk of a steering is a dollop of understeer, almost precise to your steering and throttle input. In the comfort mode, the steering is light and even the suspension is softer, however move to the dynamic mode and TT transforms. The dynamic mode has a stiffer suspension, with a heavier steering. The tyres adhere to the road surface like glue and do not give up grip, obeying all the input commands from the steering wheel. The quattro also ensures grip at all the time, so power is transferred  

Verdict :

The Audi TT is stylish, urbane and a good sports coupe to procure, however it is wee bit a hard sell when it comes to bang for the buck.  Some of its competition has better styling, with lesser price tag. However, the Audi wins on the impeccable built quality and well-presented interiors, quattro technology and the overall experience of the vehicle.