2016 welcomes the third generation of Audi’s trendy looking, fun-loving coupe, the TT.
When the TT was first introduced in 1998, it made headlines thanks to its cool design, unconventional interior, and outstanding performance.
The only challenge is that while the TT turned heads, it wasn’t quite up to par in terms of performance when compared against the likes of the Porsche Boxster.
Today, the all-new Audi TT promises to change that impression. The BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK and Porsche 718 should be on high alert because the new TT doesn’t just make great promises, it delivers.
Design
While the 2016 Audi TT is all-new, it doesn’t look significantly different than the two previous generations. It does have a more masculine overall feel, however, and thoroughly modern design inside and out.
The Audi TT is still a two-door, four-seat luxury sports car that is available as a coupe or convertible. It now rides on Volkswagen’s MQB architecture and its body is made from aluminum. These two aspects mean that this generation is more than 100 pounds lighter than the previous model.
Coupe models feature a sloping roof that extends all the way to the rear hatch. Roadsters have a fabric roof that is able to open and close in 10 seconds while travelling up to speeds of 50 kilometres per hour.
The front is dominated by a large trapezoidal grille. The available full LED headlights are sharp and have an assertive, animalistic look.
Paying homage to the original TT, this generation features prominently rounded wheel arches and centrally mounted exhaust outlets.
Inside, the cabin is stylish, and clever use of modern technology allowed Audi designers to give the TT a minimal, simple layout without sacrificing usability.
Performance
Powering both Coupe and Roadster models is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder. The TT shares this engine with others in the VW family – not that there’s anything wrong with that, since this motor is one of the most respected in the industry.
While on paper its 220 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque doesn’t stand out, it works extremely well in the real world. It’s capable enough to propel the Audi TT from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, which is a world-class coupe performance.
If that’s not fast enough for you, the higher performance Audi TTS boosts horsepower to 292 and torque to 280 foot-pounds while still using the same basic engine design. Available only as a coupe, the 0-100 km/h time with this setup is an astonishingly fast 4.9 seconds.
All TT’s come with Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel drive system, which was freshly updated. This allows the TT to corner faster and smoother than in the past. Body roll is also reduced, and while steering feel is light, it is precise and direct.
Managing the power in all TT models is Audi’s six-speed S tronic transmission. Like its AWD system, its transmission is well known as one of the best in the industry. The system shifts quickly and effortlessly, without taking away any feel or character.
Audi drive select is also standard. Changing the drive modes alters the TT’s character considerably. Comfort mode makes driving on the highway easy, while selecting Dynamic makes the car more responsive and the suspension firmer.
Overall, Audi achieved its goal of making the TT a true sports car. While it certainly lives in the shadow of the R8 supercar, the TT is easier to live with as a day-to-day car, and it can still be fun on a twisty road.
Environment
At first glance, while the cabin is certainly luxurious, the minimalistic design brings confusion – where are the controls? But it doesn’t take very long to realize the Audi TT’s interior is ahead of its time.
Where most modern cars have a touchscreen in the centre stack, in the Audi TT that area is notably sparse. Instead, all pertinent information is displayed on the 12-inch screen in the instrument panel right in front of the driver. It is highly customizable, and features like navigation and the backup camera can be viewed as full screen or split with other details.
The centre of the dash houses three round, elegant air vents. While they have a classic look, they are revolutionary because they also control the climate controls, including the heated seat controls, as one unit.
On the topic of vents, Roadster models have heaters in the seat backs to keep your neck warm on those cold days when you still want to drive with the top down.
The front seats in the TT are immensely comfortable. Ergonomics are excellent and even tall drivers will find plenty of room.
While nobody would consider the Audi TT a family car, the coupe can accommodate small children in the back in a pinch. Keep in mind, they will grow out of them quickly and adults will only want to use them in an emergency.
For longer trips, the TT offers reasonable practicality with 340 litres of cargo space in Coupe trim. Roadsters are obviously not so practical, with very limited trunk capacity, especially with the top down.
All-in-all, the Audi TT’s cabin is distinctive and classy. The interior is one of the best in the market, not just in this segment.
Features
The starting price for the Audi TT Coupe is $51,600, while the TT Roadster begins at $55,600. Pricing for the sporty TTS Coupe starts at $61,900.
Standard equipment includes keyless entry with push-button start, heated front seats, automatic climate control, auto-dimming interior mirror, heated exterior mirrors, light and rain-sensing headlights, rear parking sensors, and Bluetooth.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include navigation, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, active lane assist, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Fuel efficiency numbers (litres/100 kilometres) for both the Coupe and Roadster TT are 10.1 city, 7.8 highway for 9.1 combined. The TTS returns 10.3 city, 8.6 highway and 9.5 combined.
Thumbs up
The TT has a futuristic environment and Audi’s quattro provides driving thrills. Both combine to make the TT unique in this segment.
Thumbs down
Purists may not consider the TT simply because it is not available as rear-wheel drive or with a manual transmission. If you want a “pure” sports car, you may want to look at the Porsches.
The bottom line
If you want a fun coupe or roadster that boasts class, style and modern technology, the 2016 Audi TT has all that and more.
Competitors
BMW Z4: The BMW Z4 splits the difference between luxury cruisers and pure sports cars. Its dynamic personality and luxury appointments are highlighted by the retractable hardtop. The Z4 is somewhat outdated unfortunately.
Available in three trim levels, starting prices range from $56, 200 to $77,900.
Mercedes-Benz SLK: Like the BMW Z4, the SLK has a retractable hardtop allowing it to be two cars in one. However, true to the Mercedes-Benz name, it focuses more on comfort than driving dynamics.
Starting prices range from $58,100 to $82,200 across the SLK’s three trim levels.
Porsche 718: Going forward, Porsche has grouped the Boxster and Cayman under its historic 718 badge. If you want a roadster, go for the 718 Boxster, but if a coupe is more your style, check out the 718 Cayman. Both are benchmarks in this segment.
The 718 Cayman starts at $59,900, whereas the 718 Boxster begins at $63,900.
editor@automotivepress.com
