Introduction
The Audi TT has become one of the most iconic coupes since it went on sale in the UK back in 1999. The TT is now in its second generation and this version, the 2.0-litre TFSI in S Line trim, is certainly one of the best coupes on the market.
Rivals include the VW Scirocco, the Nissan 370Z, Peugeot's RCZ and even the Porsche Cayman would fall into this coupe sector, however, the Cayman would cost you substantially more than any of the aforementioned.
The design continues to turn heads. Can the TT stay at the top of its class? Read on to find out.
Performance
Prod the accelerator and the 208bhp will thrust you back into the seat and it will complete the benchmark sprint in 6.1 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 151mph. This, apart from the TT RS, is easily one of the best engines on the range for outright performance and is mated to the six-speed semi-automatic S tronic gearbox.
One of the best things about the TT is that when you want you can pootle to the shops and it still feels comfortable. The perfect companion.
Ride & Handling
Mixing day-to-day practicality with decent fuel economy does not detract from the handling capabilities. The TT will leave you smiling - there is oodles of fun to be had from this engine and it turns-in well too. The front-end grip is phenonomal while the steering is direct and the rack is quick. The dynamics of this car are brilliant and it is not a million miles off a Porsche Cayman. The Cayman still leads the way, however, the TT is an enticing alternative.
Practicality
Offering the best of both worlds can be a massive dilemma for car manufacturers. Get it wong and you can ruin a whole range, however, get it right and you will come up with the Audi TT. The TT is rewarding when driven enthusiastically but it is also remarkably refined and sedate when taking the scenery in a more leisurely fashion.
There's plenty of interior spacein terms of head-, shoulder- and legroom up front, but the rear is a different story - better used as a place to stow a couple of jackets than carry people around in. With the seats in place, the TT has a load space of 250 litres. The rear seats fold flat to boost practicality, expanding the luggage space to 700 litres.
Running Costs
Our test car was in S Line trim. Standard kit includes 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminium interior trim details, MP3 compatible CD/radio, trip computer, electric windows, electronic climate control, sports seats, part-leather upholstery, retractable rear spoiler and split folding rear seats.
Owning an Audi TT will not see you break the bank. Resale values stay high thanks to that prestige badge on the front grille while the running costs, particularly on this model, are very competitive. With the 208bhp 2.0-litre TFSI engine, the TT should return 39.2mpg and emit 168g/km of CO2 emissions, putting it in a VED band of H.
Verdict
This is one of the best engines on the TT line-up, mixing raw pace with good levels of economy.The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI S line with the S tronic gearbox starts at a price of £30,080 - that's a hefty figure, but you are getting a lot of car for the money in terms of performance and looks.
Images courtesy of Richard Bush.
