Ever since the first TT went on sale in 1999, Audi’s coupé has been hugely popular with buyers.
The third-generation model uses a familiar formula of stylish looks combined with a range of powerful yet frugal petrol and diesel engines. There’s also the option of Quattro four-wheel drive, while as standard you get one of the best interiors of any car, regardless of price.
Here’s a list of pros and cons.
Space in the Audi TT Coupé
Two adults will fit comfortably in the front of the TT, with the slightly domed roof providing a good amount of headroom, plus there are several useful cubby holes.
You get rear seats, too, but they are only really suitable for children, and even then only if those in the front have their seats quite far forwards.
The boot is a generous size for a sports car, plus you can fold the rear seat backs flat to extend the load space.
Comfort of the Audi TT Coupé
The TT has a surprisingly compliant ride for a sports car, particularly if you stick with the 17-inch wheels and avoid the S-line sports suspension.
The driving position is also excellent, with enough adjustment to get you low down in the car, legs stretched out in front of you.
Whether you choose a petrol or diesel model, engine noise is well contained, particularly once they are up to temperature. Wind noise is also minimal, even at a 70mph cruise, but on poorly surfaced roads tyre noise can become irritating.
Dashboard Styling of the Audi TT Coupé
Audi went back to the drawing board for the TT’s dashboard design and came up with ways to make it as intuitive as possible. This has resulted in a couple of delightful touches, such as the heater controls being moved on to the vents themselves (although this feature isn’t standard).
Audi has also done away with a central display screen, instead of replacing the traditional speedometer and rev counter with a 12.3-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital display for audio and satnav functions. You control these via either button on the steering wheel or a rotary knob located behind the gear-lever. It’s a novel alternative to the norm that looks stylish and works brilliantly, although your passenger might not agree.
Materials, fit and finish are all superb, showing up cars that cost twice the price.
Driving Ease of the Audi TT Coupé
Considering its sporty styling and cosy interior, visibility out of the TT is excellent, making it easy to change lanes or park.
In addition, the controls are light and responsive, so the TT is effortless to drive, whether you opt for the manual gearbox or six-speed automatic. And there’s plenty of overtaking punch, no matter which engine you choose.
The Audi TT comes with a system called Drive Select, which via a button on the dash lets you add extra weight to the steering and make the throttle pedal more responsive for a sportier driving experience. In all modes, though, the car turns into corners keenly and grips extremely well.
Acceleration is also brisk; even the entry-level 2.0 TDI Ultra diesel will accelerate from 0-60mph in 7 seconds, revs keenly and sounds quite sporty.
The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol model with 227bhp is properly fast, covering the 0-60mph sprint in just 6.0 seconds.
However, front-wheel-drive TTs can struggle to put down all of their power without triggering the traction control, particularly on damp roads – if you want to optimise driving dynamics it is worth upgrading to a Quattro all-wheel-drive model.
Reliability of the Audi TT Coupé
Audi’s warranty lasts for three years or 60,000 miles, whereas Mercedes and BMW offer three years, unlimited-mileage cover as standard.
Opt for the TT diesel and you’ll have a relatively high-performance coupé that can also return official average fuel economy of 67.3mpg in tests. Petrol models manage up to 40mpg on the official test cycle, so even if you factor in a small drop for real-world driving, the TT is seriously efficient for this type of car.
Needless to say, if you regularly make use of the performance, the economy will suffer accordingly, but the beauty of the TT is that it can also be driven in a more economical fashion and still feel like a pretty special way to travel.
Safety in the Audi TT Coupé
The Audi TT comes with front and side airbags come as standard, although no knee airbags.
Similarly, while the TT can be specified with many of the latest driver assist safety systems, such as a blind spot monitor that helps you change lanes safely on the motorway, it is not possible to have automatic emergency braking to prevent you from unintentionally colliding with the car in front.
The optional Matrix LED headlights are a useful safety feature for night driving, using sensors and an inbuilt camera to monitor traffic and adapt the lighting pattern accordingly so that as much of it as possible can remain on the full beam without dazzling other road users.