Audi TT buyer’s guide
Second-generation coupé and Roadster are now great value
AUDI isn’t renowned for taking risks, so when it revealed the TT concept at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, many people doubted the conservative car maker would offer it for sale. However, not only did Audi introduce the TT coupé in 1998, but the car barely differed from the concept.
That first edition was replaced by an all-new model in 2006, and just like the original, there were coupé or Roadster bodystyles. Both proved to be easy to own thanks to their build quality and strong engines, and while rival sports cars are better to drive, the TT is one of the most usable of the breed. And since the arrival in 2015 of the latest version, the Mk2 looks more tempting than ever used.
History
THE TT Mk2 coupé reached UK showrooms in April 2006, with 2.0 TFSI or 3.2 V6 petrol engines. Eight months later a Roadster appeared, with the same engine options. In January 2008 a TTS coupé and Roadster arrived, both powered by a 268bhp 2.0 TFSI engine; within a month there was also a 168bhp 2.0 TDI with both bodystyles.
From April 2009 there was a new entrylevel front-wheel-drive 1.8 TFSI Roadster. An equivalent coupé arrived in October 2011, and in the meantime (in 2010) the TT range was revised, with a fresh interior design and more options, plus reduced CO2 emissions.
In early 2012 the 335bhp 2.5-litre TT RS went on sale; Audi trumped this with the 355bhp TT RS Plus in April that year.
Which one?
ALL TT engines provide plenty of poke while the transmissions are also great to use; the manual gearboxes tend to be more reliable than the S tronic twin-clutch automatics.
The 1.8 TFSI is always front-wheel drive. The 2.0 TFSI got optional quattro 4WD, while this was standard on the 2.0 TDI, TTS and TT RS. Equipment is never especially sparse, but there’s always been a long options list; check what any potential buy is fitted with. All TTS come with ESP, alloy wheels, Isofix child seat mounting points, climate control and electric mirrors and windows.
The Sport adds 17-inch alloys, partleather trim and improved hi-fi, while S line cars feature lowered suspension, a multifunction steering wheel, xenon lights, 18-inch wheels and sportier detailing.
Alternatives
THE Peugeot brand might not have the same premium allure as Audi, but don’t dismiss the RCZ too lightly. It looks even sharper than the TT, plus it’s good to drive, well equipped and excellent value. Although there are no four-wheel-drive or roadster versions of the RCZ, some excellent diesel and petrol engines are available.
The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are sublime to drive but more costly, while the BMW Z4 is a great alternative with its coupé-cabrio configuration, superb driving dynamics and engines, and excellent build quality. For practicality, try the Volkswagen Scirocco – the engine choices are great and you don’t have to dig deep to buy one.
Verdict
AS you’d expect of any car that was launched in 2006, the TT Mk2 has aged, and while it’s not the sharpest car to drive it still looks modern and offers a healthy dose of practicality in coupé form, thanks to its hatchback configuration.
The TT is arguably the most usable sports car on a year-round basis due to the fact most editions get standard quattro four-wheel drive. However, it isn’t as comfortable as it should be, with firm suspension and (often) big wheels. You can’t assume cast-iron reliability, either.
“The TT is arguably the most usable sports car on a year-round basis due to quattro four-wheel drive”
OUR VIEW
THE TT Mk2 didn’t feature in this year’s Driver Power survey; last year it was in 183rd place, in 2014 it was 104th, and the last time it was in the top 100 was in 2013, when it managed 96th place. Owners ranked handling, braking and performance highly back then, but were critical of running costs and ride quality.
YOUR VIEW
CHRISTOPHER Serafina from Gloucester owns a 2010 TT 2.0 TFSI coupé. He told us: “It still looks distinctive, and is fast, sure-footed even in the snow and fairly economical, too. I love the carrying capacity, while the cabin design and quality can’t be beaten. But the car hasn’t been quite as reliable as I’d expected.”