Audi TT S a tip-top coupe for daily fun

ROAD TEST/ The two-door sports car is user-friendly, luxurious and exciting to drive fast or slow, writes Phuti Mpyane

In a strange but striking Pulse Orange paint job, Audi ’ s TT tested here in “S” flavour is the brand’s twodoor sports coupe and junior to the R8. It’s been available either in practical 2+2 coupe or twoseater roadster guise since the first TT was launched in 1998, whereas its BMW rival is singularly soft-top and its Merc competitor a convertible hardtop.

The unforgettable shape of the first generation is still there to see and swoon over.

The future of the TT is unknown, with Audi hinting that it may be discontinued. Whether the badge will return as some form of electric vehicle in the next chapter remains a mystery, but in the meantime, the minimalist interior design remains, with the large round vents retained but upgraded to the latest spec, which means they are now integrated with climate control buttons.

The general TT interior rewards, as you continue finding clever details as you live with it, from the concise and clear digital menu that pops out in direct view from the standard-fitment Audi Virtual Cockpit, to the supportive and electric alcantara/leather seats, to the centre stack of buttons that is neat and chrome-tipped for a luxury texture. It ’ s smart, sporty and has a quality feel.

On the move, the TTS has an accomplished ride quality with the suspension set to its softest mode. All-round visibility is superb and the excellent driving position allows for an ultra-low seat squab position. It needs to be, as you are in charge of a supremely comfortable but extremely fast car.

The 2.0l engine outputs 228kW/380Nm channelled to all four wheels via a compact six-speed DSG transmission. It can accelerate to 100km/h from standstill in 4.9 sec and run to 250km/h. The turbo four-cylinder doesn’t pop and crow as much and it’s got a bit of lag early in the rev range, but it’s a lusty motor that injects the TT S with tractability that makes it an easy drive around town, with the nimbleness to duck in and out of spaces, flexibility, grip and a big

Top: Audi recently gave its third-generation TT Coupé a midlife update, including a cosmetic makeover and an extended list of standard equipment. Above: The optional S line exterior package adds a wider diffuser and vertical air inlets below the rear lights. The boot offers a segment-best 305l of space.

The various modes evoke different driving textures from the car.