Facelifted 242bhp coupé struts its stuff
Styling tweaks and more power for TT’S 20th birthday
Audi sells more TTS in Britain than anywhere else, so it makes sense that styling tweaks for this year lean towards subtle.
A honeycomb-effect makeover for the front grille, some new wheels and two new colour options largely keep the base TT looking fresh, while S-line models now go more aggressive with a full-length front splitter and rear diffuser.
Underneath, there are more sweeping changes, with the 1.8-litre base engine of the outgoing version replaced by a more potent 2.0-litre four-cylinder. The mid-range 45 TFSI tested here sees 242bhp and gains a petrol particulate filter. Suspension remains by Macpherson struts at the front, four-link at the rear.
Only front-wheel-drive models can be outfitted with a manual gearbox; our car had quattro all-wheel drive and the new seven-speed, dual-clutch S tronic automatic ’box, which is both faster and lighter than the six-speed set-up found in the old car. It’s now much more willing to shift up and down with a flick of a paddle.
On the road, the TT is as assured as it ever was, with an abundance of grip that allows for confident cornering at sufficiently high speeds. It’s agile and happy to change direction, with a ride that errs towards firm, yet is capable of comfortable cruising.
It may be outpaced by the top hot hatchbacks, but still manages 0-62mph in a healthy 5.2sec. That it does so in a manner largely free from drama is what will irk purists. The progressive steering, while precise, is overly light and feels slightly muted at pace.
The turbocharged four-pot sounds agreeable enough, shows little lag and is responsive right through the rev range, but achieving high speeds simply isn’t as entertaining as it can be in other sports cars.
Inside, the TT is as classy as ever, with a driver-focused dashboard crowned by Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display. The all-digital instruments are just as customisable as before, and the interface is still one of the best you’ll find in the class.
By retaining the TT’S core character, Audi has likely ensured this new version proves just as popular. Drivers searching for more engagement will be better served by the BMW Z4, but it’s through accessible, usable performance that the TT continues to make a convincing case for itself.