#17 All-New Audi TT Coupe – Sporty, dynamic and classy

Audi first hinted on the TT’s production in 1995 with a concept car. Three years after the launching Audi TT Coupe Concept came TT’s organic and symmetrically styled front and rear profiles were contrasted with slab-sided sides to create a look unlike anything Audi had ever done before. Though the original Audi TT shared a lot with the VW Golf, it was hard to find any traces of the humble hatchback both inside and outside.

Audi TT coupe

The name TT comes from the Tourist Trophy race held on the Isle of Man. There have only been two generations of the Audi TT so far. However, this is set to change with the introduction of the all-new and most certainly improved third generation Audi TT.

Design inspired by the original TT

The third generation version is available in two variants;   the Audi TT and TTS. Both variants continue to exhibit the captivating and emotional design visible on previous generation models. The all-new coupe also features the use of innovative technologies both internally and externally.  

 

1995 Audi TT Concept

Exterior

The front view all-new Audi TT is dominated by horizontal lines. The Singleframe grille is much broader and flatter than that of the previous model, with a powerful line dividing it into two zones. At the top corners of the grille are sharp contours that form a V across the bonnet.  The bonnet bears the four Audi rings as on the R8 high-performance sports car.

Three generations of the Audi TT

The front air intakes feature bars, which direct part of the air flow to the side of the coupe. The flat headlights give the all-new Audi TT's face a determined look. Xenon headlamps units are standard and Audi can optionally provide LED headlights or ones in pioneering Matrix LED technology. The LED headlamps also feature an unmistakable outline created by a separating strip in the headlights. The separating strip acts as the daytime running lights. From the side, the all-new Audi TT is equally lean and muscular. 

 

First generation Audi TT

The coupe is almost exactly the same length as its predecessor. However, the wheelbase is slightly larger allowing for the TT to offer increased interior space.  At the rear are horizontal lines, which underline the impression of the all-new Audi TT's sporty width. The rear LED tail lights feature dynamic turn signals. The rear lights, just like the front ones, feature separating strips that also light up during the day.

Sharper front design

The third brake light is an extremely narrow strip positioned under the edge of the rear spoiler. The brake light plays an essential part in defining the rear’s silhouette. At a speed of 120 km/h a spoiler extends from the boot lid to improve both air resistance and downforce. All models have two large round exhaust tailpipes. These are again reminiscent of the original TT. Like all Audi S models, the TTS exhales through four oval tailpipes. 

 

LED Matrix headlamps

Performance

Audi offers the all-new TT and TTS with three different four-cylinder engines with turbocharging and direct injection. The entry level Audi TT features a 2.0 TDI with a 6-speed manual shift and front-wheel drive. The diesel power unit delivers 135 kW (184 hp) and torque of 380 Nm. The 2.0 TDI Audi TT accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.

2nd generation Audi TT

Fuel consumption is a mere 4.2 litres per 100 km while top speed is set at 235 km/h. The mid-spec version, which features a 2.0 TFSI, delivers 169 kW (230 hp) and 370 Nm of torque. With a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive, the 2.0 TFSI Audi TT accelerates to 100 from 0 in 6.0 seconds. Top speed is capped at 250 km/h. 

 

Striking rear design

On the version with the six-speed S tronic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive the performance figures shift slightly. 0 to 100km/h takes 5.3 seconds while top speed remains at 250 km/h. fuel consumption for both remains at an average of 6.8 litres per 100 km. The most powerful version, the Audi TTS, features a more potent version of the 2.0 TFSI power unit.  

2.0 TDI power unit

The 228 kW (310 hp) power unit churns out 380 Nm of torque. 0 to 100km/h takes 4.7 seconds while top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. This version comes with Audi’s S tronic and Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. 

 

Audi TTS Coupe

Interior

As with the exterior, horizontal lines and surfaces emphasize the width of the interior. The instrument cluster and the MMI screen have been combined to form a central, digital unit. In addition, the controls for the air conditioning system are positioned directly in the air vents. The air vents contain all the controls for the standard air conditioning system and the optional automatic air conditioning system (standard in the TTS).

Cockpit

The controls for seat heating, temperature, direction, air distribution and air flow strength are located at their centre. A horizontal control panel is located under the central air vents. The panel features 3D-designed toggle switches which activate the hazard warning lights and other driver assistance systems. The standard sports seats in the all-new Audi TT have integrated head restraints and are positioned lower than in the predecessor model.

Controls for the air con

The new multifunction steering wheel has a flattened border. The steering spokes are covered with an aluminium trim. A newly designed gear lever, MMI rotary pushbutton and the finely finished loudspeaker covers (with illumination for the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system) exhibit the interior’s luxurious theme. As a 2+2 seater, the all-new Audi TT is a sports car that is highly suitable for everyday use. The boot has a capacity of 305 litres. The space can be increased by folding the rear seat backrests forward.

 

Still a striking coupe

Verdict

It's easy to forget the visual impact of the Audi TT's introduction 15 years ago. The coupe’s handsome shape, flared wheelarches and the rear spoiler gave the TT presence even while at rest. The all-new Audi TT spices up the first generation design with a sharper exterior style, more power and a sophisticated new interior.