- Highs Reactive handling, minimalist-chic interior, and good fuel economy for a sports car.
- Lows Faster than competitors but with a smaller back seat and fewer driver-assistance systems.
- Verdict The TT is attractive, entertaining to drive, and it has an interesting interior, but it falls short of the exhilarating performance of comparable sports cars in terms of performance.
In This Article...
Upon what vehicle is the Audi TT based?
Original design of the Audi TT convertible without a rear spoiler. Audi recalled all TTs from the 19992000 model year and modified them with a rear spoiler, as shown in the photo below, in response to worries about the vehicle’s stability at high speeds.
In September 1998, the production model (internally known as Type 8N) made its debut as a coup. In August 1999, a roadster followed. It is built on the same Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) architecture as the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, the first-generation Audi A3, the koda Octavia, and other vehicles. With the exception of slightly reprofiled bumpers and the installation of rear quarterlight windows behind the doors, the appearance was not significantly different from the idea. In October 1998, factory manufacturing got under way.
Press attention was given to early TT models after a string of fatalities in high-speed crashes that happened at over 112 mph (180 km/h) when making sudden lane changes or tight corners. In order to increase the predictability of the car’s handling at extremely high speeds, the coup and roadster types were both recalled in late 1999 or early 2000. [13] The suspension system was changed, and Audi’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) or Anti Slip Regulation (ASR) and rear spoiler were fitted. All modifications were included in the manufacturing that followed.
For the 2000 North American Car of the Year award, the Audi TT was a nominee. Additionally, it appeared on the 2000 and 2001 lists of the Ten Best in Car and Driver. By 2003, Audi had given the TT a “face-lift” that included a number of minor cosmetic and functionality upgrades.
Are Audi TTs reliable vehicles?
The Audi TT in 2021 is a respectable luxury sports car. The TT is impressive because to its precise steering, nimble handling, and enthusiastic turbocharged acceleration. It comes in coupe and convertible body types, both of which offer premium interior materials, comfortable front seats, and a variety of simple-to-use technological amenities.
Which Audi TT is the best to purchase?
As the least expensive option that still comes with a ton of equipment, the Audi TT 40 TFSI Sport is our pick as the greatest value option because it combines the entry-level trim with the ’40’ engine, a 2.0-liter petrol with over 200hp, making it powerful enough for almost everyone.
If you drive a lot of miles on the highway, opt for a 2.0 TDI Ultra diesel vehicle because it can get more than 60 mpg in fuel efficiency and is even rather quick (0-62mph takes just over seven seconds). Although it doesn’t have the smoothest engine, it’s still worth considering for drivers who desire a stylish, elegant vehicle with extremely low gasoline expenditures.
The sporty TT 45 TFSI S line isn’t as quick or potent as the high-performance TTS, but it’s not as far off and is still enjoyable to drive. This variant is a decent value performance-oriented option because there are no TT models marketed toward sports car enthusiasts.
Are Audi TTs considered sporty cars?
The Audi TT is a compact sports car that is attractive on the outside, entertaining to drive, and incredibly convenient to own. It doesn’t feel nearly as sporty to drive as cars like the more powerful BMW 2 Series, but it has a fantastic interior and looks sportier than ever as a result of several minor mid-life changes.
Consider the front and rear bumpers, particularly on S-Line vehicles. Similar to the speedier TTS model, these have contrasting air intakes and a splitter that follows the ground. Additionally, the side skirts have sharp bulges that protrude behind the doors like chiseled cheeks, and you may order your TT in a variety of vibrant colors, from a classy blue to an especially garish orange.
The newest Audi TT doesn’t look all that different from the vehicle it replaces once you’re inside. Fortunately, that’s not a problem. The TT’s cabin stands out among tiny sports cars for its ability to be recognized right away thanks to its tidy trio of air vents, simple layout, and enormous digital driver’s display, which comes standard. It stands out more than the fairly unmemorable interior of the BMW 2 Series.
Sadly, the interior of the small Audi TT is much less roomy than that of the bigger BMW. Although there is enough of room for people to stretch out in the front seats, they are more of a showpiece than a functional option. The boot of the Audi is the same situation. Even though it is smaller than the BMW’s, there is still room for a few soft bags and compact luggage.
Simply fold the back seats down and use the Audi TT as a compact two-seater with a huge boot if it isn’t quite practical enough. Issue is resolved.
Most likely, you won’t be utilizing your Audi TT to transport large loads or a lot of passengers. It’s more likely that after a filling lunch on a calm Sunday afternoon, you’ll take the long way home. The Audi TT performs exceptionally well in this regard.
It feels incredibly agile in narrow country lanes because to its compact size and low weight, yet its 2-liter petrol engine nonetheless has enough power to make you smile when you hit the throttle, especially the more potent 245hp models.
Even these, with their more potent six-cylinder engine, aren’t as quick as the top-of-the-line BMW 2 Series, yet unlike the BMW
Four-wheel drive is an option for the Audi TT, which provides you a bit more confidence on slick roads and in inclement weather. Long drives can be rather enjoyable because it is even quite silent at high speeds. particularly if you choose a car with an automatic transmission.
This shifts gears fast and smoothly, and it reacts quickly to the steering wheel paddles. Around town, it can be a little jerky, and the Audi TT’s low-slung body makes it harder to fit through narrow width restrictions than it is in the more upright BMW. Although it may be ordered with a self-parking technology to lessen the chance of low-speed bumps and scrapes, when you’re caught in traffic on your daily commute, it will likely feel like a typical hatchback due to its light controls.
Actually, it is because of this that the Audi TT is such a superb all-arounder. When you don’t feel like having fun and simply want to get home, it handles like an Audi A3 but is a ton of fun to speed along a quiet backroad.
Is the Audi TT a vintage vehicle?
Sometimes a car is just a car. By that, we merely imply that they are cars according to the dictionary’s definition. On the other side, certain vehicles are legendary. Whether in terms of performance, road handling, or, in the case of the Audi TT, design. These vehicles stand apart from the rest of the automotive landscape and get widespread acclaim in the process. These vehicles are the ones that breathe new life into the automotive industry. They push the envelope and demonstrate what is possible.
In the late 1990s, the Audi TT was a vehicle that completely blew our automotive minds. It appeared to have traveled from the future. It was unlike anything else because it was clear, uncomplicated, perfectly balanced, and clean. Given how far it deviated from the standard, it didn’t even resemble a typical Audi. When it first came out, it was only offered in left-hand-drive configuration. However, the desire to acquire one was so intense that many owners brought them to the UK before the right-hand-drive model was available. Over twenty years later, we still feel the same need for the car we had to have. True to its definition of a modern classic, the Audi TT. Additionally, it’s still a reasonably priced automobile to purchase, so the time is unquestionably now.
An introduction to the Audi TT
The Audi TT concept debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1995, and the TTS roadster concept debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show the following year. It was the result of design research done at the Volkswagen Group Design Center in beautiful California. The concept was created by J Mays and Freeman Thomas, who drew design inspiration from vintage Auto Union vehicles. The body was simple and streamlined with thoughtful design elements throughout. Nothing was excessive; obviously, less was more.
The concept was well received by the media, although there was some skepticism about how much the automobile would change to meet manufacturing requirements. After all, during this transformation, the design and purity of a concept automobile are sometimes lost. There was a lot to deliver after Audi made promises about the production vehicle, including that it would be a 2+2 or a roadster, that it would be reasonably inexpensive to construct (due to sharing the Golf’s base), and that it would be a sports car that could be used on a daily basis. But Audi succeeded.
The legendary Isle of Man race and vintage NSU models served as inspiration for the naming of the production TT, which debuted in 1998 and was absolutely gorgeous. Very little of the concept automobile was lost. In actuality, the addition of a rear quarterlight was the only significant modification. It was a concept car for the road other than that.
The 1.8 20V turbocharged four-cylinder engine that drove the TT offered 180 or 225 horsepower. Additionally, customers could choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive using Audi’s renowned Quattro system. It was a swift, powerful vehicle with plenty of grip and composure. Despite some controversy, it was a true driver’s car.
Due to a design defect, several early automobiles were engaged in collisions. Due to the lack of a rear spoiler, the TT’s rear became light at high speeds, which led to a loss of traction and accidents. Audi fixed the problem by swiftly recalling all TTs and installing a rear spoiler. Ironically, those cars with no spoilers are now the most expensive since collectors value them as true rarities.
The TT would later add a few more cylinders, see two model changes, and solidify its status as a legend within the Audi lineup. This is the automobile to buy if you want a sporty vehicle that you can use without much sacrifice on a daily basis.
What are prices like?
The early four-cylinder variants are the ones we’re concentrating on here (the TT didn’t have six cylinders until 2003). The earliest TT is, in our opinion, the purest and most authentic model. the one that closely resembles that 1995 concept automobile.
The good news is that you can get behind the wheel for very little money if you’re interested in a TT. 750 will easily purchase a 180 horsepower 2+2. You can ride in a roadster for $1,000. They are currently quite affordable. But there is a warning. A inexpensive car will have a lot of miles on it, be a little beat up, and, if it has a service history at all, it won’t have a good one.
Instead, spend twice as much, or about 2,000, to buy a good, well-maintained, unaltered early TT 180bhp. Consider 2,500 for a respectable roadster. It’s interesting to note that you should up the price by at least $500 if you can find a coveted “no spoiler” TT.
Budget anywhere from 4,000 and over if you want to purchase the best of the best. The vehicles in this category will have minimal mileage (less than 50,000), be in superb condition, and proudly display a thorough service history. But even if these are the best vehicles available, paying this much money shows how committed you are to excellence.
If properly maintained, Audis of all varieties maintain their mileage well. As a result, it’s not a bad idea to think about a TT with up to 100k on the clock. If you set up about 3,000, you may purchase an early 225bhp car with between 75 and 100k miles on the odometer. This strikes our opinion as the ideal balance between a minter and a car you won’t be afraid to drive.
Why should I buy one?
It is a design icon, which simply means that it is a significant automobile. The TT will continue to be the subject of books for many years to come, will be studied in design schools by future generations of automotive designers, and will always have a devoted and ardent fan base. It’s a significant vehicle in automotive history.
But even more than that, owning one is a beautiful experience. It’s incredibly enjoyable to drive, comfy, safe, and somewhat functional (for a sports car, you’re not moving a wardrobe with it). The TT is indeed one of those exceptional vehicles that makes you fall in love with driving all over again. Even in 180bhp form, it has plenty of power and can almost telepathically perceive the road’s undulations. It is sharp and straight. It’s just a joyful, enjoyable car.
It also has a classic design. one that always appears contemporary and fresh. This makes it challenging for the uninformed observer to appreciate it. Nobody would question your income, even if it were $100,000 a year, if you parked a 2,500 TT in the parking lot. It’s not just an old car; its design defies time. It almost like a sculpture on wheels. Not many automobiles can make that claim.
How long until I see a return?
Due in large part to the fact that Audi produced a large number of them, the TT is currently at the very bottom of the depreciation curve, and it will be some time before things start to increase. But that’s okay since you purchase a TT because you want one, not because you want to invest in one. What you put into it will come back to you. Purchase a 750 example, and you might make that investment back. Spend a few thousand dollars, maintain the TT in the manner to which it has grown accustomed, and you won’t lose any moneyyou might even turn a tiny profit.
But as we’ve said, the TT isn’t a vehicle to buy for investment purposes. Certainly not financially speaking. Instead, the TT’s time has come because original, spotless, well-maintained specimens are still available for a reasonable price. These vehicles will become more difficult to locate over time. Get one now before it’s too late.