Audi TT Roadster Quattro

...all DOHC 1.8l four bangers, Audi has managed to squeeze 225HP out of the more potent version. Least expensive TT can only punch 180HP, which I think is kind of low for a car costing somewhere in mid 30’s. With these 2 engines are 2 drivetrains, either a 5 speed or a 6 speed manual. You can’t get an automatic TT, but there are floating rumors about a clutchless manual coming out within 2 years.

180HP TT, either as a roadster or a coupe, ...
...up.

The Audi TT is a very sweet car, offering superb handling characteristics and decent performance. Its highly elegant looks and styling sets a new standard in auto design, but in my opinion you can’t spend 35k on looks alone. Yet all US dealers are selling their souls in order to get their hands on as many TT’s as possible. These cars are being sold as they arrive, and Germany only ships a limited amount of them to the US shores. ... more

I go driving for hours at a time once in a while, with no set destination or any specific goals in mind. I just drive for the sheer joy of it, if I can find an empty road to do so. When I get the chance to drive one of the hottest roadsters in the market, it is not with small amount of ambition that I take the wheel. But oh, the styling is also such an important thing to me, and to be perfectly honest I didn’t like the TT when it first came out. It reminded me too much of the Beetle with its round elliptic stature. But the strange design somehow grew onto me with time, and now I actually do like this strange little machine.

But my fondness doesn’t go far enough to call it a work of art. Lambhorghini is a work of art, Ferrari is a work of art, but TT is just a squashed up little bugger thanks to its completely oval top. Scratch that in the convertible though – the roadster TT is a gorgeous car, a tremendous artwork in auto design. With its outward fender-wells, the vehicle punctuates its only aggressive characteristic. The rest of the design is a mix of sleek curves and a noticeable lack of sharp edges. Even the round metallic tubes behind the 2 seats administer a sense of completion.

Beetle comparisons are hardly misplaced, due to the fact that TT is built on the same platform as its VW cousin. But these similarities are only tolerable up to a certain point, thanks to the much improved suspension and handling on the TT. There are 2 engine options available on this car – although they are all DOHC 1.8l four bangers, Audi has managed to squeeze 225HP out of the more potent version. Least expensive TT can only punch 180HP, which I think is kind of low for a car costing somewhere in mid 30’s. With these 2 engines are 2 drivetrains, either a 5 speed or a 6 speed manual. You can’t get an automatic TT, but there are floating rumors about a clutchless manual coming out within 2 years.

180HP TT, either as a roadster or a coupe, can be chosen to have a front wheel drive or a 4wd Quattro. The 225HP TT only comes as the Quattro, which is a design decision that deserves standing ovation. Although a small car, the Quattro roadster weighs somewhere near 3.4k lbs. Yeah, almost same as a Dodge Viper. On a performance level, the 225HP Quattro TT is not the fastest car in its class with a torque of 207lbs/ft, and definitely not in its price range. But if off the line drag performance is secondary in your books, the Quattro TT is a superb handling car with precise steering. Just hold on to a visual dot in your view and turn the steering-wheel, and you will head towards it.

I think the only major criticism this car will get from me is going to be the interior. TT is cramped, but that is to be expected on all sports cars. When the top is up, there is relative danger of you smacking your head someplace if your are too tall. I don’t even want to imagine what coupe owners must go through. The convertible top is manual, and I think that is seriously unacceptable on a car that costs as much as the TT. The power windows are placed horribly near the door handle, and it gets some getting used to before you can find them on demand. Oh, and forget trying to backup with the top up.

The Audi TT is a very sweet car, offering superb handling characteristics and decent performance. Its highly elegant looks and styling sets a new standard in auto design, but in my opinion you can’t spend 35k on looks alone. Yet all US dealers are selling their souls in order to get their hands on as many TT’s as possible. These cars are being sold as they arrive, and Germany only ships a limited amount of them to the US shores. So maybe looks alone, combined with good handling is the perfect key to success? I don’t know, but I am afraid a lot of disgruntled TT owners might give me unfair ratings due to my critique of this car, regardless of the fact that I am being completely unbiased.
 

...less