Tailored To A TT
There are times when an automotive manufacturer produces a car which is unique to their right-of-field offerings in their stable. Volkswagen recently ended production of its Beetle reincarnation, while BMW offers excellent driver’s kicks in their Z4. Such offerings from mainstream manufacturers are indeed special, since in many cases, a good share of componentry has to be developed just for that one car in-mind.
There are times when an automotive manufacturer produces a car which is unique to their right-of-field offerings in their stable. Volkswagen recently ended production of its Beetle reincarnation, while BMW offers excellent driver’s kicks in their Z4. Such offerings from mainstream manufacturers are indeed special, since in many cases, a good share of componentry has to be developed just for that one car in-mind.
So here is a story of another one of those cars. The Audi TT Coupe when it was first conceived, re-introduced Bauhaus design to the world. A bold move at the time, having an art movement-on-wheels; Audi’s first generation TT Coupe looked nothing less than stunning.
The third generation car may not be all that new. Recently sporting a mid-life refresh, the TT Coupe has carried over design elements of the original car, faux racing fuel cap included. A reworked grille in matte-effect, and new front and rear bumper treatment are some of the changes to keep Audi’s small coupe current.
Buyers will be glad to know that this time, Audi has included extra large side skirts, first found on the TT RS onto this offering.
A favourite party trick of mine is the TT’s active rear spoiler, which deploys once the car crosses 120km/h, and retracts below 70km/h. While it is a little show-boaty, it is functional in helping to plant that rear end down onto the asphalt (and also tells the cops that you’ve been going a little quicker than they like… naughty).
The four rings on the bonnet, instead of the grille, is Audi’s subtle way of telling you that this car is a little more special
Like the larger R8, the TT Coupe does not get a centralised infotainment screen. All entertainment display duties are performed through its digitised 12.3” Virtual Cockpit. The driver-centric dashboard layout is further enhanced by a 12-button flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, which includes one programmable function, ideal especially if you would like to have quick access to your drive modes at your fingertips.
Jet engine-inspired air-conditioning vents, unique to Audi’s TT cars, direct air through rotary-style adjusters, and the vents close with a surgically-accurate ‘click’, consistent with Audi cars. Central vents also neatly carry climate control toggles inset, ensuring a neatly-presented dash without any clutter.
Sink yourself into the driver’s seat, and you will find it supportive with sufficient side bolstering to keep you in-place. Rear accommodation however, for the 2+2 seater increases passenger carrying value only by a smudge. They do however offer excellent extensions for its 305 litre boot, when folded down. A liftback rear lid, combined with easily removable cargo covers, actually makes the TT Coupe quite a versatile car.
A 2.0 turbocharged engine, linked to a 6-speed S tronic transmission, provides the drive to the front wheels. Power at 230hp, and 370Nm of torque, available from 1,600rpm, and propels the TT Coupe to 100km’h in just 5.9 seconds. The 2.0 engine is however now the only engine which drives Audi’s TT range (think of it as an upgrade from the 1.8 litre).
As with any FWD car, there is always some understeer, however with its short wheelbase, and its low kerb weight of 1,285kg, the TT Coupe is responsive to turning and pedal inputs. In the right hands, even with just front-wheel drive, the TT Coupe can be made to dance. Picking your line and easing down on the throttle as you exit a turn, is truly satisfying.
In ‘Dynamic’ mode, gear changes are accompanied by satisfying pops, while the transmission holds on longer to each gear, in anticipation of your right foot’s beckoning. Flick the car into ‘Efficiency’ mode, and the transmission chooses to upshift earlier, keeping revs low. The 2.0 up front easily squeezes out more than sufficient torque to ensure smooth delivery, without struggle. Lifting-off the throttle decouples the transmission, allowing you to coast down a road, without burning unnecessary fuel.
Good handling aside, the suspension on the TT is not tuned to be harsh, making Audi’s small coupe an easy to live with daily driver.
Sure it is no mid-engined like the Porsche Cayman or the Alpine A110, but it sure is more attainable. In-terms of usable space, the TT comes out tops. And it is still such a fun-to-drive car.
The TT is truly a very special Audi. I am however saying this with sadness as this could be Audi’s last TT model. As we sail into 2020, we also sail into a possible storm of a global financial downturn, and in-turn, this can force the hand of our beloved car manufacturers to simply re-focus on core models.
But for those who can appreciate a very personal and unique coupe of their own, this could be their very last chance to own a TT.
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