Assertive, agile and accessible

The rally-bred 1980s Quattro and 1990s A8 were Audi’s technical breakthrough models with their respective permanent four-wheel drive and lightweight aluminium spaceframe. It was, however, the compact 1998 Audi TT which injected the brand with a youthful sense of accessibility, fun and desirability and led the way forward with its Bauhaus-inspired circular-themed design.

Small, agile, eager and accessible, the TT was practical and easy to drive but capable coupe based on hot hatch underpinnings and dynamic sensibilities. With its third recently launched generation, the TT now gains a new high-tech platform, drivetrain and electronic infotainment suite, and is a slightly larger and more mature car with more assertive design and better handling and refinement. 

Classy compact

Built on the Volkswagen and Audi group’s versatile recently introduced aluminium-intensive modular MQB platform, the new TT is both larger yet lighter than before by slight degrees. It also features improved weight distribution owing to a 12 degree backwards engine slant and front axle set further forward, while stability is also aided by an automatically rising rear spoiler.

A clearly recognisable design evolution with trademark rakishly arced roofline and subtly bulging semi-circular wheel arches, the new TT is, however, a more tightly and assertively penned design. With more complex lines, it features a large trapezoidal grille and moodier slim squinting and browed headlights with upright LED elements, gill-like side intakes, sculpted and ridged clamshell bonnet, twin tailpipes and better-defined sills and character lines.

Sporty yet classy inside, the TT features circular vents with individual built-in controls and thick flat bottom multi-functional steering wheel. Extensively equipped with standard and optional features, the TT’s driver-focused Virtual Cockpit is particularly noteworthy. A versatile combination of instrument and infotainment screen, it can reconfigure information and satnav map displays in both foreground and background.

Eager and efficient

Powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine, the TT 45TFSI Quattro S-tronic version driven develops 227BHP throughout a wide 4500-6200rpm band and 273lb/ft torque across a broad, responsive and consistently accessible 1600-4300rpm mid-range. With swift spooling turbo, low-end turbo lag is negligible while the TT’s muscularly broad mid-range provides versatile daily driving, responsively brisk on-the-move acceleration and overtaking ability.

Underwritten by a generous and wide mid-range, the TT’s power accumulation is perky, eager and punchy, and is delivered in a linear manner with a consistent and wide top-end, which allows one to up-shift to next gear and remain near maximum power. A light and efficient design with smooth delivery, the TT’s engine also benefits from clever thermal management features.

With tenacious four-wheel-drive traction the TT 45TFSI digs in and pounces off-the-line without wheelspin, completing the 0-100km/h dash in 5.3 seconds and onto an electronically-restricted potential 250km/h maximum. Powered through an S-tronic dual-clutch automated gearbox with odd and even gears on separate clutches, the TT’s is seamlessly swift and snappy through gears, including sequential manual shifts, through its steering-mounted paddle shifters.

Tenacious and agile

Delivering sure-footed roadholding, the TT Quattro’s four-wheel drive system is able to alter front-to-rear power distribution for enhanced performance, predictability, safety, agility, stability and grip through corners and low traction conditions. For yet further enhanced agility, the TT also features brake-based torque vectoring, which selectively brakes the inside wheels to prevent wheel-spin and better allocate power.

With four-wheel drive allocating power where needed and torque vectoring improving its’ agility, the TT is eager and tidy into corners, while its quick and direct steering allows for curt and crisp turn-in. And with low, short and wide dimensions with big footprint and short overhangs, the TT was able to tackle high-speed corners with stance a confident combination of agile manoeuvrability and planted stability.

Refined on road and focused on track, the TT’s low centre of gravity and smoothly firm suspension provide taut composure through corners, while its wide track, all-paw traction and sticky 245/35R19 tyres ensure it remains glued to the tarmac under heavy lateral loads. Tenaciously grippy and with darty agility, the TT was like a rollercoaster on rails during test drive on the Dubai Autodrome.

Compact yet comfortable

Despite its short wheelbase and compact frame, the TT drives with stability and buttoned down confidence through high speed sweepers and straights on track and is settled and poised on vertical rebound on road. Through corners on roads and chicanes on track, the TT feels alert, direct and nimble and ever-ready for sudden direction changes.

Reassuringly rigid, the TT rides on a compact and stiff frame, which better allows its suspension to provide a comfortable ride and precise handling, while also lending it a sturdy feel. Refined yet with a somewhat firm ride, the TT is smooth and focused but not harsh. Well-insulated from noise, harshness and vibrations, the TT’s refined cabin ambiance is punctuated by evocative exhaust notes when set in its “dynamic” mode. 

Compact but ergonomically spaced, the TT’s sporty and comfortable cabin features a driver-tilted console, jutting dashboard, good quality textures and construction, and stylish design. Hunkered down but with good visibility over its short bonnet and despite a low roofline, the TT’s and driving position is supportive and well-adjustable even for large drivers. Rear seats are convenient for occasional use, while boot space is generous for a sports car this small.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2-litre, transverse, turbocharged 4 cylinders

Bore x stroke: 82.5 x 92.8mm

Compression ratio: 9.6:1

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection, continuously variable valve timing

Boost pressure: 0.8-bar

Gearbox: 6-speed automated dual clutch, four-wheel drive

Top gear/final drive: 0.69:1/4.77:1

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 227 (230) [169] @4500-6200rpm

Specific power: 114.4BHP/litre

Power-to-weight: 170BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 273 (370) @1600-4300rpm

Specific torque: 186.5Nm/litre

Torque-to-weight: 277.1Nm/tonne

0-100km/h: 5.3 seconds

Top speed: 250km/h

Fuel consumption, urban/extra-urban/combined: 8.3/5.4/6.4-litres/100km 

CO2 emissions, combined: 149g/km

Fuel capacity: 55 litres

Length: 4177mm

Width: 1832mm

Height: 1353mm

Wheelbase: 2505mm

Track, F/R: 1572/1552mm

Overhangs, F/R: 884/788mm

Headroom, F/R: 993/858mm

Aerodynamic drag co-efficiency: 0.29

Luggage volume, min/max: 305/712 litres

Unladen weight: 1335kg

Steering: Variable electric-assisted rack & pinion

Turning Circle: 11 metres

Suspension, F/R: MacPherson struts/multi-link

Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs, 312mm/discs, 300mm

Tyres: 245/35R19 (optional)