New Audi TT

The looks may be evolutionary, but the all-new TT drives with a fresh sense of purpose.

Sometimes it’s difficult to change. Van Gogh didn’t improve on his famous sunflowers, Shah Jahan didn’t order updates on the Taj and Coke eventually found that sticking to the same basic formula was the way to go. Audi, however, is in the car business, where standing still actually means moving backwards rapidly. Hence the new TT, now sharper-driving and more modern-looking, but with basically the same shape.

Still, it is surprising how modern and up-to-date this car looks. Place it next to the old car and it’s clear that the update has made the car look contemporary, the old TT now looking just that in comparison, retro and old. Audi has achieved this by using fresh but similar-looking details like the new sharp-cut headlamps, a more modern chin as well as a more rakish-looking rear. A styling wedge along the base of the flanks gives it a tipped-forward, ready-to-go look and details like the mirrors are new, still this new car is larger and wider. Characteristic TT clues carried over are the snug-fitting bubble canopy, clamshell bonnet and large wheel arches. Although the new TT is more visually compromised compared to the purer old car and concessions made for space, safety and other regulations have taken their toll. The looks may be evolutionary, but the manner in which the car drives is a massive step forward. The old TT had the handling characteristics of a wet sponge. It felt loose at speed, lacked directional stability when loaded up in a corner and there seemed to be a queer disconnection between the front and rear suspension; fun, but in a different way.

Audi is more serious about this new car. Like the flagship A8 saloon and the R8 supercar, the new TT uses an aluminium construction. Using only 30 percent steel to reinforce areas of heavy load, the new TT’s bodyshell is an incredible 50 per cent stiffer, yet 50 per cent lighter than the outgoing car. A real-world measure of the saving in weight can be gathered from the Volkswagen Golf GTi, a car that uses the same PQ35 platform. When compared, the new TT weighs about 70kg less than the VW.

Just 10 minutes behind the wheel is all you need to realise that this TT now takes the driver seriously. As in the earlier car, you are sat low down, with the snug-fitting roof keeping things cozy. Compared to other cars, the mirrors and gear lever feel placed higher up.

The steering is direct and has a reasonable amount of feel, the TT can be accurately placed in a corner and body control is good. This version of the car gets adjustable dampers that can be softened for poor roads, and the TT actually rides agreeably over bumps for car with such sporting intentions. Anyone expecting E-class levels of compliance, however, needs a head examination. You still feel most bumps on the road to some degree, but that said, you are not exactly tossed around like popcorn.

And it has decidedly sharp handling even with the dampers on the ‘soft’ setting. You can settle into a smooth rhythm, the TT responding to the tweaks on the wheel with a fair amount of enthusiasm and body roll is also well-contained. This makes it useful as a great long-distance traveller too.

The torque of the V6 motor is considerable, producing its maximum twist from just 2500rpm and, as a result, dialing up 2000rpm is sufficient for most purposes.

And it’s quick in a straight line too, with 247bhp on tap. Fire up the V6 and it makes a pleasing rumble, with a deep baritone exhaust note when asked to pull from low speeds. Half-throttle responses are very sprightly, with the thrust from the V6 hurling the light aluminium body forward effortlessly. Performance in the mid-range is also very strong, with this long-stroke motor pulling hard in this rev band; Audi has upped the ante with the new TT for sure. The car responds well to being driven just relatively hard, say at 8/10ths of its full ability. It revels in being firmly driven, and using only 80 per cent of the power band, grip and handling turns out to be a very pleasing exercise.

The new TT shares its underpinnings with the VW Golf R32 and, as a result, this car inherits the Golf’s part-time four-wheel-drive system. Audi may call the car a Quattro, but in actual fact the system used is a Haldex four-wheel-drive unit that sends 85 per cent of the power to the front wheels. While it can reverse this at any time, the system, which is basically VW’s 4Motion, still doesn’t deliver the grip and poise of a 50:50 or 40:60 full-on Quattro system. The TT is also somewhat lacking when it comes to being driven really hard, like a sports car should. The motor runs out of steam as you get to the top of the power band and there seems to be a lack of linearity at these engine speeds. Then the electro-mechanical steering lops off some crucial feedback as you go harder and the TT lacks that all-important balance and poise when all four wheels are overloaded for grip. Understeer sets in pretty early, and the ploughing continues until you get off the gas and onto the brakes; nice and safe but not grin-inducing. Despite the shape and the greater focus on driving manners, the TT remains a predominantly front-wheel-drive car with its motor slung out over the front axle. Thus it cannot be compared with the likes of the Porsche Cayman or even the gutsy Nissan 350 Z for sheer driving pleasure.

At almost Rs 50 lakh, the TT isn’t cheap. But if you don’t look at it as a performance-oriented sports car, you’ll soon see why this car is such a success. Buy it for that unique blend of style and cool that only a TT can offer. Buy it for the fantastic build quality and finish. Buy it for the attractive interiors, with the deep-set dials and the high-quality plastics. Buy it for the impeccable leather trim, the well-crafted metal bits and the snug fit of the cabin. Don’t buy it if you are shooting for the ultimate driving experience. It has more than sufficient performance, great agility and good grip and poise. And, in reality, that’s about all you will need on a regular basis. Buy it as a sports coupe, a fun car. Isn’t that what you want anyway?

Factfile
Audi TT Coupe 3.2 quattro
Price Rs 50 lakh (est.)
Top speed 250kph
0-100kph 5.7 sec
Length 4178mm
Width 1842mm
Height 1352mm
Wheelbase 2468mm
Turning circle 10.96m
Kerb weight 1430kg
Engine 6-cyls in Vee, 3189cc
Installation Front transverse
Power 247bhp at 6300rpm
Torque 32.6kgm at 2500rpm
Gearbox 6-speed DSG auto
Front suspension MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar.
Rear suspension Multi-link, anti-roll bar
Fuel tank 60 litres
Brakes (F/R) 340/310mm ventilated discs
Tyre size 245/40 R18
Boot 290-700 litres
First verdict
Eyeball-grabbing and superbly-built sports coupe that’s now a sharp and engaging drive too