First launched at the end of the nineties, the Audi TT quickly became a top-selling coupe.
It’s blend of stunning looks, a classy interior and reasonable running costs made it a car
to be seen driving.
Now, for 2015, there’s an all-new third-generation model, with sharper lines and a more aggressive
nose.
It’s dripping with high-tech German engineering, especially if you go for the S line trim we
have here, with full-LED lights front and rear.
It looks the part then, but TT’s have been criticized in the past for being all mouth
and no trousers, so can this one drive as well as its looks suggest?
Well, it’s certainly quick.
This is the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol with 227bhp and Quattro four-wheel drive, and it’ll
hit 62mph in 5.3 seconds with little fuss.
With just front-wheel drive and the same engine it takes six seconds dead, while the diesel
Ultra model takes 7.1.
This petrol sounds pretty good too, with a throaty rasp at lower revs and a percussive
crack when the S tronic gearbox fires in another ratio, with little pause in acceleration.
A manual is also available in the diesel and with the front-drive 2.0-litre petrol, but
this auto is standard in the Quattro car and suits the TT extremely well.
Economy of 44mpg isn’t too bad, but if you cover lots of miles, the diesel Ultra is undoubtedly
the one to go for.
Despite its top speed of 150mph it can return 67 miles per gallon and emits 110g/km of CO2,
less than many superminis.
Every version comes with a ‘Progressive Steering’ system, turning the front wheels
more quickly the further you turn the wheel.
So, on the motorway it’s pretty relaxed, but turn into a corner and the nose dives
towards the Apex, making the TT feel much more agile than before.
It also remains almost completely flat through the tightest bends, with minimal body roll
and huge amounts of grip.
Most drivers will get the sense the TT can cope with whatever they can throw at it, especially
when Quattro is fitted, but this can leave driving purists wishing they felt more involved
in the process of going quickly.
Drop down into the figure hugging seats and TT could stand for totally techtastic instead
of Tourist Trophy.
In place of a traditional instrument cluster, there’s a full-bleed 12.1-inch screen with
serious wow factor.
There’s so much space, you can switch between a classic view, with full-size gauges, to
infotainment view, where the dials shrink to the sides, bringing information to the
fore.
The innovation doesn’t stop there, the climate controls have been moved into the air vents
themselves, for an ultra-minimalist look.
Even the few buttons Audi deems fit to keep on the dash will please gadget lovers, allowing
you to deploy or retract the spoiler and choose a driving mode to suit your mood.
Think of the TT as a two-seater and it’s quite practical, with a large space for your
phone, a cup holder and decent glovebox, while the large hatchback opens to reveal a 305-litre
boot.
But, the rear seats are really only suitable for children and bags of shopping.
Fold them down and the boot grows to 712 litres.
The Audi TT has always sold thanks to its stylish looks, and this latest version still
makes you feel special.
We love its high-tech interior, which isn’t just gimmicky, it actually works brilliantly
well.
It might not rival the best sports cars for gritty driving feel, but it’s still the
best TT yet to drive.
It’s also a car you can use every day of the year with few compromises, and regardless
of the weather if Quattro is fitted.
Could you see yourself in an Audi TT?
Let us know in the comments section and for more videos don’t forget to subscribe.
To watch reviews of its rivals, click on the links at the end of the video.