Exterior
After five years on the production line, the humble entry level TT finally gets a much needed update to stay faithful to its more esteemed TTS and TTRS siblings. On the outside, the TT gets a brand new headlamp cluster that now includes Audi's trend setting day time running lights that appear as a strip of LED under each headlamp.
Lower down, the bumper sees a minor redesign with a larger air intake and fog lamps that have been moved further to the extremes. The TT is a rather handsome roadster to behold from the front. A wide purposeful stance underlined by its flared wheel arches gives it a poised look that won't emasculate the male driver behind the wheel.
In the rear, the facelifted TT sees little change as the taillights although unchanged remain an interesting focal point for the eye with their 3D effect. The lower bumper gets punctuated by a pair of chrome tail pipes that peek discretely out from both corners.
After five years on the production line, the humble entry level TT finally gets a much needed update to stay faithful to its more esteemed TTS and TTRS siblings. On the outside, the TT gets a brand new headlamp cluster that now includes Audi's trend setting day time running lights that appear as a strip of LED under each headlamp.
Lower down, the bumper sees a minor redesign with a larger air intake and fog lamps that have been moved further to the extremes. The TT is a rather handsome roadster to behold from the front. A wide purposeful stance underlined by its flared wheel arches gives it a poised look that won't emasculate the male driver behind the wheel.
In the rear, the facelifted TT sees little change as the taillights although unchanged remain an interesting focal point for the eye with their 3D effect. The lower bumper gets punctuated by a pair of chrome tail pipes that peek discretely out from both corners.
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Things are kept clean on the rear deck with the folding fabric roof folding cleanly and discretely away. Integrated into the deck is the rear boot lid spoiler that automatically deploys when your speed rises above 120kmh though a button in the cabin allows you to raise it manually when needed.
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Interior
Audi have for some time established themselves to have one of the best interiors in the business. Always taking inspiration from high-end marques such as Bentley, Lamborghini and Aston Martin to keep abreast of their contemporaries.
And that trend continues in the TT with the same minimalistic yet well executed design. In the TT, you get a pair of lounge like seats equipped with raised bolsters on each side to keep you snug when the quattro system is doing its thing. Unlike the coupe, the roadster gets the rather inhumane (for both humans and animals) back seats deleted in favour of the roof folding mechanism. While the cabin might look snug from the outside, it actually fits two adults in comfort.
Audi have for some time established themselves to have one of the best interiors in the business. Always taking inspiration from high-end marques such as Bentley, Lamborghini and Aston Martin to keep abreast of their contemporaries.
And that trend continues in the TT with the same minimalistic yet well executed design. In the TT, you get a pair of lounge like seats equipped with raised bolsters on each side to keep you snug when the quattro system is doing its thing. Unlike the coupe, the roadster gets the rather inhumane (for both humans and animals) back seats deleted in favour of the roof folding mechanism. While the cabin might look snug from the outside, it actually fits two adults in comfort.
Ahead of the driver is the well proportioned flat bottom steering wheel that is comfortably grippy. Positioned on both spokes are the Audi specific roller switches that control your audio functions. The little TT gets the brightly lit instrument clusters that are now backlit in white as opposed to scarlet in previous TTs.
The centre console here is lavished with Audi's Symphony audio system that is in this case, hooked up to a rather pleasant Bose Surround Sound System that not only belts out tunes clearly but does it with great volume as well. The excellent audio system remains effective even with the roof down.
The centre console here is lavished with Audi's Symphony audio system that is in this case, hooked up to a rather pleasant Bose Surround Sound System that not only belts out tunes clearly but does it with great volume as well. The excellent audio system remains effective even with the roof down.
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The Drive
The TT now comes with a 2.0-litre straight four TFSI that is tuned to even greater heights than before. The powerplant now churns out a robust amount of ponies at 211bhp and puts down 350Nm of torque through its quattro system. The ponies start to kick in higher up the rev range between 4300 to 6000rpm while torque awakes early at 1600 to 4200rpm.
The new found power is harnessed through the equally new six-speed S-tronic transmission that the TT now has. Shifting with the new cog box is instant with little to no interruption to its delivery. Manual shifting if you so choose can be had using the steering mounted paddles whenever the mood suits.
The cog box enables the TT to move quickly through its gears enough to attain a 6.1 second in the century sprint. While the car's fuel consumption has benefitted from the new gearbox, other fuel saving features has also contributed to this positive trend.
Energy recovery systems that regenerate energy during braking and coasting also help to that effect. This combines to give the roadster a none too shabby consumption figure of 13.8km/L. A figure that less sporty sedans find difficult to match.
The TT now comes with a 2.0-litre straight four TFSI that is tuned to even greater heights than before. The powerplant now churns out a robust amount of ponies at 211bhp and puts down 350Nm of torque through its quattro system. The ponies start to kick in higher up the rev range between 4300 to 6000rpm while torque awakes early at 1600 to 4200rpm.
The new found power is harnessed through the equally new six-speed S-tronic transmission that the TT now has. Shifting with the new cog box is instant with little to no interruption to its delivery. Manual shifting if you so choose can be had using the steering mounted paddles whenever the mood suits.
The cog box enables the TT to move quickly through its gears enough to attain a 6.1 second in the century sprint. While the car's fuel consumption has benefitted from the new gearbox, other fuel saving features has also contributed to this positive trend.
Energy recovery systems that regenerate energy during braking and coasting also help to that effect. This combines to give the roadster a none too shabby consumption figure of 13.8km/L. A figure that less sporty sedans find difficult to match.
Despite the sensibility, the roadster hasn't lost any of its fun driving characteristics. The TT performs beautifully in the bends with the steering giving plenty of feedback while at the same time remaining direct. The bucketful of traction from the quattro system makes the roadster very neutral in the corners and a great companion on long twisty roads. The car suffers little from losing its roof with none of the scuttle shake we've experienced in other roadsters from this segment.
Although marketed as an entry level TT, the roadster isn't short on aural pleasure as the engine responds with a throaty retort every time you get a heavy foot.
The TT transforms itself from chic to cool in just 12 seconds and is able to operate its roof at speeds of up to 50kmh. Making it easy to transform your driving experience quickly and easily.
Conclusion
So it appears that even plenty of fun can be had with the entry level TT and with its improved performance, the roadster is a joy to throw around the bends. Currently the TT appears to be the best roadster money can buy though that might change once the new SLK comes online.
But till then, the TT remains at the top of the roadster pedestal even in its basic form...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Although marketed as an entry level TT, the roadster isn't short on aural pleasure as the engine responds with a throaty retort every time you get a heavy foot.
The TT transforms itself from chic to cool in just 12 seconds and is able to operate its roof at speeds of up to 50kmh. Making it easy to transform your driving experience quickly and easily.
Conclusion
So it appears that even plenty of fun can be had with the entry level TT and with its improved performance, the roadster is a joy to throw around the bends. Currently the TT appears to be the best roadster money can buy though that might change once the new SLK comes online.
But till then, the TT remains at the top of the roadster pedestal even in its basic form...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
