2003 Audi TT Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Audi's sports car is available with automatic transmission for 2003, but only uplevel models now offer all-wheel drive. The TT gets a revised grille for '03 and continues as a 4-seat hatchback coupe and a 2-seat convertible. Both have a turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cyl engine. Base TTs have 180 hp and come only with a new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel buttons for manual shifting; it replaces a 5-speed manual transmission. Uplevel TTs have 225 hp and a 6-speed manual. Base models come only with front-wheel drive and traction control. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive is standard for 225-hp TTs. All include an antiskid system and front side airbags. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on base models and 17s are optional. The 225-hp TTs come with 17-inch wheels and add 18s as an exclusive option for '03. A power top is standard on the 225-hp convertible, optional for the base version; both include a heated glass rear window. Blue and green soft tops are newly available with selected paint colors.

Competition

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable, but it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills at a great price. For weekend fun on a twisty back road, it's hard to beat.

A Recommended selection, Honda S2000 offers up all the performance and thrills of a traditional sports car without the intimidating price tag. Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list as well. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. New this year is the Nissan 350Z. It offers heart-stopping performance and civility at a very reasonable price. After additional tests we may well move this vehicle to a Best Buy.

News

A long-rumored V6 coupe and roadster join the TT line this fall. Respective starting prices are said to be $40,000 and $43,000, about $3000 upstream of the 4-cyl, 225-hp 1.8T versions. Called 3.2 quattro, the V6 models borrow a 3.2-liter engine from parent VW's upcoming Golf R32 "hot hatch." Outputs are 250 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Also new--and mandatory--is an exclusive 6-speed manual transmission that Audi dubs the "Direct-Shift Gearbox." An electrohydraulic mechanism eliminates the clutch pedal and allows sequential manual shifting from the gear lever or steering-wheel-mounted "paddle" switches. The transmission also has an automatic shift mode. Other V6 TT features include an uprated suspension and subtle exterior styling changes. No word yet on '04 changes for the 4-cyl models.

TT sales were down over 24 percent in calendar 2002, which may cloud the outlook for a redesigned replacement. Assuming it gets the green light, we probably wouldn't see it before model-year 2006. Insiders say the next-generation TT should stick with the current basic formula. That means a cut-down version of the latest A4 platform and specific sporty styling, the latter likely to be cautiously evolved.

2003 Audi TT Road Test

Pros	Cons

Build quality	Noise

Handling/roadholding	Visibility

Interior materials	Rear-seat room

Acceleration	Rear-seat entry/exit

Available AWD	Ride

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
7	7	7.7

Test 225-hp quattro coupe did 0-60 mph in 6.2 sec--speedy enough, though midrange throttle response lags until turbo delivers boost. Haven't yet tested automatic-transmission TT, but expect similar turbo lag. Test 2002 manual-transmission 180-hp coupe did 7.4 sec 0-60.

Fuel Economy

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
6	6	4.8

Test 225-hp models averaged 16.4-23.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. All TTs require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
3	3	4.1

Not uncomfortable for a sports car, but firm enough to jolt over potholes and tar strips and to jiggle a bit on freeways.

Steering/Handling/Braking

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
9	9	8.6

Great twisty-road runner. Precise steering, minimal body lean, strong grip--quattros especially--and confident braking. Quattros' wider tires follow longitudinal pavement grooves too readily, though.

Quietness

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
3	2	4

Prominent exhaust noise, marked tire roar on some surfaces. Convertible's power-retractable glass windbreak reduces top-down cockpit turbulence at higher speeds, but it's still noisier than the coupe.

Controls

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
7	7	6

Design, layout imaginative yet user-friendly, but sun or cold can make alloy shift knob too hot or too chilly for comfort. Cabin materials delightfully stylish and high quality.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
4	4	5.4

Narrow footwells, but no shortage of head clearance for up to 6-footers. Low body build impedes entry/exit and outward visibility, but not driver positioning.

Room/Comfort (rear)

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
1	0	.7

Only coupes have a rear seat, and it's little more than a padded cubby, not even fit for toddlers.

Cargo Room

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
5	1	2.2

Coupes stow a couple's weekend luggage even with the split rear seatbacks up. Convertible's trunk is teensy. High liftover in both body styles.

Value within Class

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
8	7	4.6

The TT gets our Recommended seal for its solidity, style, features, and road manners. Some rivals are faster but cost thousands more, and no sports car in the TT's price range offers the all-weather advantage of AWD.

Total Score

225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	Class Average
53	46	48.1

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		38
Average Score		48
High Score		61

2003 Audi TT Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/27/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 2-door hatchback	$32,500	$29,374	$660

Base 2-door convertible	$34,500	$31,154	$660

225-hp AWD 2-door hatchback	$36,200	$32,756	$660

225-hp AWD 2-door convertible	$39,000	$35,248	$660

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

1.8-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder 180-horsepower engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, height-adjustable front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, remote fuel-door/decklid release, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, power-retractable windbreak (convertible), floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, fog lights, headlight washers, 205/55WR16 tires, alloy wheels.

225 hp adds to Base:

Powertrain

1.8-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder 225-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, center differential.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power convertible top (convertible).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: traction control.

225/45ZR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
Base	$1,100	$979
Xenon headlights, heated front seats, universal garage-door opener.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
225 hp, Base	$1,350	$1,219


Audio Pkg.
225 hp, Base	$1,200	$1,068
Bose premium sound system, 6-disc CD changer.

Power convertible top
Base convertible	$800	$712


Baseball optic leather upholstery
convertible	$1,000	$890


Alcantara steering wheel
225 hp, Base	$275	$245


Cellular telephone prep
225 hp, Base	$350	$312
Includes alloy telephone holder.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/45ZR17 tires
Base	$550	$490


225/40ZR18 tires
225-hp	$775	$690


Forged alloy wheels
225-hp	$600	$534

2003 Audi TT Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Audi TT 2-door hatchback	Audi TT 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	95.4	95.4

Overall Length, in.	159.1	159.1

Overall Width, in.	73.1	73.1

Overall Height, in.	53.0	53.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	2921	3131

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	24.2	7.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.5	14.5

Seating Capacity	4	2

Front Head Room, in.	37.8	38.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.2	41.2

Rear Head Room, in.	32.6	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	20.2	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	Turbocharged dohc I4	Turbocharged dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	1.8 /107	1.8 /107

Horsepower @ rpm.	180 @ 5500	225 @ 5900

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	173 @ 1950	207 @ 2200

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	--/--	20/29

6-speed automatic	20/28	--/--

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Audi TT 2-door hatchback	Audi TT 2-door convertible

Rollover Resistance	NA	5

Side Impact, Driver	NA	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Hungary

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

< 2003 Audi TT Photos

Also in the 2003 Audi TT Review:

Audi TT

Audi TT Road Test

Audi TT Prices & Equipment

Audi TT Specs & Safety

Audi TT Photos

Audi TT Full Review

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