2003 Audi TT: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.