2004 Audi TT Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2004 Audi TT includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Audi TT from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Audi TT, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Audi TT help you decide if a 2004 Audi TT is right for you.

2004 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

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
6	7	7	7	7.7

No opportunity to time 180-hp base version, but automatic transmission denies it satisfying throttle response. Test 225-hp quattro coupe did 6.2 sec 0-60 mph--speedy enough, but as with base 4 cyl, midrange punch waits until turbo delivers boost, then power arrives abruptly. V6 did 6.5 sec 0-60 mph, but with markedly improved low and midrange response. Direct Shift Gearbox frustrated some testers with slurred moderate-throttle shifts.

Fuel Economy

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
6	6	6	5	4.7

Test base TT averaged 23.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 225-hp models averaged 16.4-23.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. V6 coupe averaged 20 mpg in mixed city/highway use. All TTs require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
4	3	3	3	4

Par for a stiffly sprung sports car. Base versions have best ride by slight margin, but all TTs firm enough to jolt over potholes, tar strips, and to jiggle a bit on freeways.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
7	9	9	9	8.4

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

Quietness

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
2	3	2	3	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

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.8

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

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
4	4	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.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
0	1	0	1	.6

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

Cargo Room

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
2	5	2	5	2.2

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

Value within Class

Base conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	V6 cpe	Class Average
6	7	7	5	4.6

The best TT would be a V6 version with traditional manual transmission rather than the Direct Shift Gearbox, which in most situations is an unsatisfying compromise. But any TT shines for solidity, features, and road manners. Some rivals give more bang for the buck, but no sports car in the TT's price range offers the advantage of AWD.

Total Score