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2004 Audi TT Full Review
Date Published: 3/11/08
Also in the 2004 Audi TT Review:
2004 Audi TT Review
Audi's sports car adds a V6 version to its 4-cyl lineup for 2004. TTs come as 4-seat hatchback coupes and 2-seat convertibles. Continuing is a turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cyl engine, which has 180 hp in base TTs and 225 in uplevel models. Base TTs have front-wheel drive with traction control and a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel buttons for manual shifting. The 225-hp versions have Audi's quattro all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission. Added midyear was a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6 quattro model with Audi's new Direct Shift Gearbox, essentially a clutchless manual that can be set to shift like an automatic. All TTs include an antiskid system and front side airbags. A power top with heated glass rear window is standard on 225-hp and V6 convertibles, optional for the base ragtop. Xenon headlights are newly standard on all TTs.
News
Sources say Audi will introduce a redesigned TT coupe to Europe in spring 2005 and a new convertible version in '06. Both reportedly reach U.S. dealers sometime in 2006, probably no later than midyear. Recent spy photos of development prototypes strongly suggest the next TTs will be much wider and a little longer than current models. V6 and turbo 4-cyl engines should continue with increased displacement and power, though how much more is unclear.
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Narrow footwells, but no shortage of head clearance for up to 6-footers. Low body build impedes entry/exit and outward visibility.
| 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)
Only coupes have a rear seat, and it's little more than a padded cubby, not even fit for toddlers.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
| Base conv | 225-hp cpe | 225-hp conv | V6 cpe | Class Average |
| 44 | 52 | 47 | 49 | 47.4 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 57 |
2004 Audi TT Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/13/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door hatchback | $33,250 | $30,042 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door convertible | $35,250 | $31,822 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| 225-hp 2-door hatchback | $36,700 | $33,201 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| 225-hp 2-door convertible | $39,500 | $35,693 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| V6 2-door hatchback | $39,900 | $36,049 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| V6 2-door convertible | $42,900 | $38,719 | $720 |
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, daytime running lights.
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, xenon headlights, headlight washers, 225/45ZR17 tires, fog lights, 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.
V6 adds to 225hp:
Powertrain
3.2-liter dohc V6 engine, 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT).
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
225 hp, Base, V6
|
$700
|
$623
|
|
Heated front seats, universal garage-door opener.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
California/Northeast emissions
|
||
|
225 hp, Base, V6
|
$150
|
$150
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
225 hp, Base, V6
|
$1,350
|
$1,219
|
|
Audio Pkg.
|
||
|
225 hp, Base, V6
|
$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, V6
|
$275
|
$245
|
|
Cellular telephone prep
|
||
|
225 hp, Base, V6
|
$350
|
$312
|
|
Telephone cradle
|
||
|
225 hp, Base, V6
|
$180
|
$149
|
|
Requires cellular telephone prep.
|
||
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
coupe
|
$96
|
$70
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
225 hp, Base, V6
|
$1,000
|
$890
|
|
Wheel locks
|
||
|
225 hp, Base, V6
|
$78
|
$49
|
|
7-spoke alloy wheels
|
||
|
225 hp, V6
|
$775
|
$690
|
|
225 hp includes, 225/40ZR18 tires. V6 includes 225/40YR18 tires.
|
||
|
9-spoke alloy wheels
|
||
|
V6
|
$1,700
|
$1,513
|
|
Includes 225/40ZR18 tires.
|
||
|
Forged alloy wheels
|
||
|
225 hp
|
$600
|
$534
|
|
|
||
2004 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 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.8 /107 | 1.8 /107 | 3.2 /195 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 180 @ 5500 | 225 @ 5900 | 250 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 173 @ 1950 | 207 @ 2200 | 236 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 20/28 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | 20/28 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 6-speed automated manual | --/-- | --/-- | 22/27 |
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
Also in the 2004 Audi TT Review:
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