2006 Audi TT Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Available satellite radio is the only change for 2006 as these four-seat hatchback coupes and two-seat convertibles await redesigned replacements due during 2007. Base TTs have front-wheel drive, a 180-hp turbocharged 4-cyl engine, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel buttons for manual shifting. The 225 models have Audi's quattro AWD, a 225-hp turbo 4-cyl, and a 6-speed manual transmission. The 250 versions have quattro, a 250-hp V6, and Audi's Direct Shift Gearbox. This is a sequential manual transmission (SMT), essentially a manual transmission without a clutch pedal. Gear changes come via a floorshifter or steering-wheel paddles; it can also be set to shift like an automatic. All TTs include ABS, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and xenon headlamps. A power top is standard on 225 and V6 convertibles, optional for the base ragtop. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard; 225 and V6 models are available with 18s. Options include a navigation system and heated front seats. Note that for 2006, the TT is not available in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, or Vermont.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.

News

The TT sits out the '07 model year pending the release next April of all-new 2008-model coupes. New-generation 2009 cabriolet convertibles are due in spring of '08. Though recognizeably TT, the redesign features crisper lines and a "faster" coupe roofline over a wheelbase extended by 1.5 in. to 97.1. Overall length grows by 5.4 in., width by 3.1, height by a mere 0.2-inch. Axle widths are broader to aid handling stability. A new steel-and-aluminum structure shaves 100 lb. from curb weight while adding stiffness, according to Audi. Powerteams are lifted from Audi's A3 hatchbacks. The base 200-bhp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl pairs with front-wheel drive and either 6-speed manual transmission or Audi's DSG "automanual" gearbox. A non-turbo 3.2 V6 spins out 250 hp through the same two transmissions and on to Audi's quattro AWD. Respective 0-60 mph claims are 6.3 and 5.6 sec. New features include a pop-up rear spoiler that automatically deploys above 75 mph and optional "magnetic ride" shock absorbers like those offered on Chevrolet Corvettes. We'll have more details soon, so keep checking back with us.

2006 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

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
6	7	7	7	8.2

Base models are peppy enough, but their acceleration doesn't do justice to TT's sports-car looks. The 225-hp models are suitably fast--6.2 sec 0-60 mph for test coupe--but as with base version, midrange power lags until turbo boost kicks in. Test 250-hp coupe did 6.5 sec 0-60, but its V6 provides markedly better low-speed and midrange response than the turbo 4-cyl. But few testers view Audi's Direct Shift Gearbox as a good substitute for a conventional manual or automatic transmission. Manual mode works best only in aggressive driving, while automatic mode suffers hesitant, slurred gear changes.

Fuel Economy

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
6	6	6	5	4.2

Test base TT averaged 23.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 225 models averaged 16.4-23.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Test 250 coupe averaged 20.0 mpg, convertible 21.1 mpg, both in mixed city/highway use. All require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
4	3	3	3	4.3

On par for small, firmly sprung sports cars. Base versions have best ride by slight margin, but all TTs are stiff enough to jolt over potholes, tar strips, and to jiggle a bit on freeways.

Steering/Handling/Braking

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
8	9	9	9	8.5

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

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
2	3	2	3	4.1

Prominent exhaust noise, marked tire roar on some surfaces. Convertibles include a power-retractable glass windbreak that reduces top-down cockpit turbulence at higher speeds, but they're still noisier than comparable coupes.

Controls

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.3

Clear gauges, mostly user-friendly controls, but manual transmission's alloy shift knob can get too hot or too cold for comfort. Stylish cabin boasts high-quality materials, fine finish, nifty design details.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.7

Narrow footwells, but adequate head clearance for up to 6-footers. Low body build hampers entry/exit. Outward visibility restricted in ragtops, better in coupes than you might think.

Room/Comfort (rear)

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
0	1	0	1	.7

Only coupes have a rear seat, and it's little more than a padded cubby, unfit even for toddlers.

Cargo Room

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
1	7	1	7	2

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

Value within Class

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
6	6	7	5	4.5

Any TT shines for solidity, interior dazzle, and road manners. Some rivals provide more power per dollar, but no sports car in the TT's price range offers the advantage of available all-wheel drive. The compromised performance of its sequential manual transmission tarnishes the 250-hp model just enough to make the 225-hp version the most-satisfying performance value in this line.

Total Score

180-hp conv	225-hp cpe	225-hp conv	250-hp cpe	Class Average
44	53	46	51	48.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		48
High Score		58

2006 Audi TT Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/26/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

180-hp 2-door hatchback	$33,990	$31,356	$720

180-hp 2-door convertible	$35,990	$33,176	$720

225-hp 2-door hatchback	$37,390	$34,559	$720

225-hp 2-door convertible	$40,190	$37,107	$720

250-hp 2-door hatchback	$40,640	$37,596	$720

250-hp 2-door convertible	$43,640	$40,326	$720

Price note: Not available in Calif., Mass., Maine, N.Y., Vt.

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

180 hp

Powertrain

1.8-liter 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, roll bars (convertible), daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

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

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, xenon headlights, headlight washers, 225/45YR17 tires, fog lights, alloy wheels.

225 hp adds to 180 hp:

Powertrain

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power convertible top (convertible).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: traction control.

250 hp adds to 225 hp:

Powertrain

3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT).

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
180 hp, 225 hp, 250 hp	$700	$637
Heated front seats, universal garage door opener.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
180 hp, 225 hp, 250 hp	$1,350	$1,229


Audio Pkg.
180 hp, 225 hp, 250 hp	$1,200	$1,092
Bose premium sound system, 6-disc CD changer.

Satellite radio
180 hp, 225 hp, 250 hp	$400	$364
Requires monthly fee.

Power convertible top
Base convertible	$800	$637


Baseball optic leather upholstery
convertible	$1,000	$910


Alcantara steering wheel
180 hp, 225 hp, 250 hp	$300	$273


Cargo net
coupe	$105	$86


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
180 hp, 225 hp, 250 hp	$700	$683


7-spoke alloy wheels
225 hp, 250 hp	$800	$728
Includes 225/40ZR18 tires.

225/45ZR17 all-season tires
180 hp, 225 hp, 250 hp	$0	$0

2006 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.	2987	3186

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	24.2	7.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.3	16.3

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	/	20/29	--/--

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

6-speed automated manual	--/--	--/--	19/26

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	5	NA

Side Impact, Driver	5	NA

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

< 2006 Audi TT Photos

Also in the 2006 Audi TT Review:

Audi TT

Audi TT Road Test

Audi TT Prices & Equipment

Audi TT Specs & Safety

Audi TT Photos

Audi TT Full Review

All Audi TTs

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