2008 Audi TT Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Audi TT marks the return of this sporty car after a 2007 model year hiatus. It comes back with fresh styling and new powertrains. Four-seat Coupe hatchback and two-seat Roadster convertible models are available. Base Coupes and Roadsters have front-wheel drive and are called 2.0T. They use a turbocharged 200-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Both body styles are also available as the all-wheel drive 3.2 quattro and use a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on 3.2s. Optional on those and standard on the 2.0T is an automatic transmission. Standard safety equipment on all TTs includes head-and-torso front side airbags, ABS, traction control, and antiskid control. The 2008 Audi TT has standard leather upholstery and automatic climate control. A magnetic suspension system is optional. It allows drivers to alter suspension settings for comfort or high-performance driving. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.

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 recognizably 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 inches. 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.

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2008 Audi TT Road Test

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
7	8	8	8.3

Acceleration is sprightly with either the 2.0T 4-cylinder or 3.2 V6. The 2.0T suffers from modest turbo lag and some torque steer off the line. Audi claims 0-60 mph times of 6.1 seconds for the 2.0T, 5.5 for the 3.2 manual, and 5.3 for the 3.2 automatic, all of which feel credible to us. Manual transmissions have pleasant, precise feel; automatics shift with impressive smoothness. Note that test 3.2 coupe suffered a periodic erratic idle.

Fuel Economy

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	4

In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission 3.2 coupes averaged 19.6 mpg in city/highway driving and 24.1 with more highway miles. Premium-grade gas is required for both engines.

Ride Quality

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.4

The 2008 Audi TT Coupe has a wheelbase about 2 inches longer than the 2006 model, and that helps make the ride smooth for a sporty car. Roadsters retain their former wheelbase but ride nearly as well as the Coupes. The optional magnetic ride suspension makes bumps more apparent, but not to the point of harshness. The convertibles have virtually no cowl shake.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
8	9	9	8.8

The only demerit to TT's excellent handling prowess is steering that feels a bit light. Otherwise, these sporty cars are extremely composed with strong, reassuring brakes.

Quietness

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
3	4	3	4.2

Both engines sing under acceleration, with the 3.2 sounding more mellow than 2.0T. With its wind blocker raised, normal conversation is possible in convertibles with the top down.

Controls

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
7	7	6	5.6

Gauges are legible. Audio and climate controls are easy to use in cars equipped without a navigation system. With navigation, audio controls are integrated into, and therefore complicated by, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI)--a system that requires considerable time to master.

Details

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	7.1

TT's interior materials are sporty, yet rich feeling and very attractive.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.8

The seats are comfortable and supportive. The TT's flat-bottom steering wheel allows more room for the driver's legs. Entry and exit in both body styles easier than in most small, sporty cars but is still labor intensive. Visibility is generally good, though, when erected, the convertible top creates largish blind spots.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
0	1	0	.6

Convertibles have no rear seats. The Coupe's back seat is only suited for parcels and maybe very small children.

Cargo Room

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
1	3	1	2.5

TTs make slight gains in cargo space over previous models. Hatch storage area shallow but usefully long and wide, and nicely finished. The rear seatbacks fold down on Coupes, while Roadsters offer an optional ski pass-through. Cabin storage is limited.

Value within Class

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	5.3

The revamped 2008 Audi TT is a luxury tourer that's closer to being a true sports car than its forebearer was. While Porsche's Boxster and Cayman might ultimately be sportier, the TT's more civilized demeanor might be just the thing for more casual motoring--available all-wheel drive is an added bonus. Note that prices rise quickly as equipment is added.

Total Score

2.0T convertible, Auto.	3.2 coupe, man.	3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto.	Class Average
56	60	55	56.6

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		40
Average Score		56
High Score		64

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2008 Audi TT Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/12/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.0T 2-door coupe, automatic	$34,800	$32,111	$775

2.0T 2-door convertible, automatic	$36,800	$33,931	$775

3.2 2-door coupe, manual	$41,500	$38,299	$775

3.2 2-door coupe, automatic	$42,900	$39,671	$775

3.2 2-door convertible, manual	$44,500	$41,029	$775

3.2 2-door convertible, automatic	$45,900	$42,401	$775

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

2.0T

Powertrain

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

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather/alcantara upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat (coupe), aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, rear defogger, power-retractable windblocker (convertible), floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 225/50R17 tires, fog lights, alloy wheels.

3.2 adds to 2.0T:

Powertrain

3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated 10-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, power convertible top (convertible), automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

245/45R17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
2.0T coupe	$2,150	$1,957
2.0T convertible	$3,050	$2,776
Heated 10-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, steering wheel shift paddles, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, power convertible top (convertible).

S line Pkg.
2.0T, 3.2	$3,000	$2,730
Upgraded leather upholstery, unique interior and exterior trim, 19-inch wheels.

Enhanced Interior Pkg.
coupe	$1,100	$1,001
convertible	$1,250	$1,138
Upgraded and additional leather upholstery, underseat storage bins, trunk pass-through w/ski sack (convertible), interior and cargo nets. 2.0T requires Premium Pkg.

Audio Pkg.
2.0T, 3.2	$1,000	$910
Bose sound system, satellite radio. 2.0T requires Premium Pkg.

Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
2.0T, 3.2	$350	$319
2.0T requires Premium Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.0T, 3.2	$1,950	$1,775
Includes iPod interface. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer to glovebox. 2.0T requires Premium Pkg.

Wireless cell phone link
2.0T, 3.2	$450	$410


iPod interface
2.0T, 3.2	$250	$228
2.0T requires Premium Pkg.

Satellite radio
2.0T	$350	$319
Requires Audio Pkg. when ordered w/Premium Pkg.

Heated front seats
2.0T	$450	$410


Baseball optic leather upholstery
convertible	$1,000	$910
Requires Enhanced Interior Pkg.

Power convertible top
2.0T convertible	$900	$819


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights
2.0T, 3.2	$800	$728
Includes daytime running lights. 2.0T requires Premium Pkg.

Special paint
2.0T, 3.2	$475	$432


Magnetic ride control suspension
2.0T, 3.2	$1,400	$1,274
2.0T requires Premium Pkg.

245/45R17 run-flat tires
3.2	$0	$0


245/40R18 performance or run-flat tires
2.0T, 3.2	$800	$728
2.0T requires Premium Pkg.

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2008 Audi TT Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

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

Wheelbase, in.	97.2	97.2

Overall Length, in.	164.5	164.5

Overall Width, in.	72.5	72.5

Overall Height, in.	53.5	53.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	2965	3130

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.1	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.8	14.5

Seating Capacity	4	2

Front Head Room, in.	37.8	--

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	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	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.0 /121	3.2 /195

Horsepower @ rpm.	200 @ 5100	250 @ 6300

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	207 @ 1800	236 @ 2500

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	--/--	18/24

6-speed automatic	23/31	17/24

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

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	None/--	--

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

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2008 Audi TT
Trim Level: 3.2
Arrival Date: 07/30/2007
Engine: dohc V6
Bodystyle: 2-door hatchback
Transmission: 6-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $41,500
Price as Tested: $48,020
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 5064
Mileage at End of Test: 5178
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 12.936 gals.

Major Options: Audi Magnetic Ride Suspension, Enhanced Interior Package (Fine Nappa Leather Seats, Fine Nappa Leather Interior Trim Elements, Storage Package), Audio Package (Sirius Satellite Radio, Bose Premium Sound System), 18-inch Alloy Wheels, Bi-Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Bluetooth Phone Preparation, Ipod Interface. hhh

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 19.56 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell The 2008 TT has sporty-yet-civilized road manners, impressive fit and finish, and better than expected interior space for two. If you can do without options, base prices are competitive as well.

Rick Cotta Audi's TT is the only sports car to offer all-wheel drive until you double its (already lofty) price to spring for a Porsche 911. And that's an advantage that sets the V6 quatto versions apart from their competitors--and their front-drive 2.0 siblings--by giving them all-season capability to go with their impressive performance and useful cargo space, all of which makes them stand-out Grand Touring machines.

Tom Appel Eschewing the first generation's pretentiously cutesy Bauhaus visage, Audi moves the TT from the realm of tennis-club-dwelling trophy wives and into the garages of serious enthusiasts. Our 3.2 tester combines nimble handling with wonderfully accessible power, yet boasts a level of ride and refinement that separates it from the rival BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster/Cayman. Even pricing is moderate, with our decked-out tester listing for comfortably under $50,000.

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2008 Audi TT New Car Quote >

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Also in the 2008 Audi TT Review:

Audi TT

Audi TT Road Test

Audi TT Prices & Equipment

Audi TT Specs & Safety

Audi TT Photos

Audi TT Full Review

Audi TT New Car Quote