Also in the 2009 Audi TT Review:
5.
6.
Audi TT Full Review
7.
8.
9.
The 2009 Audi TT adds a new model to its roster, the TTS. 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-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Both body styles are also available as the all-wheel drive 3.2 quattro and use a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on 3.2s. Optional on those and standard on the 2.0T is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The TTS also gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, but in this guise, it makes 265 hp. The TTS will be mated exclusively to the 6-speed automatic. The TTS will also come standard with 18-inch wheels, along with slightly sportier exterior styling and unique interior trim. It should reach showrooms in the fall of 2008. Standard safety equipment on all TTs includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Coupes have curtain side airbags. The 2009 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 report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Audi TT.
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 |
8.9 |
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 from a periodic erratic idle. We have not yet had an opportunity to test the TTS.
Fuel Economy
| 2.0T convertible, Auto. |
3.2 coupe, man. |
3.2 convertible w/nav., Auto. |
Class Average |
| 6 |
5 |
5 |
4.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission 3.2 coupes averaged 19.6 mpg in city and 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 |
4.2 |
The ride is smooth for a sporty car. Roadsters 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 |
9.4 |
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 |
2.7 |
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 |
6.4 |
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 |
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 |
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 is 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 |
.2 |
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 |
Hatch storage area is 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 |
7 |
Audi TT is a luxury tourer that's closer to being a true sports car than its previous generations were. 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 |
57.8 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score |
|
55 |
| Average Score |
|
57 |
| High Score |
|
60 |
Engines
| |
Turbocharged dohc I4 |
dohc V6 |
Turbocharged dohc I4 |
|
|
|
|
| Size, liters/cu. in. |
2.0 /121 |
3.2 /195 |
2.0 /121 |
|
|
|
|
| Horsepower @ rpm. |
200 @ 5100 |
250 @ 6300 |
265 @ |
|
|
|
|
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. |
207 @ 1800 |
236 @ 2500 |
258 @ 2500 |
|
|
|
|
| Availability |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
|
|
|
|
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6-speed manual |
--/-- |
17/24 |
--/-- |
|
|
|
|
| 6-speed automatic |
23/31 |
18/24 |
NA/NA |
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.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test |
Audi TT 2-door hatchback |
Audi TT 2-door convertible |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Also in the 2009 Audi TT Review:
5.
6.
Audi TT Full Review
7.
8.
9.