TT-RRIFIC! (Audi TT Coupé quattro)

Member Name: Foxy-Lady

Product:	Audi TT Coupé quattro
Date:	28/08/05 (9109 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stunning!

Disadvantages: Expensive

It was love at first sight. As soon as I saw the trademark lines and voluptuous, sweeping curves I knew I had to have one....the Audi TT.
The only problem was that at the time (around 1998 when the TT was first released) I was still in my teens and I knew that I didn’t stand a chance for a good few years!

Originally designed to be nothing more than a concept car, the TT is one of the only cars that has gone for such a long period without a major facelift. A few tweaks and modifications have been applied over time but the overall appearance is still essentially the same. The bonus is that the TT has always looked ultra modern and still does to this day....so my original vision of owning an Audi TT has never really changed much.



Well, I waited and waited and waited...until my hubby came home one evening a few months ago, all giddy and excited “Guess what I’ve found”...

My first thought was that he’d picked a tenner up off the street or something but before I could say a word he continued (all in one breath)... “It’s a gorgeous Audi TT Coupe 225 at the Car People. ‘Y’ reg. Great condition. Low mileage. Bargain price and it’s even in your favourite colour - cherry red. You’ll love it. I’ve told them we’ll go and have a proper look tonight”.

If I’m honest, I think my mind was probably made up before we even set off. He knew I wouldn’t take much persuading...and he was right! I melted as soon as I saw it and a week later we were returning to pick up our TT. I’ve finally got one at last!



Now, you want to know about the car...

The TT Coupe (which has a solid fixed roof, unlike the soft top Roadster) has a 1.8 litre, 20V, turbo charged engine which makes it a rather swift drive. It’s available as either a 180 or a 225 which refers to the BHP of the particular model. Apart from being slightly faster and approximately £2500 more expensive (brand new), the 225 can be spotted by some slight exterior differences such as headlight spray washers and a xenon headlight package. Not forgetting the sporty twin exhaust pipes which finish the look off perfectly. It is the 225 version that I am reviewing.

The Audi TT also comes with an excellent range of standard features and equipment (such as alloy wheels, electric windows and electric mirrors for example) which will be mentioned in more detail throughout my review.



Onto the interior...

I’m sure virtually everyone knows what the TT looks like...the distinctive Audi styling presents a low level sporty machine with cute yet seductive curves. Well these curves are successfully echoed throughout the quality interior of the car too, showing complete attention to detail. The stylish design is bulbous and incorporates brushed steel trim enhancements on the gear stick, vent surrounds, door handles and branded flip down radio cover to name but a few.

The typical Audi traits of solid build and quality materials are definitely apparent. The doors shut with a solid clunk and the interior plastic is strong and tough. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and even have variable heating as standard. This is amazing and a great feature as leather seats can be pretty chilly during the winter. You have to be careful though as the heaters are powerful and before you know it, they burn your bum!

For general cabin temperature the TT has electronic climate control/air conditioning. This can be set to any required temperature which is maintained to keep you comfortable. Dust and pollen filters are also included but I can’t really comment on these because I don’t get irritated by pollen in the atmosphere anyway.

The dash and centre console are attractively designed and have an eye-catching red glow for night time driving. An electronic interior display supplies general information. It shows ‘OK’ when you start up the engine or different symbols to signify if there’s a problem. For example, it lets you know if a door or the boot hasn’t shut properly, or quite simply if oil/water levels are running low.

Interior storage is reasonable with a handy space down the centre (near the hand-brake) which is ideal for holding spectacles and there’s also quite a large compartment that is home to the remote petrol cap release, boot release and a button that turns the interior alarm sensors off. I suppose this feature means you could leave a dog inside without it triggering the alarm, although I wouldn’t like to think I was leaving my dog on those leather seats!

The TT has a lockable glove box (which is quite spacious) that also contains a switch to disable the passenger airbag off so that a baby seat can be fitted.

Regarding the sound system, various options are available at the time of purchase so used motors can have different specifications. The standard stereo is just a cassette player but this could be upgraded to a single slot CD player or more expensively, a six CD changer. Incidentally, the CD changer stores neatly in the rear armrest (a first aid kit lives in the compartment on the opposite side) so it’s hidden well out of view. The speaker system is either standard or upgraded to a brilliant BOSE sound system which really improves the sound quality. Worth looking out for if you are planning on purchasing a used TT.

A lot of people think the TT Coupe has quite a claustrophobic feel. To start with, it’s low to get into and when you sit in it everything feels rather closed in, although it’s actually quite spacious. I think the shallow windows emphasize the low roofline as you haven’t got much clear space to either side. My interior is black (I think most TT’s are too) which has the immediate effect of bringing the cabin roof down even more. This doesn’t bother me though - there’s plenty of room in my little cocoon and it feels cosy and compact. My hubby finds it comfortable too and he’s 6’3” and a rather large build!

The Coupe may have space up front but unfortunately the same can’t be said about the back. Unlike the TT Roadster there are some very small seats which are possibly suitable for kids but not very comfortable or practical for adults, particularly anybody tall. There isn’t much leg or head room. In fact it’s so close to the sloping back window (which unfortunately provides restricted rear visibility due to its size) that you have to be extremely careful closing the boot if you’ve got rear passengers.



Talking of the boot...

There is no external handle so it can only be opened from the inside of the car or using the release button on the central locking key fob. This is quite a good safety feature as it means that nobody (such as a thief) can open your boot, for example if you are stood waiting at traffic lights. And capacity? It’s deceptively large which is suprising for a sports car. I can easily fit my full weekly shopping in with no problem. In fact it’s a nice snug fit which means the bags don’t roll around and I don’t end up with AWOL spuds or tins of beans!
I haven’t tried to fit suitcases in yet but specific TT luggage is available which comprises of three cases that fit in perfectly! It’s worth mentioning though that the back seats can be folded down to create additional boot space if required.



Safety and security....

It’s quite a well known fact that the original TTs did have some issues regarding high speed handling and subsequent safety but those models were recalled and altered (a rear spoiler fitted and suspension improved) and any cars produced after that had the same faults taken into account and remedied before they left the showroom. I can honestly assure you that the problems have been addressed and the drive is now really stable, comfortable and the Audi Quattro four wheel drive makes the handling so precise (in all weather) that I’m confident about every turn and corner that I take. The 6 speed gear box responds really well and the nicely weighted power steering helps manouvere the car with ease. The ABS breaking system is also excellent and combined with the ESP (electronic stability programme, a form of traction control) my mind is really put at rest when I’m out and about.

The ESP can be turned off at the touch of a button and a lot of TT owners claim that this creates a more exhillerating drive. Not for me I’m afraid - it’s been included as an additional safety feature for a reason so I’m happy for it to stay switched on!

Should you be unfortunate enough to have an accident in a TT it’s reassuring to know that driver, passenger and side airbags are included as standard.

General security is provided by deadlocks and an alarm system. Should someone actually manage to break in, they won’t get very far as an engine immobiliser is also fitted.



Performance and running costs...

I’ve never had any mechanical problems with my TT (touch wood)) but I’ve been informed that replacement parts can unfortunately be quite expensive, as is servicing which is a necessary contributing factor in keeping your TT in tip-top condition. Insurance isn’t the cheapest around either due to the desirability of the car and drops in at group 19.
Doesn’t sound good so far but you’ll be pleased to know that depreciation is minimal and the TT seems to hold its price well - hence the fairly high second hand prices. For example, look at a model from 1999 and you can expect to pay about £11000. A later version, say 2002, would cost you about £14000. Compared to the brand new price of approximately £28000, you will see that there is a fairly substantial drop in value but it then evens itself off and depreciates at a steady rate.

Regarding the performance, this little gem has a top speed of approximately 150mph and can hit 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds (bearing in mind that these figures relate to the 225 model and not the 180). It delivers an average of 30.7mpg. This doesn’t sound particularly economical but it’s not bad for its type and as with any car, this figure alters dramatically depending on how you choose to drive it. I won’t deny it though - the TT is quite a thirsty motor. A handy feature on the cars internal computer display system is a counter telling you approximately how many miles are left in the tank. I try not to let the droppng of the the petrol gauge distract me too much though. In fact, I love getting into my TT so much that I don’t even think about it (until it’s time to fill up, of course). This car is such a pleasure to drive that I look forward to setting off for work in a morning!



Jeremy Clarkson recently described the Audi TT as being boring to drive but I disagree. I suppose that it would perhaps seem quite tame to someone who is lucky enough to test drive Ferraris and Aston Martins for a living....but for little old me it’s fantastic! It oozes sophistication but still maintains an element of fun. An exceptional balance between looks, speed and overall performace has been achieved.

TT-rrific!

Summary: Quite pricey to buy but well worth the money!

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