Turning heads in stunning Audi TT

The Audi TT is a beautiful looking car

Thought you’d never get to drive a brand new Audi TT? Well, think again. After nearly a decade, Audi has brought a brand new TT to a new generation of drivers – and it’s a beauty.

With its curvy coupe body and rear spoiler, there’s no doubt our red TT test car turned heads everywhere we went.

Inside, Audi has gone all high tech, with its virtual cockpit. This system sees all the data usually displayed on a screen in the centre console transferred to the traditional instrument panel.

A brilliant 3D Sat Nav is available as an option in the Audi TT, but unfortunately our test car wasn’t fitted with it.

We did have heated seats, however, and a most excellent sound system.

The cabin in the Audi TT is quite spacious, with good leg and headroom for front seat occupants.

The cabin in the Audi TT is streamlined and futuristic looking

The front seats are very comfortable. However, the back seat is best kept for the smallies in your life – even adults of average height would not thank you for a spin in the back seat.

I’m 5ft 5in and I just about fit – with my head touching the roof and my knees over to the side. Even smaller people will find the backrest very upright and not the most comfortable.

The boot in this car is a revelation. It’s already large with the rear seats in position. However, lower the rear seats and remove the parcel shelf and you have a massive, albeit shallow, boot. The cargo area is flat when the wet mat is removed.

Our test car was a 2.2l 184hp diesel S-Line trim with a six-speed manual gearbox and electric parking brake. This is the engine Audi believes will be the most popular with Irish buyers.

Our route took us around city streets, urban and national motorway and up winding mountain roads.

As you’d expect from an Audi, the TT handles well on all roads and I appreciated the manual gearbox. While I found it a slow switch up from first to second gear, I enjoyed working through the higher gears. It’s lovely at higher speeds and is respectable at the lights.

The boot space in the Audi TT is generous

I drove the fantastic 2.0-litre 230hp quattro petrol version at the Audi TT launch last year and what you gain in efficiency in the diesel you sacrifice in ‘wow’.

The diesel just didn’t have the same ‘wow factor’ for me in the driving stakes. It also lacks the superb engine sound.

That’s not to say though that the diesel doesn’t provide a satisfying drive, it does but it’s just not as exciting as the petrol.

Overall, I really liked the Audi TT. It’s still a head-turning stand-out looking sports car. If it’s the design that takes your fancy, go for the diesel. However, if driving fun is your top priority I’d highly recommend the petrol.

The Audi TT is available now, with prices starting from €48,650 for the Sport trim petrol model. Prices for the S-Line diesel version I was driving start from €51,050.

Tech Spec
Engine: 2.0litre 184bhp diesel
Maximum Speed: 234kph
Acceleration: 0-100kph in 7.2seconds
CO2 emissions: 110g/km
Combined fuel economy: 4.2l/100km
Annual road tax: €190

Visit the Audi Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details

Related articles
Irish preview for new Audi TT
New Audi TT unveiled at Geneva