Iconic, unmistakable, unique, Audi’s much loved TT has been a sportscar choice for millions world-wide for years, drawn to its famously distinctive curves, dynamic drive and excellent build quality. It’s a design that’s stood the test of time too – with the first TT gracing our roads way back in the late 1990s.
All models in the TT range are good but we recently enjoyed it in TTS guise – with the striking black edition trim level which adds black highlights to the front and rear bumpers, black roll bars, fixed black rear spoiler and stylish Audi Sport forged 20-inch gloss black alloys. Our car came in pulse orange and the colour combination was wonderful, as the photos taken during our road trip to Cheddar Gorge reveal.
The aesthetic appeal continues inside – with a highly functional edge. Enter the cabin to discover an elegant highly driver-focused dash with all the controls directed towards the person behind the wheel. At the heart of the interior is the fully customizable 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit display which has beautifully clear graphics and fast response times. The wide view navigation display is a particular safety and convenience highlight with the driver never needing to look away from the road, as they would with a conventional centrally placed infotainment screen most other manufactures provide.
In addition, the whole interior is a functional and pleasing place to spend time in, with all controls being easy to use and logically positioned. Another handy detail is the standard wireless charging pad.
The quality of the interior really stands out in the TTS. As you’d expect from this highly acclaimed car brand, everything you touch feels solid and extremely well made, from the tactile movement of the air vents to the TTS embossed contoured leather steering wheel. Audi at its very best.
It’s not just about the aesthetics though. Wearing the TTS badge means TT performance has been taken to the next level. Its responsive and throaty sounding 2.0 litre 320ps TFSI petrol engine feeds all four wheels to safely deliver a rapid 4.5 second 0-62 sprint.
Out on UK roads you can really feel the performance as it flies off the line thanks to the quattro system, with a fantastic soundtrack as the quad exhausts would suggest.
The car always feels reassuring and easy to control, which inspires the driver with confidence to enjoy the drive and push the car and enjoy the experience to the max. Steering is precise and the TTS is extremely agile and remains perfectly flat through corners due to the magnetic ride adaptive damping. What’s also great with the TTS is that at the same time it’s a practical choice for frequent long journeys too. On our test, 100s of miles were covered with ease, and decent economy was achieved at around 35 mpg, partially thanks to the seamless seven speed S tronic transmission.
Refinement levels were excellent with very little road and wind noise despite the large wheels. The comfortable and highly adjustable Nappa leather front seats ensure lack of comfort is never an issue, regardless of your height and size. On a practical side, the TTS has two small extra seats in the back. Although only suitable for children (or sub 5ft adults) it’s still a great back up option to have that many coupes do not.
Even more impressive is the surprisingly large boot at 305 litres, which can be extended even further by folding down the rear seats, meaning you can fit far more in the TTS than you would think.
What’s more, due to the cars relatively small size, it’s very manoeuvrable and coupled with the excellent all-round visibility and parking sensors is easy to park and drive round urban areas. It’s actually a car which, despite its exotic and sporting looks, is practical to live with and use every day.
In conclusion, the TTS provides a sensational driving experience with exceptional performance and handling, yet at the same time remains comfortable, practical and a car we highly recommend.
Priced from £51,400 (TTS Black Edition).
