Audi TTS Coupe Review

The TT coupe was launched back in 1999 in the UK with a Roadster version later that year, and proving how popular it became, in 2006 Audi revealed a second generation model which was honoured with many awards including the World Design Car of the Year in 2007.

Not one to rest on their laurels, Audi showcased the 2014 TT at the Geneva Motor Show and this year sees the S badge added to the model.

Performance is what the TTS Coupe has in spades with some highly impressive numbers. Using a 2.0-litre TFSI engine it produces 310PS, up 14% over its predecessor, has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph and gets from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds. If this is enough to get pulses racing, with 380 Nm of torque available and offering peak power between 5,800rpm and 6,200rpm it makes for a truly fun, edge of your seat driving experience.

Driving it with a six-speed manual gearbox you can really push it to the red line, the booming engine note making the thrill of driving it even more immense.

The mention of a sports car can make the driver recoil at the prospect of a potentially bad ride, but the Audi TTS, although lowered by ten millimetres over the standard TT has their magnetic ride damper control as standard. This can be adjusted via the Audi drive select system, which for the first time has quattro integrated into it too. Depending on how you want the set up there are various options to give you better traction, fuel efficiency and balanced driving dynamics.

The TTS is well planted, ideal when you’re pushing it through tight bends, there is less body roll and steering is very responsive and direct giving you plenty of confidence.

There is only some slight wind noise as you put the Audi TTS Coupe through its paces and the loud, throaty engine noise is to be enjoyed in this sort of car, even when you start it up. If you want something quiet and refined then this isn’t the version for you.

Step into the Audi TTS and you know you’re in for something special. First thing to draw your attention is the new, innovative Virtual Cockpit display system which is a veritable feast for the eyes. Uniquely to the TTS it has a bespoke configuration, the 12.3-inch display is adjustable many ways to show navigation, media, a distinctive looking rev counter and even a lap timer if you choose to take it on track. It can be controlled using the Audi Multi Media Interface Touch system or by the multi-function steering wheel.

Don’t forget to look in the rearview mirror and you’ll see the retractable rear spoiler that will deploy automatically at speeds over 74mph.

Heated leather and alcantara super sports seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of high quality materials throughout the cabin to give it the wow factor you expect from Audi.

The digital temperature displays on the air vents add another uniqueness to the TT interior in what is a well thought out cabin.

If you’re looking for a practical car then you might want to steer away from the TT, up front it’s fine for a driver and passenger but in the rear you haven’t a hope in fitting in adults. As an average sized female my head was crushed at a bizarre angle against the ceiling with my knees practially up around my neck, not comfortable.

Children in the back would be fine, although maybe avoid trying to get a car seat in there as it’ll probably be a bigger operation than you think.

Boot space is 305-litres, with the easy to fold rear seats this can be increased to 712. 

First UK deliveries are in April of the Audi TTS Coupe and it will cost from £38,790, a TT Roadster version is available in June costing from £41,085. Options include metallic paint at £545, electronic climate control at £595 and even a front centre armrest will ramp up the bill at £175.

The manual version of the TTS Coupe has a combined 39.8mpg figure and emits just 164g/km of CO2, down 20g/km over the previous generation so VED will cost £180 annually.

It also has the lowest Benefit In Kind rates in class at 25% and CAP predict that it will also have the best residuals in class with 50% of its original price retained after 36 months/60,000 miles.

Audi quality and build is very high and as it uses the Volkswagen Group MQB platform then parts of it have already been tested on other models. The original TT has had some issues but the latest generation is a bit too new to have been rated in satisfaction surveys.

Safety and security includes Audi lane assist which alerts the driver if the car strays over lane markings, light and rain sensors, airbags, an alarm, a tyre pressure loss indicator and a first aid kit.

The Audi TT scored four stars in the Euro NCAP ratings with 81% protection for adults and 68% for children as it became the first car to be tested under the new 2015 rating rules.