WITH its distinct looks, Audi’s latest TT has converged a variety of views on what a sports car should be.
From a bubble car that didn’t veer much from its concept, it stretched out and became more of a sporty car. With its third version, it has shrunk in length and width but worked in some bulk and more tone into its form.
A wider back with angular lines gives it a more substantive presence, with an LED brake light that spans the boot, connecting the tail lamps.
TT Has Jet Plane Ideals
While the round motifs within continues to link the models, they are less forced and not comical compared with the original edition. With more functionality worked into the air-con vents, the number of buttons have been reduced, while the emphasis on the driver as the pilot has grown.
Viewed from the top, the dash resembles a wing and the round air vents are like the jet engine.
To keep things sleek, the display that sticks out of the dashboard that you’ve come to expect has been dispensed with. All the information is presented via the virtual cockpit, which made its debut in the inaugural TT
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As the driver in the cockpit, you do feel enclosed, given that this version of the TT is narrower than its predecessor. You are also focused on what needs to be done.
Seated on Milano leather seats, you’re surrounded by all these fine materials and sparkling features that deliver crisp, clear information.
Quiet Achiever
That said, a head-up display would have been nice, and so too a rear camera for reversing. It may be a small car, but it’s also a low car, so it would be comforting to know you’re not going to scrape those twin exhausts on a high kerb.
The Audi TT 1.8 Coupe tested here benefits from the technological progress that most car companies are furiously beavering away at to keep to expected global environmental thresholds.
The TT’s multi-material hybrid construction has lowered its weight by 50kg and upped the torsional stiffness. All this becomes evident as you run the car. It is smooth, accelerating quickly — 0-100kh in 7 seconds — and quietly.
Too quiet, in fact. You get very little of the zip and enthusiasm that you would expect from a sports car until you start pushing the 1.8 litre turbocharged engine quite hard.
That’s not feasible in city driving, and this might continue to position the TT as a lady’s car.
RATING:
Styling: 8/10
Interior: 8/10
Ride: 7/10
Handling: 7.5/10
Power: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
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AUDI TT 1.8 COUPE TECH SPECS
Engine: In-line 4 cylinder, turbocharged, 16 valves
Capacity: 1,798cc
Max Power: 132kW@5,100–6,200rpm
Max Torque: 250Nm@1,250–5,000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch
Efficiency: 5.9L/100km
CO2: 133g/km
0-100kmh: 7 seconds
Top Speed: 241kmh
Retail price: *$214,700
Please reconfirm price with the dealer.
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