2008 Audi TT Review | Buyer Guide
Audi Updates an Icon
What do you do when it comes time to redesign an icon, like the Audi TT? You sure don’t want to screw up a winning formula. Audi gave it a lot of thought, and chose to update the styling (but not drastically), make the car larger, and reduce the weight. As before, the TT is offered as both a coupe and a convertible.
The 2008 model is easily recognized as an evolution of the original TT design. However, the car doesn’t appear as self-consciously cute as its predecessor, it looks more grown up. This is due to the fact that the TT is actually bigger this year. The body has been stretched nearly six inches, and it is wider by three. Yet, although this is a larger car, it weighs 200 pounds less than the original. Audi uses more aluminum now. This lightweight metal accounts for up to 69-percent of its body weight.
On the inside, there’s a bit more space. Tall drivers will find plenty of head and legroom. The steering wheel is now flat on the bottom, which provides additional clearance for your legs, when getting in and out. The steering wheel also telescopes to insure a comfortable driving position. The backseat is still awfully tight, but if you fold the backrest down, there’s 25 cu-ft of storage space in the coupe, which is easily accessed via a large hatchback door.
Yet, the thing that impressed me the most about the interior is that it it’s now more warm and inviting. The austere, functional look of the first generation car has been softened considerably. My test car was tastefully finished with cream leather seats, a color coordinated headliner and brushed silver trim.
Audi powers the TT with the same two engines that it’s used in the past—the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, and the 3.2-liter V-6. They generate 200 and 250 horsepower respectively. The transmissions are the same too—a six-speed manual and a six-speed clutchless manual with an automatic shift mode, now called S-tronic. The S-tronic actually shifts faster than the manual. Four-cylinder TTs get front-wheel drive—V-6 models get Quattro all-wheel drive.
Getting into the TT, I remembered how low you sit in this car—or put another way, how high the dash and the doors are when you’re looking out. The outside mirrors are at eye level. The glass area, as in the previous TT, is very narrow. Outside visibility is not this car’s strong suit.
However, the driving dynamics are still terrific. My test car was a Quattro V-6 coupe with the S-tronic transmission. The acceleration was impressive. Sixty mph could come up in just 5.7 seconds. The S-tronic delivered quick and smooth shifts in the automatic mode, but you really can’t appreciate how responsive this gearbox is until you change gears with the paddle shifters. It seems like it reads your mind.
On the road, the TT pleases with its nimble handling. It really shows its mettle on switchback turns. Quick steering, and a firm sport suspension do their part, but the Quattro all-wheel drive really makes it work. It delivers just the right amount of torque to the front and rear wheels to get you through corners with speed and confidence. Yet, for all its handling prowess, the TT delivers a comfortable ride.
TT prices start at $35,575 for the 2.0-liter turbo. The V-6 coupe comes in at $43,675.
Snapshot Review
Larger and Roomier
Head-turning looks
Terrific Handling
Excellent Power Train
