2015 Audi TT India Review

The Audi TT isn’t your regular, everyday brand name, deficiencies of which can be conveniently brushed under the carpet. It can’t be mediocre, run of the mill or just good, it needs to be exceptional. When the original was launched in 1998, it was a style icon. Now, I haven't driven the original, but from what I have read about it, it wasn't exactly a great drive.

Fast forward to today, and the new third generation Audi TT is still a great looking car; that’s one box checked. But, instead of being well rounded, like the original, this one is more cutting edge, more futuristic and to us, more palatable. The 2015 Audi TT also exudes technological flare courtesy the MQB modular platform it is based on; the same platform that underpins the Audi A3, the Skoda Octavia and the yet to be launched Skoda Superb. 

Exterior Design / Style: rating_4.0_rating

The new Audi TT uses an aluminium body (for most part) and follows the philosophy of having the wheels right at the edges. Not only does this give the car tighter proportions, it helps with the car's dynamics too, which, we will get to in a bit. As is typical of modern days Audis, the TT too uses sharp looking headlamps. But these are very tech and it might be best here to quote Audi verbatim.

But, then again, the Germans just tend to go a bit too in-depth. So, in simple words, the new LED lights labelled as Matrix Beam, use sensors and an inbuilt camera to detect tail lamps, head lamp beams from oncoming traffic and ambient lighting to produce the right spread and reach to give the driver maximum visibility. It also dips automatically, doubles up as adaptive lights around bends and gives the new TT great visual presence. The gapingly large grille and purposeful looking huge air intakes as part of the front bumper further add to the visual drama.

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The flared and round wheelarches, the fastback like roof line and the crisp but minimalist shoulder line are all typical TT design traits which the new car carries off well too. That, all aluminium, fancy looking fuel filler cap has been carried over to the new car as well. The new Audi TT also has the deployable rear spoiler, similar to the previous generation car, and it does help ‘sportify’ the TT's look. The only think we would have liked different on our test car are the wheels. And maybe a set of lower profile tyres which would have upped its sports car credentials.

Interior & Space: rating_3.5_rating

Inside, I have no real complain. It's brilliant in here! First, the dash design is fresh and not what you end up seeing in almost every other Audi sedan or SUV. This one is angled towards the driver and makes you feel like the boss in the driver's seat. 

It's also a superbly built cabin, ergonomically correct and surprisingly airy! The look and feel of the plastics, the operability of the switches (I just can't enough of those positive clicks) and the thoughtfully executed layout, is all first class. You sit inside and you feel right at home. Sure, getting inside isn’t the easiest but once seated, the visibility all around impresses…even through the rear windscreen.

My favourite bits though have to be the aircon vents with temperature, blower and mode controls; easy to use and logical. I love the TFT instrumentation too; not only does it look high tech – something teenagers would love - the way the dials change their size is both fascinating and likeable. And finally, I can’t get enough of those sports seats. These look properly expensive and the adjustable side bolstering, I know, will keep me comfortable even when I get older and more out of shape.

What about space you ask? Well, this is a two door sports coupe designed to deliver thrills not laundry. So, of course, it’s not spacious. It doesn’t even have a very usable boot.

Engine & Performance: rating_4.5_rating

The new Audi TT we have here is the regular model. There’s also a TTS that makes over 300PS of max power and weighs only as much as the TT. The end result is a 0-100kmph dash of close to 4 seconds!

This one here makes 230PS. Not bad by any standard, especially given that this 'regular' TT can also dispatch the 0-100kmph run in less than 6 seconds...5.3 to be precise. So, it too is pretty fast. And inside the cabin, the new Audi TT’s 2-litre, four cylinder, turbocharged petrol sounds pretty good. This engine meanwhile is mated to a 6-speed dual clutch automatic which works really well in Sports mode.

Yes, like every fast Audi, the TT too comes with Drive Select that allows the driver to alter the steering, throttle and gear shift responses according to his/her preference. One can go from easy in Comfort to near nasty in Sports.

Ride and Ease of Driving: rating_3.0_rating

This one is a sports car, so to be greeted by a stiff, noisy and a slightly jiggly ride, was expected. But thankfully, it isn’t bad enough to leave one with a migraine. What we didn’t expect was how easy the new Audi TT will be to drive. It has that signature lightness to the steering typical of all Audis. But, because it is a very quick unit (two turns lock to lock), it makes easy work of three point turns…which, by the way, with the TT’s limited turning circle comes as standard. The good visibility further makes it an easy car to drive even on crowded roads. And, it isn’t low enough to scrape its belly over every breaker, bump or bee; always a good thing for sports car designed to live the city life.

Handling & Braking: rating_4.5_rating

The good side to this less than average ride quality is the new Audi TT’s outstanding handling. Did someone say go-kart? Well, this might be a very expensive version of one, but the new TT sure goes around corners like that's all it was designed to do. The steering is quick and precise; the grip levels, outstanding; and the quick direction changes are handled with such poise, the new Audi TT makes for one entertaining car to drive. You just can’t have enough of it.

The latest generation quattro all wheel drive system is to blame for this fun to drive nature of the new 2015 Audi TT. It’s a smarter system with a more up-to-date software. And it changes the drive bias from front to rear depending on the mode you choose. So in the Dynamic mode – the mode we love the most – the new Audi TT has more torque going to its rear axle making it a quicker turning car with less tendency to understeer. The braking is spot on too – good bite, great progression and fantastic brake feel.

Price & Fuel Efficiency: rating_2.5_rating

The new Audi TT will be priced higher than the car it replaces. Now, we have no news on whether the TT will come in completely specced out form or will Audi follow Mini’s strategy of having an enticing entry level price with a basic car and then have an options list that runs into pages to arrive at what we are driving here. As far as fuel efficiency goes, Audi claims 14.3kmpl. Now, we have nothing to comment on this for the new Audi TT isn’t a car for the efficiency conscious buyer; the fuel consumption is just a byproduct of having fun here.

Verdict: rating_4.0_rating

This is no volume seller. This doesn't even qualify as practical. But, this is a lot of fun! If it is sports car thrills you want in a manageable and not exactly heart achingly expensive package, then the new Audi TT is the one to go for. It really is exceptional.