Review: Audi TT (2006 – 2014)

Audi TT (2006 – 2014): At A Glance

• Insurance Groups are between 32–38
• On average it achieves 84% of the official MPG figure

Audi TT (2006 – 2014): What's It Like Inside?

• Boot space is 290–700 litres

Dimensions
Length	4178–4198 mm
Width	1842 mm
Height	1345–1353 mm
Wheelbase	2468 mm
Full specifications

The Audi TT has one of the best interior designs around with a sporty but user-friendly layout. As you'd expect of any Audi, the quality of the plastics and the finish are both superb with a real upmarket feel to everything, even the less important switches.

Everything works with real precision, from the clutch and gear change to the stereo and air conditioning controls. And there are some great details too, such as the chrome ringed air vents that have a lovely mechanical feel along with the deep set instrument dials that glow white at night. The flat-bottomed steering wheel finishes the sporty feel off nicely.

Finding a good driving position is made simple by a tremendous range of seat and steering wheel adjustment, while the seats themselves have great support - ideal for tackling tight bends or for longer motorway journeys. The rear seats are fairly pointless though. They're not even 'occassional' seats and instead are best used as extra space for bags and coats.

Leather and Alcantara trim is standard on the 2.0 TFSI while full leather and heated front seats are standard on the 3.2-litre. The TTS (pictured above) has lovely Alcantara and leather sports seats which offer even more side support. Boot space isn't bad for a two-seater sports car either and the TT Coupe can carry about the same as a Ford Fiesta, while rear visibility is more than acceptable.

Equipment from launch (September 2006):

2.0 TFSI and TDI come with 17-inch alloy wheels, three-spoke leather steering wheel (including paddle shifts on S tronic models), six-speed manual gearbox, aluminium interior detailing, CD stereo, electric windows, climate control, electronic stability control (ESP), front sports seats, leather/Alcantara upholstery, split folding rear seats and a retractable rear spoiler.

3.2 quattro adds 18-inch alloys, twin exhaust pipes, chrome detailed headlight surrounds, leather upholstery, heated front seats, quattro four-wheel drive and an enhanced braking system.

TTS (from June 2008) gets the Audi magnetic ride, xenon headlamps incorporating LED daytime running lights, larger front air intakes, aluminium-look door mirror housings, deeper side skirts and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels and a revised rear bumper surrounding quad-tailpipes subtly. Inside there are two-tone leather sports seats, exclusive 'S' instruments with white needles, metal pedals and special aluminium trim elements.

S line (from January 2009) is available with the TDI, TFSI and 3.2-litre engines. Extras include an S line-specific front grille, unique front and rear bumper design, side sill extensions and 18-inch five-spoke design alloy wheels. There is also sports suspension (lowered by 10mm), an upgrade to the short-shift manual gearbox, S line embossing for the sports seats and brushed aluminium inlays inside.

What's the Audi TT (2006 – 2014) like to drive?

• Engines range from 1.8 TFSI to 3.2 FSI V6 quattro
• Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–55 mpg

Thanks to the extensive use of aluminium in the body, the TT is lightweight and consequently very agile. The steering is well weighted and has plenty of feel, which means it's hugely involving to drive and inspires plenty of confidence too. And it's on twisting roads where the TT really comes into its own thanks to huge amounts of grip and minimal body roll.

The standard 2.0 TFSI is front wheel drive and provides more than enough traction for everyday driving situations, however for extra reassurance a four-wheel drive quattro version is available (it's standard on the TDI, 3.2-litre V6 and TTS models) and it certainly adds an extra element of confidence, especially in wet conditions.

The ride quality is impressive too and does a good job of evening out bumpy roads. It is firm, this is a two-seater coupe after all, but it's not uncomfortable. However, be aware that if you opt for the optional 19-inch alloy wheels, they can have a fairly detrimental effect on ride comfort.

One useful optional extra is the Audi magnetic ride system which continually adapts the suspension depending on the road type. In normal mode it's very comfortable (more so than the standard set-up in fact) plus there's a sport setting which stiffens the suspension and sharpens the steering for a more focussed drive.

The most popular engine is the excellent 2.0 TFSI with 200bhp - an engine shared with the 2005 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Not only does it have a great exhaust note, but its lively nature fits perfectly with the TT, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds. It's pretty economical too and will average 36.7mpg.

The top engine is the 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 but while it sounds lovely and is very powerful, it doesn't have the urgency of the 2.0 TFSI. If you're after performance then the TTS is the model to go for. It uses the same engine as the 2.0 TFSI but with power boosted to 272bhp so it will cover the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.4 seconds. It's a good choice if the high performance TT RS is too much.

If you're looking for affordable running costs then the TDI model is the one to go for. The 2.0 TDI common rail diesel has 170bhp and plenty of torque and will average 53.3mpg. It lacks the sparkle of the TFSI engine but makes the most sense when it comes to running costs.

In May 2010 the TT was given a mid-life facelift and although the styling changes were minor, there were improvements under the bonnet. The 2.0 TFSI engine was upgraded to a more powerful unit with 211bhp (from the 2009 Golf GTI) which is half a second faster from 0-62mph. Impressively it's also more economical with an average of 42.8mpg. We've already driven this model here.

The other engines remain unchanged but Audi did introduce the option of a Sport button (in conjunction with the magnetic ride). This button by the gear lever makes the accelerator pedal more sensitive, gives the steering more weight and even makes the exhaust louder.

Engine	MPG	0-62	CO2
1.8 TFSI	44 mpg	7.3 s	149 g/km
1.8 TFSI S tronic	44 mpg	7.2 s	147 g/km
2.0 TDI quattro	53 mpg	7.6 s	139 g/km
2.0 TDI quattro S tronic	51 mpg	7.5 s	144 g/km
2.0 TFSI	43 mpg	6.2 s	154 g/km
2.0 TFSI quattro	39 mpg	5.7 s	169 g/km
2.0 TFSI S tronic	40 mpg	6.1 s	164 g/km
3.2 FSI V6	27–30 mpg	5.7–5.9 s	224–247 g/km
3.2 FSI V6 quattro	27–30 mpg	5.7–5.9 s	224–247 g/km
TTS 2.0 TFSI quattro	36 mpg	5.5 s	184 g/km
TTS 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic	37 mpg	5.3 s	179 g/km

Real MPG average for a Audi TT (2006 – 2014)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

What have we been asked about the Audi TT (2006 – 2014)?

Every day we're asked hundreds of questions from car buyers and owners through Ask Honest John. Our team of experts, including the nation's favourite motoring agony uncle - Honest John himself - answer queries and conudrums ranging from what car to buy to how to care for it as an owner. If you could do with a spot of friendly advice before buying you're next car, get in touch and we'll do what we can to help.