Audi TT Coupe 2.0 Tdi 170 Road Test Report

Performance

At last Audi has filled a huge gap in the TT range and indeed the sports car market with the TT Diesel! A combination of both excellent performance and 40-50 MPG is something that is sure to appeal to the vast majority of aspirational consumers looking for a premium brand coupe. Audi have put the same 2.0 Tdi powerplant in the TT which can be found in the A3, A4 , A6 and Q5 , but tuned it to 170 BHP and matched it to a short shift gearbox and sports exhaust system which turns the engine into a different proposition altogether. The TT Diesel is not short of performance , the power delivery is smooth and the car is genuinely quick!

Ride & Handling

Being in the TT is much like being in a large and particularly well built go-kart. The handling is direct and there is plenty of feel for the driver through the flat bottomed sports steering wheel. Cornering is precise and at no point did we feel like the car was at risk of losing it’s composure or grip even though it was pushed fairly hard. The excellent Quattro four wheel drive system comes to the fore again on the TT Diesel.

Build Quality & Reliability

Build quality as you would expect is first rate, materials used are all of good quality, the TT feels chunky and solid despite it’s size. Audi have a reputation for reliability and you can’t imagine the TT being anything other than extremely reliable , despite it’s up-rated engine and finely tuned chassis.

Safety & Security

The all wheel drive Quattro system is a big bonus for safety as it makes the car imminently controllable should emergency action be needed. I wouldn’t personally like to be sat in the back seats of the car should a crash occur however it is unlikely that anyone would be and the driver and front seat passenger are all well catered for in terms of airbags and structural solidity.

Space & Practicality

Please do not be fooled into thinking that this car can seat four. It cannot reasonably fit anymore than two adults , but then you do not buy an Audi TT for it’s practicality , you buy it for it’s looks, performance and image, all of which are first class.

Ownership & Value

This is where the fact that this TT is a diesel comes into it’s own. Adding at least 15 MPG to the vehicles fuel efficiency, without sacrificing performance is a neat trick and Audi appear to have pulled it off. We predict that residuals will actually be better for the diesel than either the 2.0 litre TFSI petrol or the TTS model. This should be reflected in keen contract hire rates and PCP deals , which is how the vats majority of TT models will be funded.