How Does It Drive?

The Golf foundations and front-wheel drive origins mean the TT will never trouble a Porsche Boxster or Honda S2000 in the dynamic stakes, but that’s not to say it isn’t fun to drive. Compared with later versions there’s a straightforward, mechanical connection and meaningful feel to the controls while the 1.8-litre engine, especially in its more powerful tuning, has a gutsy and entertainingly boosty power delivery that rewards revs. Punchy acceleration and sure-footed, all-weather handling on the Quattro models is also satisfying and easy to appreciate in everyday driving situations, and a well-sorted TT should be as entertaining to drive as it is good to look at. The lighter and more powerful Quattro Sport does all this but more so, the gorgeous Recaro seats gripping you tightly through the corners while the 240PS (177kW) tune of the engine pulls with real vigour. The 3.2-litre naturally aspirated V6 is a different experience, the more tuneful exhaust note, smoother power delivery and then revolutionary DSG gearbox helping compensate for the sense it’s a little heavier on the nose than the 1.8s.

What’s Good?

Looks are going to be the primary attraction with the TT and the good news is these are maturing very nicely indeed, and just as striking as they were when the car first arrived in the late 90s. There’s a purity and precision in this first-shape TT Audi never quite matched in the later ones, the earlier models with their cleaner lines and the signature six-spoke alloy wheels perhaps still the most attractive. If you can find one of these with the exotic looking ‘baseball’ interior you’ve landed a bona fide automotive design classic, and a car worth holding onto.

Shared parts with other models in the Audi and VW ranges might count against it in the eyes of sports car snobs but it also means a huge amount of knowledge in how to make the cars go faster and handle better if that’s your bag, shared parts meaning availability and cost of spares is kept more manageable than exotic alternatives. Credit to the design that it also survives transition into the Roadster version without losing any appeal whatsoever, meaning there’s no need to be embarrassed by preferring the soft-top.

What’s Bad?

In addressing early handling wobbles that famously ended in some very serious high-speed crashes on the German autobahn Audi arguably dulled the TT’s handling somewhat, the rear lip spoiler detracting from the otherwise pure lines while measures to calm the pointy steering also dumb things down somewhat. Some of these modifications can apparently be ‘undone’ with tweaks to front bushings to improve steering feel but the TT will always carry a whiff of style over content among some purists.

While generally well-made and sturdy there are some known issues to consider when looking at TTs, and working your way through the large numbers still on sale to find the actually desirable examples can be dispiriting. There’s also the fact they’ve been relatively cheap to buy for a while now, so may have been through as succession of owners more interested in the looks than staying on top of the maintenance required to keep them sweet.   

Which Model To Choose?

All first-generation TTs look good, so the same sense of style remains whichever one you go for. The lower powered front-wheel drive ones may prove a little lacklustre to drive, but a later version with the uprated 190PS output could prove cheaper to buy and not far off the pace of the heavier Quattro versions. Given these default to front-wheel drive in most situations anyway you’ll not be losing much in performance or handling pizzazz, either. Saying that it’s still an Audi, and the paired exhausts, extra performance and the Quattro badge of the 225PS (165kW) 1.8-litre version carry additional cachet and definitely make more sense of the overall package. While rare the Quattro Sports are coveted for their extra performance, beefed up looks and genuinely special vibe of the improved interior, so could be worth holding out and paying a little more for. V6s are perhaps less sharp to drive, but the junior GT vibe has appeal of its own and, with a Roadster, you’ll be able to appreciate the more sophisticated engine note all the more with the roof down.  

Specifications

1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol, turbocharged

225PS (165kW) @ 5,900rpm

280Nm (206lb ft) @ 2,200rpm

Six-speed manual, all-wheel drive

1,465kg

6.6 seconds

151mph

1998-2006 (total production, all models)

What Is It?

What the second-generation, Mk2 Audi TT may lack in design purity compared with the original it more than makes up for in performance, technology and the range of different models you can choose from.

Launched in 2006, the ‘8J’ TT (to use the internal designation) adapted the pioneering Audi Space Frame aluminium construction techniques developed for the A8 and A2 into a hybrid mix of this and conventional steel panels, other distinguishing features including a pop-up spoiler to replace the fixed one introduced to first-gen cars to counter initial instability. While still based on a generic VW platform this helps counter the argument the TT is simply a Golf in posh clothes, Audi targeting the use of aluminium in the panels to offset the natural nose-heavy balance of the front-driven foundations.

Over its lifespan the 8J TT introduced a number of new powertrains and model lines to the range as well, including diesels, a sporting S version and, most excitingly, the return of Audi’s signature five-cylinder turbo in the top of the range RS. Front-wheel drive or quattro, manual or dual-clutch auto, Coupe or Roadster, there’s a huge range to choose from with the second-gen TT. Here’s how to pick the right one.

How Does It Drive?

For driving purists there is no escaping the TT’s front-driven roots compromise it dynamically compared with the classically rear-driven BMW Z4 or mid-engined purity of a Porsche Boxster or Cayman. But nobody ever accused modern hot hatches of being boring to drive, and Audi knew how to play to its strengths and mitigate any apparent weaknesses in the layout.

With over two-thirds of the panels made from aluminium the weight distribution on the coupe is pretty much 60:40 front to rear depending on the version, lightweight suspension parts and other thoughtful engineering contriving a feel at the wheel that’s even lighter than the figures suggest. True, at the limit a TT will push on. But at the speeds you can drive on the road it feels nimble, pointy and fun, while the quattro versions have the reassurance of all-weather traction and ability to use more of the power more of the time than you might in that Z4 or Cayman.

While the temptations of the charismatic five-cylinder in the RS are obvious it’s perhaps a blunter instrument than the four-cylinder petrol models, the later 2.0 TFSI or S both sweetly balanced.

What’s Good?

The 8J TT hails from a high point for Audi interiors, and the feelgood factor of its crisp design and quality materials isn’t to be underestimated. Obviously this only improves with higher-spec examples, so ideally you’ll be seeking out S line or similarly high grade models as you filter your search and, by the time you reach the full S version, the combination of leather, Alcantara and other luxury materials feels as good as it looks.

OK, it’s perhaps a little less characterful than the first-gen TT. But still a nice place to spend time. Performance and refinement are also good, and there are plenty of engine options to choose from according to your tastes, budget and driving style. While front-wheel drive versions shouldn’t be dismissed out-of-hand the all-wheel drive quattro variants have that core Audi USP and mean all-weather capability lacking in most rivals.

Similarly, the market likely favours the S tronic gearbox, and the original TT was the first to market with a dual-clutch gearbox so has a claim to it as a trademark feature. But the manual is lighter on the nose, nice to use and adds a level of involvement keen drivers will appreciate. Each to theirs but we’d take that over a couple of tenths off the 0-62 time.

What’s Bad?

In-car tech has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade and, while Audi has always been ahead of the game here, there’s no escaping the small nav screen and fiddly controls age the car more than the styling or performance, especially compared with the nifty Virtual Cockpit introduced on the third-gen TT.

In some ways finding a non-nav car and installing a phone holder to navigate off your apps may be a neater solution. In terms of things to look for these are still relatively new cars in the market but with that come the issues you’d encounter with any mainstream purchase. That means cars that may have passed through several owners on finance, or without too much emotional stake in upkeep. So look carefully at the history, be wary of ‘tells’ like cheap or mismatched tyres and obvious things like kerbed wheels, stone chips or other evidence of a hard life.

Make sure everything works as it should and be aware of common issues like dodgy S tronic gearboxes (test drive with care and make sure there are no lurches, clunks or kangarooing at low speeds) or leaking hoods on Roadsters. There are enough in the market that you can afford to be picky, so having settled on an engine and spec employ due diligence and insist on one whose history looks solid.

Which Model To Choose?

While adequate the basic front-wheel drive 160PS (118kW) 1.8 petrol is probably the least desirable here, the 2.0-litre petrol versions good all-rounders with hot-hatch levels of performance in standard 200PS (147kW) and later 211PS (155kW) trim, while the earlier 250PS (184kW) 3.2-litre V6 and five-cylinder in the RS score for charisma if not running costs. The latter’s 340PS (250kW) – later upgraded to 360PS (265kW) in the Plus version – is seriously impressive and the sound and characteristically turbocharged power delivery add to the fun.

Diesel may carry a bit of a stigma these days and it’s a quirky option for a sporting coupe but the TDI is fast, economical and could make sense if you do big mileages. If that’s your choice and you’re attempting to claw back credibility among fellow car enthusiasts just point to Audi’s incredible run of Le Mans success with diesel power.

If we had to pick one, though, the TT S looks like the sweet spot. 272PS (200kW) makes it  meaningfully fast but, at the same time, it has a deftness lacking in the harder hitting and considerably more expensive RS version. It also gets the best of the interior bits with two-tone upholstery, aluminium trim, the desirable Bose stereo and features optional on other models like the adjustable magnetorheological dampers, meaning less time wasted deliberating over the spec or options.

Specifications

2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol

272PS (200kW) @ 6,000rpm

350Nm (258lb ft) @ 2,500-5,000rpm

Six-speed manual/six-speed dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive

1,410kg

5.5 seconds/5.3 seconds (Roadster 5.7/5.5)

155mph (limited)

2006-2014