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)