With the arrival of summer, image cars like the Audi TT gain particular popularity. This season, the model comes with an updated range of powertrains: a diesel version has appeared, as well as a top-end TTS modification equipped with a 272-horsepower engine.
The new Audi TT has already won the hearts of our customers, and on Russian roads it can be found both as a coupe and as a roadster. This summer, interest in the model was fueled by the appearance of two new engines at once, each interesting in its own way. Manufacturers rarely delight us with diesel versions, citing poor fuel quality, but recently the problem has become less acute. Since the majority of Audi TT owners are concentrated in Moscow and St. Petersburg, diesel modifications are in high demand. The second new addition was a "hot" version, which received the S index. It is worth noting that with the arrival of new engines, the number of available trim levels has significantly increased: engines can be combined with any body type, transmission, and drivetrain.
First, on Munich roads, we tried the sporty TTS. The fact that under the hood is the most powerful engine in the TT family is reminded by numerous S-line badges — they are on the steering wheel, gearbox, center console, and instrument panel. Under the hood hides an inline four-cylinder with a turbocharger and direct FSI injection. Displacement is 2 liters, output is 272 hp at 6000 rpm. The engine pleases with elasticity and confident torque: peak 350 Nm is available in the range from 2500 to 5000 rpm. With such indicators, the coupe weighing about one and a half tons with a manual gearbox accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. Interestingly, with the 6-speed S-tronic "robot", the same engine takes 0.2 seconds less. The result is quite predictable: engineers clearly bet on the automatic transmission, given the great interest of customers in it. Interestingly, the sound of the engine differs depending on the type of gearbox. With the automatic, it sounds more muffled, and each downshift is accompanied by a rev-match. With the "manual", the sound is more ringing but quieter. Acoustically, you wouldn't say you're driving a sports car — everything is tuned for maximum comfort.
The automatic gearbox instantly reacts to the accelerator pedal, and when shifting in manual mode, there are no delays. S-tronic quickly adapts to the driving style: this is easy to check by spending a long time on German autobahns and then moving to winding country roads. You get used to the 6-speed manual without problems: the lever moves short, gears engage clearly.
The second new engine is an inline diesel four-cylinder with turbocharging and variable turbine geometry (VTG). The displacement, like the gasoline newbie, is 2 liters, but the power is noticeably more modest — 125 hp. But the torque is the same 350 Nm, available from 1750 rpm. A coupe with such a unit boasts excellent traction. You won't immediately realize that there's a diesel under the hood: it's quiet in the cabin, and outside there's no characteristic "tractor" rumble. The diesel is only reminded by the TDI badge on the trunk lid. Dynamics are also impressive: acceleration to 100 km/h takes 7.5 seconds, top speed is 226 km/h. Perhaps not every gasoline engine can boast this, and fuel consumption of 7 liters per 100 km — even more so!
The TT's handling, regardless of the installed engine, remains predictable. The steering wheel fills with heaviness as speed increases. The suspension is excellently balanced, confidently holds the trajectory, and body rolls are minimal. Thanks to good sound insulation and comfort in the cabin, the sensation of speed is somewhat dulled. In the most powerful S version, the character does not change: the coupe remains just as comfortable and understandable to drive. The new engines not only accelerate the TT but also provide confident braking: all cars use a dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split. All discs are ventilated, only on the S version they are 17-inch, and on the diesel — 16-inch. To assist the driver, an ESP stabilization system is provided, which intervenes only in truly critical situations, working very correctly.
The TT with new engines will go on sale this summer, and the first, of course, will be the TTS — as the most anticipated and flagship option. As for the diesel, the question remains open for now, but I want to believe that we won't have to wait long for it. The price of the TTS coupe starts from €44,900, and the roadster will cost at least €47,750.
New Audi engines — more power without increasing displacement
Modern technologies open up wide possibilities, and the new boosted Audi engine is a vivid confirmation of this. It proves that for impressive output, you don't necessarily need a huge displacement. The TTS engine has a displacement of 1984 cm³ and produces 272 hp at 6000 rpm. Torque reaches 350 Nm in the range from 2500 to 5000 rpm. Such results were achieved thanks to direct FSI injection and turbocharging. With a manual gearbox, the coupe accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, and with the S-tronic robot — 0.2 seconds faster. At the same time, acceleration from 80 to 100 km/h takes only 4.4 seconds. With such dynamics, efficiency is important, and here everything is in order: in the combined cycle with a manual gearbox, consumption is 8 liters per 100 km, and with S-tronic — 7.9 liters.
Driving
The informative steering wheel and balanced suspension make the TT easy and understandable to drive with any of the engines.
Interior
The coupe and roadster are primarily designed for two — and for two, there is enough space here.
Comfort
It is at the highest level. True, the trunk cannot boast capacity, but this is explained by the body type.
Safety
The car is equipped with a set of active and passive safety systems.
Price
For an image model of a premium brand, the price is hard to call inflated.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Torquey engines, excellently balanced suspension, informative steering.
− Lack of space in the rear and in the trunk.
Technical specifications
- Make and model — Audi TTS
- Dimensions — 4198x1842x1345 mm
- Engine — gasoline, 1984 cm³, 272 hp/6000 rpm
- Transmission — automatic, 6-speed
- Dynamics — max 250 km/h; 5.2 s to 100 km/h
- Competitors — BMW 3 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz SLK
Our opinion
With the arrival of new engines, the choice for Audi TT buyers has significantly expanded, and now before purchasing, you'll have to think carefully. Each of the new engines, like those installed before, has excellent dynamic performance. And given the good handling, the TT is no longer limited to the role of an image toy — it is quite capable of becoming a reliable and convenient car for everyday use.