2018 Audi TT Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　

What’s new

　　For 2018, the Audi TT receives parking sensors as standard equipment. A new S Line competition package also debuts, and the Technology package now includes a premium audio system.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The 2018 Audi TT is fun to drive, has loads of high-tech features and simply makes you feel great. From its baby R8 style to its minimalist yet feature-rich interior, it's one of the best choices in a class of exceptional luxury sport coupe and convertibles. You'd do well to add it to your short list.

　　The TT isn't your best choice if it's practicality you're after. The coupe's rear seats are so tiny that they're pretty much useless, and the convertible doesn't have rear seating at all. Then again, most cars in this class lack practicality, and at least with the TT coupe you get a hatchback design for easier cargo loading. Overall, the TT more than makes up for any deficiencies with its capable performance and impeccable build quality. This is one of those rare luxury cars that make you feel as though you're getting more for your money.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.3 / 10

　　The 2018 Audi TT is fun to drive, has loads of high-tech features and simply makes you feel great. From its baby R8 style to its minimalist yet feature-rich interior, it's one of the best choices in a class of exceptional luxury sport coupe and convertibles. You'd do well to add it to your short list.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Audi TT Quattro Coupe (turbo 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current TT has received only minor revisions. Our findings remain applicable to this year's TT.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.3 / 10
Driving	8.5
Interior	8.5
Utility	7.0
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

8.5

　　Previous generations of the TT lagged other sports cars in performance and handling precision. But the latest TT, with its strong turbo engine and standard all-wheel-drive system, elevates the dynamics to a level we didn't anticipate. It may not fit the sports car mold, but it sure acts like one.

　　

Acceleration

8.5

　　The engine's 220 hp isn't a large number, but with 258 lb-ft of torque to exploit, thrust is abundant whether you're driving around town or making a highway pass. In our testing, 60 mph came in 5.5 seconds using the launch control feature.

　　

Braking

8.5

　　Great straight-line stability with minimal noise and vibration during panic stops make for a confident braking experience. In our testing, the TT stopped from 60 mph in a short 103 feet.

　　

Steering

8.0

　　Electric assist provides different steering settings tuned to either ease low-speed maneuvering or provide more stability at speed. Road feedback is better than in some of Audi's S models but still falls below what we'd consider ideal.

　　

Handling

9.0

　　Short of putting the TT on a racetrack, its handling is near faultless. The AWD system does a beautiful job of keeping the car on the intended line. There's great traction and superb poise through turns.

　　

Drivability

8.5

　　The TT lacks the responsiveness that its nonturbocharged rivals provide, but it operates smoothly overall. The multiple drive modes give distinctly different levels of assist and response, good for cruising to corner carving. Gearshifts are quick and smooth.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　Audi's Virtual Cockpit combines the infotainment screen and gauge cluster into one screen in front of the driver. While this occupies the main stage, the climate controls complete the modern interior look, integrating seamlessly into the air vent bezels on the center of the dash.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　A single driver-centric screen helps create a beautifully simple cabin without sacrificing functionality.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.5

　　The low-slung nature of the TT could provide some challenges for those who aren't used to climbing into sportier vehicles. Otherwise, the narrow door sills and generous dash clearance provide a wide opening.

　　

Driving position

　　There are enough adjustments to ensure that tall and short occupants will find a perfect driving position.

　　

Roominess

7.5

　　The TT's 12-way adjustable seats provide a surprising amount of range to accommodate front-seat occupants over 6 feet tall. The rear seats are for kids only, and even then they'll have minimal legroom. Best to assume you're buying a two-seater.

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　The front and rear roof pillars are thin, thereby making the TT an impressively easy sport coupe to see out of.

　　

Quality

9.5

　　The TT feels worth every penny of its price. The cabin's design is not only pleasing to the eye, but the switchgear and contact surfaces are noticeably high in quality. This is a cabin you'll want to spend time in.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　You really can't expect too much in the way of practicality when it comes to cars in this class. And so it is with the TT.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　Interior cabin stowage is sparse, limited to modest-size door pockets, a small covered bin and armrest space, shared with a flip-down second cupholder.

　　

Cargo space

7.0

　　Trunk space is adequate with 12 cubic feet of capacity. If you fold the tiny rear seats flat, you can fit two golf bags.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　The virtual gauge cluster not only displays the speed and other vitals, but it also handles audio, navigation and secondary system controls. You control the majority of functions with the MMI knob mounted on the center console, right where your hand normally rests.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The system works flawlessly, with quick responses and super sharp graphics that are easy to read at a glance. Some of the menus take some getting used to, but it quickly becomes intuitive.

　　

Which TT does zzdcar recommend?

　　Since the 2018 Audi TT is only offered in one trim level, the big decision is whether to go with the coupe or convertible. Both are similarly equipped, so it's just a matter of which body style you prefer. To further bolster the TT's luxury appeal, add the optional Technology package that comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, premium audio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

　　

2018 Audi TT models

　　The 2018 Audi TT is offered in a single trim level as either a four-seat Coupe or a two-seat convertible (Roadster). Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (220 horsepower, 258 pound-feet) that is paired with a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive system is standard.

　　Standard TT Coupe features include 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires, LED headlights, heated auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, a power-deployed rear spoiler, keyless ignition and entry, selectable drive modes and adaptive steering.

　　On the inside, you get automatic climate control, a virtual instrument panel, leather and simulated suede upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with heating, folding rear seats, Audi's MMI infotainment system with a trace pad and voice control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a nine-speaker audio system with satellite radio and two USB ports.

　　From here, you can add the Technology package, which includes a navigation system, Audi Connect telematics, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a blind-spot monitor, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The optional S Line Competition package enhances the TT with 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, special exterior and interior trim, a sport steering wheel and sport seats. You can also get a S Sport Seat package with full leather upholstery and diamond stitching.

　　The TT Roadster eliminates the rear seats but gains a center pass-through ski bag along with a folding fabric roof, roll hoops and a power-deployable wind blocker.

　　

2018 TT Highlights

Type: CoupeConvertibleCoupe

　　

Base MSRP	$43,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$181/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles