2019 Audi TT Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

New seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissionNew wireless charging pad with signal booster comes standardPart of the third Audi TT generation introduced for 2016

　　Compact, fun to drive and full of modern technology, the 2019 Audi TT is a practical way to have an emotional driving experience. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and sends power to all four wheels thanks to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. New for 2019, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic means shifts are swift and sure, and it is the same type of transmission found in many supercars.

　　A short wheelbase, with even shorter overhangs, means Audi has kept the weighty pieces toward the center of the car. That translates to ideal handling manners so that the TT can corner as good as anything on the road. The all-wheel drive and brake-based torque vectoring system keep the TT on its chosen line and give it four-season flexibility.

　　On the inside, front-seat occupants revel in a cockpit-like interior, with design cues, digital infotainment and dash displays that are shared with the rest of the Audi lineup. The front seats are firm but also well-bolstered to keep you in place when exercising the TT's cornering capability.

　　Yes, the TT Coupe does have two rear seats but consider them only for additional cargo room or for small children. But that's better than many of the TT's competitors, such as the Jaguar F-Pace and the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, which don't have rear seats. While they all are fun to drive, they all go about it in slightly different ways. The TT is the only one of the bunch with standard all-wheel drive and a rear seat, so if practicality is a gotta-have feature along with your sports car, the TT deserves strong consideration.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Audi TT as one of zzdcar' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.3 / 10

　　

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 Audi TT Quattro Coupe (turbo 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current TT has received more power, a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and additional standard technology features. Our findings remain applicable to this year's TT, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.3 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	7.5
Interior	8.5
Utility	7.0
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

8.5

　　Previous generations of the TT lagged behind 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

　　The engine's 228 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.

　　

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 all-wheel-drive 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 non-turbocharged 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. Gear changes are quick and smooth.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　For a car with such a performance bias, there's much comfort to be found in the TT. We wouldn't hesitate to use the TT as a primary commuter vehicle or for a long weekend road trip. But you'll be better served using the TT Coupe's tiny back seats for cargo rather than passengers.

　　

Seat comfort

7.5

　　The optional sport seats have firm but comfortable cushions and a little more lateral support than the base seats. The front seats provide plenty of support and cushioning for hours of comfortable touring.

　　

Ride comfort

7.5

　　The TT's sport-oriented suspension strikes a nice balance between controlling body movement and ride suppleness. An electronically adjustable system, like the one in Audi's TTS model, might provide a more flexible operating range.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　Summer tires generate some road noise, but otherwise the cabin keeps out the majority of unpleasant sounds. For those who want to hear their machinery's music, Dynamic mode turns up the engine volume channeled into the cabin.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　The integrated air-vent climate controls are simple yet effective, though the air vane design limits directional adjustability.

　　

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 doorsills and generous dash clearance provide a wide opening.

　　

Driving position

8.5

　　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 coupe's rear seats are for kids only, and even then they'll have minimal legroom. It's best to assume you're buying a two-seater.

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　The front and rear roof pillars are thin, 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. You'll want to spend time in this cabin.

　　

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 cupholder. Another cupholder is under the armrest.

　　

Cargo space

7.0

　　Trunk space is adequate with 12 cubic feet of capacity (the TT convertible has 7.5 cubic feet). If you fold the coupe's 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?

　　Although there are sportier versions of the TT, such as the TTS and the TT RS, the 2019 Audi TT is only available one way. Leave the car alone to get a competent sport coupe, but as with most Audis, you can option up to your heart's content. We recommend the Technology package for its navigation and audio system and the S line Competition package for its 19-inch wheels, gloss-black trim, fixed rear wing spoiler, and Virtual Cockpit digital display.

　　

2019 Audi TT models

　　The 2019 Audi TT is offered in a single trim level as either a four-seat Coupe or a two-seat convertible (Roadster). Regardless of roof, the TT is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 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, an inductive cellphone charging pad, 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 an S sport seats 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 power-folding fabric roof, roll hoops and a power-deployable wind blocker.

　　

2019 TT Highlights

Type: CoupeConvertibleCoupe

　　

Base MSRP	$44,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$178/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles