2019 Audi TTS 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 standardNew Competition package with gloss black 20-inch wheelsPart of the second Audi TTS generation introduced for 2016

　　To put it simply, the Audi TTS is a quicker and sportier version of Audi's cute coupe, the TT. So similar are the two in appearance that a casual bystander wouldn't be able to tell them apart. But for those in the know, the subtle visual differences — quad exhaust, aluminum-appearance exterior accents, and larger air intakes in the grille — give the TTS away. On the inside, you'll find more aggressive bolstering on the sport seats and contrast stitching on the seats and doors.

　　But the important stuff is under the hood. Unlike the TT's 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the TTS ups the ante with 288 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque out of its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. It launches to 60 mph from a stop in 4.4 seconds, versus 5.5 seconds for the TT coupe. The rest of the powertrain, including a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, remains the same.

　　Keeping the chassis under control is a dynamically adjustable suspension system that uses the power of magnets to control damper fluid. It gives the TTS a broader range of comfort while improving its handling when the road gets twisty.

　　The TTS' rear seat is small, essentially an additional storage space, but it should be fine to transport small children. For that matter, if you do need to carry more than one other adult regularly, you may want to consider the Audi S3, which features the same powertrain but in a sedan format. The BMW M240i is also a good choice due to its available all-wheel drive and roomier rear bench. Alternatively, if you don't want to bother with rear seats at all, the Jaguar F-Pace and the Porsche 718 Cayman offer better dynamics with seating for two.

　　But if you're interested in performance coupes with a flair for design, the 2019 Audi TTS sits right in the middle of that segment, with enough room, adequate performance and stylish luxury touches.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Trim tested

　　zzdcar has not yet driven any version of this vehicle. The following is our take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

　　

Driving

　　If the standard TT is any indication, the TTS will feature an excellent quick-shifting gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system that will keep it glued to the ground. According to Audi, the estimated 0-60 mph time is 4.4 seconds, which is more than a second quicker than our instrumented test result for the standard TT.

　　

Comfort

　　The standard seats have firm but comfortable cushions, adjustable lumbar and plenty of lateral support. In its Comfort setting, the suspension is compliant enough to smooth over smaller road imperfections. Combine these qualities with the quiet cabin and you've got a coupe suitable for long trips.

　　

Interior

　　The TTS' low-slung nature will make it difficult for some to enter and exit gracefully, but it feels roomy inside even for taller passengers. The thin roof pillars make it exceptionally easy to see out of. Don't think you're buying a true four-seater; the back seats are basically useless.

　　

Utility

　　The trunk space measures 12 cubic feet. Fold the rear seats and the cargo area will swallow two golf bags. Interior storage is sparse. It's limited to modest door pockets, a small covered bin, and armrest space shared with a cupholder. (Another cupholder is beneath the armrest.)

　　

Technology

　　Most Audis use a central display screen, but the TTS' infotainment display is entirely contained within the digital instrument panel (Audi's Virtual Cockpit). Drivers can navigate its menus using buttons on the steering wheel or the controller just aft of the shifter.

　　

Which TTS does zzdcar recommend?

　　The 2019 Audi TTS comes well equipped with many of the latest features and functions that are available on many luxury cars, but that doesn't mean there aren't some must-have options. If you want style, opt for the Competition or Black Optic package, while the Technology package adds built-in navigation, a 12-speaker stereo system, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability.

　　

2019 Audi TTS models

　　In a nutshell, the 2019 Audi TTS coupe is a sportier, more powerful variant of the normal TT. It technically has seating for four, though the back seats are so small that even children might find them too confining. It's offered in a single, well-equipped trim level with few available extras. Motivating the TTS is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (288 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque) that delivers power to all four wheels via a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The performance-oriented TT RS is reviewed separately.

　　The Audi TTS' standard features include 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension (compared to the regular TT) with adaptive dampers, LED headlights and taillights, automatic wipers, heated and power-folding side mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and keyless entry and ignition.

　　Inside, you get a virtual gauge cluster serving as both instrumentation and the infotainment display screen as well as Audi's MMI infotainment system with touchpad capability and voice control, automatic climate control, LED ambient lighting, a tilt-and-telescoping sport steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, Audi Drive Select adjustable drive settings, leather and simulated suede upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar adjustment and power side bolsters), folding rear seatbacks, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player, an SD card reader, satellite radio, and two USB ports.

　　The TTS has four optional packages. The Technology package equips blind-spot monitoring, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Audi Connect telematics (with 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capability and online services), and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Black Optic package includes 20-inch wheels and high-gloss black exterior treatments. The Competition package adds different 20-inch gloss-black wheels, gloss-black exterior trim, carbon-fiber interior trim, leather all over the interior, faux-suede sport steering wheel, red brake calipers and a fixed rear wing. The S Sport Seat package furnishes it with upgraded leather upholstery and additional leather trim.

　　Red-painted brake calipers and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels are the only stand-alone options.

　　

2019 TTS Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$53,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles