|
Acceleration
"Base models are peppy enough, but their acceleration doesn't do justice to TT's
sports-car looks. The 225-hp models are suitably fast--6.2 sec 0-60 mph for test
coupe--but as with base version, midrange power lags until turbo boost kicks
in. Test 250-hp coupe did 6.5 sec 0-60, but its V6 provides markedly better low-speed
and midrange response than the turbo 4-cyl. But few testers view Audi's Direct
Shift Gearbox as a good substitute for a conventional manual or automatic transmission.
Manual mode works best only in aggressive driving, while automatic mode suffers
hesitant, slurred gear changes. "
Value
"Any TT shines for solidity, interior dazzle, and road manners. Some rivals provide
more power per dollar, but no sports car in the TT's price range offers the advantage
of available all-wheel drive. The compromised performance of its sequential manual
transmission tarnishes the 250-hp model just enough to make the 225-hp version
the most-satisfying performance value in this line."
Ride
"On par for small, firmly sprung sports cars. Base versions have best ride by
slight margin, but all TTs are stiff enough to jolt over potholes, tar strips,
and to jiggle a bit on freeways."
Economy
"Test base TT averaged 23.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 225 models averaged
16.4-23.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Test 250 coupe averaged 20.0
mpg, convertible 21.1 mpg, both in mixed city/highway use. All require premium-grade
fuel."
Noise
"Prominent exhaust noise, marked tire roar on some surfaces. Convertibles include
a power-retractable glass windbreak that reduces top-down cockpit turbulence
at higher speeds, but they're still noisier than comparable coupes."
Comfort - Front
"Narrow footwells, but adequate head clearance for up to 6-footers. Low body
build hampers entry/exit. Outward visibility restricted in ragtops, better in
coupes than you might think."
Comfort - Rear
"Only coupes have a rear seat, and it's little more than a padded cubby, unfit
even for toddlers."
Controls
"Clear gauges, mostly user-friendly controls, but manual transmission's alloy
shift knob can get too hot or too cold for comfort. Stylish cabin boasts high-quality
materials, fine finish, nifty design details."
Cargo Room
Coupes stow a couple's weekend luggage even with the split rear seatbacks up. Convertible trunk is small but useful. High liftover either way.
|
