Coming into 2016 the Audi TT Coupe has been redesigned inside and out.
With a screaming turbocharged engine, sharper exterior and luxurious interior, the Audi TT makes a statement in the sports car segment. The dash has also had a complete redesign combining many functions into the same space as the speedometer and tachometer. I’ll admit that it took some getting used to but once I got the general function I found it to be very useful and innovative.
The 2016 Audi TT is offered as a 2+2 coupe or a two-seat convertible (“Roadster”). This review will focus on the coupe.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, automatic wipers, adaptive rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, Audi Drive Select adjustable drive settings, knob-based MMI infotainment controller with touchpad capability, cruise control, automatic climate control, LED ambient interior lighting, tilt-and-telescoping sport steering wheel with shift paddles, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather and synthetic-suede upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats, folding rear seatbacks on the coupe, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice controls and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD/DVD player, an SD-card reader, satellite radio, two USB ports and auxiliary audio jack.
Optional equipment that was included on my test model are the Technology package adds auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors, a rearview camera, a navigation system and “Audi connect” telematics with online services. The S Sport Seat package adds upgraded leather and sport seats, plus 19-inch wheels with summer tires and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system that has more than four times the wattage of the standard setup.
Sailing down the road with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four banger, the TT will pull 220 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque. Even with that impressive mojo expect the TT to get 23/city, 30/highway, and 26/combined mpg.
In the interior the TT displays forward styling and technology. With all functions contained on the speedometer and tachometer the dash is a sweep of minimalist luxury with only the the rotary air vents to break the sweep of soft-touch materials. If operating the all the tech in your gauge cluster, there is still the MMI control knob located on the center console. The down side to this central location is that it’s up to the driver to control pretty much all the functions except maybe the radio volume.
The front seats in the TT are plenty comfortable even for the tall ones but the backseat is strictly for stuff as there is very little, if any, legroom back there. It’s best to leave the backseats folded flat for expanded cargo space.
If sitting in the TT feels good, driving is even better. The car corners well and the turbo delivers the juice. Holding its own around corners and putting on the speed in the straight-away. But inside the TT is whisper quiet, with very little engine noise.
If you’re looking for a luxury sports car that delivers both, the 2016 Audi TT Coupe should be on your short-list of cars to test drive.
