Audi's compact sports car gets a complete makeover for 2016. Dimensions and exterior styling changes are subdued, but the TT rides on a completely new chassis and gets a host of interior and electronic upgrades. Direct competitors include the Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW 2-Series, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Porsche Cayman/Boxster.
The TT continues as a 2+2 with either a fixed roof or power-operated convertible top. Motivation comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 220 horsepower to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Standard safety features include traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, rear parking sensors and front-knee and front-side airbags. The coupe adds side-curtain airbags. The optional Technology Package adds front parking sensors, rearview camera and blind-spot monitor.
The TT coupe is priced at $43,500 and the convertible lists for $47,000. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, automatic wipers, adaptive rear spoiler, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, automatic climate control, LED ambient interior lighting, a tilt-and-telescoping sport steering wheel with shift paddles, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather and synthetic upholstery, heated eight-way power front, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and nine-speaker sound system.
The Technology Package brings auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, navigation system and "Audi connect" telematics with online services. Audi Design Selection Package brings upgraded leather upholstery, gray leather trim, sport front seats with contrast diamond stitching, interior inlays and a convertible-only neck-level heating system. Finally, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is offered.
A more-powerful TTS model is offered as well. Both the TT and TTS are assembled in Hungary and have a $925 destination charge.
TT's four-cylinder gets an 11-horsepower boost for 2016. While that might not seem like much, the engine is substantially more tractable. When pressed, it will accelerate the TT from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 5.5 seconds. That's faster than a Porsche Cayman and a tick slower than the BMW 228. The engine sounds great running through the revs and mates well to the 6-speed automatic. Unfortunately, there's a slight stumble when acceleration from low speeds in stop-and-go driving, though.
Another TT bonus is the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system. It requires no input from the driver and automatically sends power to the wheels with the most grip on slippery roads. On the downside, the TT comes standard with summer tires that are of little use in Chicago in the winter. There's an option to swap out to all-season rubber, but a better move would be to purchase a set of snow tires and switch back and forth in the fall and spring.
The 2016 TT coupe is EPA rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Those numbers trail direct competitors slightly, but the TT is the only one that is allowed by the manufacturer to run regular-grade gasoline. Real-world driving will likely net about 28 mpg overall in an equal mix of urban and highway commuting. Spend a lot of time on the highway and you can drive that number up to 33-35 mpg. Stomp hard on the accelerator and expect that number to drop into the low 20s.
On the road is where the new TT really shines. While the old model could be considered sporty, the 2016 TT is a sports car. Dry-road grip levels exceed those of nearly every competitor. Body lean in fast turns in negligible. The steering is heavy, direct and provides immediate feedback. Brakes have ample stopping power and seem extremely resistant to fade in repeated hard stops.
On the flip side, the TT had a firm ride -- even with the base 18-inch wheels. Opt for the optional 19-inch wheels and the ride can grow harsh on badly broken roads. This isn't unusual for the class, but something to consider for sure. Thankfully, the TT's stiff structure and sound insulation keep interior noise levels low.
Inside you'll immediately notice the absence of a central display screen and the presence of the 12.3-inch "virtual cockpit" digital display cluster. Otherwise, the interior is awash in upscale materials and boasts a slightly retro design.
Front seats are firm, stiffly bolstered and might not be compliant enough for everyone. Leg room is great, but head room only marginal and the low roof and small rear windows hamper outward visibility and ingress/egress. The rear seats are mostly for show, but smaller adults or children can fit if you scoot the front seats well forward.
Controls and switchgear exude a premium feel, but you'll have to be accepting of the instrument panel display. It's customizable and doesn't overwhelm, but certainly requires some familiarization. Plus, it's controlled by a jog dial/touch pad. There are also ancillary controls for radio and other functions on the steering wheel. Once familiar, drivers will likely find the new system to their liking, but it means that all a passenger can do is raise or lower the radio volume and adjust the climate control.
With a hatchback design, cargo space is much better than expected. Plus, the rear seatbacks fold to increase cargo space. Unfortunately, interior storage is tight with just a few open and covered bins throughout.
Audi's new TT is a fantastic drive -- perhaps even more fun from a driver's perspective than competitors from Munich or Stuttgart. The fact that it comes standard with all-wheel drive is another huge plus. The virtual cockpit requires a bit of patience to master but is also rewarding in a techie sort of way. With its 2016 redesign, the TT goes from also-ran to, dare I say it, top dog.
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