2015 Audi TT coupe review, test drive

A design revamp and a new spec sheet. Does Audi's junior sportscar whoosh by with flying colours?

Published on Mar 20, 2015 10:00:00 AM

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Underneath that striking exterior sits a 227bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four pot motor mated to a dual-clutch, six-speed gearbox. Power is channelled via Audi’s four-wheel-drive Quattro system which can vary the bias towards the rear (in Dynamic mode) and in extreme cases, can apportion all the 227 horses to the rear end to limit understeer. Folks abroad can opt for a hairier 306bhp TTS version (same engine with more boost from the turbo).

Getting into the car, you notice that the beautifully put together cabin stays true to Audi’s style, which is top-notch quality with high-tech instrumentation that the carmaker calls its virtual cockpit system. Replacing the analogue dials and the dashboard-mounted screen is acrisp, high-resolution 12.3-inch screen for navigation and infotainment purposes.Screen transitions are as fluid as any high-end smartphone, with all information placed right in front of the driver.

You can switch the between display modes,Classic View — dominated by a large speedo and tachometer — and Infotainment View, which is for music or accessing the navigation map. However, getting used to the system could be a bit of a struggle.

What isn’t hard to figure out are the gorgeous turbine-like air vents with integrated climate control settings that add to the elegant, minimalist fascia. Rotating the dials on the air vents adjusts temperature, fan speed and flow direction and can be clicked on as well for more settings.

Comfort in the leather-clad seats is great too, only if you treat it as a two-seater, that is. The rear seats are practically unusable by anyone except small children.Flip them down for additional luggage space. The electric seats make assuming the driving position easy, while the pneumatically adjustable bolstering in our S line trim car holds you snugly in place while attacking corners.