The Audi TT
The Audi TT’s looks has been described by most people as being ‘stunning’ even though it has been on sale since 1999.
The cabin is as stylish as the car’s exterior and comfortable for all but not for the tallest.
Unlike the Roadster, the coupe comes with a back seat which is extremely cramped, and best suited as an extra storage area.
The TT provides good performance from even the least powerful versions. Most have four-wheel drive - and excellent traction as a result - while the firm suspension gives precise handling, although the low-speed ride is rather firm.
If you fancy a TT, but are torn between the hard-top coupe and soft-top roadster, the deciding factor may well be what sort of a driver you are. The coupe's roof makes the body stiffer and improves the handling, so it's the only choice for a keen driver, whereas the roadster is better for those who are happy to take things more gently.
As far as the trim is concerned, things are easy - just a single, generous trim for each engine. The choice of engine depends largely on how much money want to spend.
The earliest models, and therefore the cheapest used buys, have a choice of 133 and 165 Kw turbo-charged 1.8-litre engines.
The 3.2 V6 is a great engine, particularly with the optional semi-auto DSG gearbox, and even the front-wheel drive models with 133 Kw won't leave you feeling short-changed.
There was a face-lift in 2002, but the revised front grille (the only major difference) is almost impossible to spot, so the best advice is to buy the newest car you can afford.
If any criticism could have been levelled at the original TT, it would have been a lack of interior space and the fact that it was a less rewarding drive than some rivals.
Audi has taken both of these factors on board to create a larger but lighter TT Coupe with improved handling and more space inside.
You certainly get the car you’re expecting when you buy a TT, but that doesn’t make it cheap. However, re-sale values on the used car market are very strong for the TT, with it often holding up to nearly 60 per cent of its original value after three years of ownership.
It's a sports car to aspire to, so equipment levels are high, with all models across the range coming with part-leather upholstery, alloy wheels, sports seats, and a powerful nine-speaker stereo all fitted as standard.
