Audi TT Review (2006-2013)

What is the Audi TT?

The Audi TT is a style icon – at least the first-generation car certainly was – but the second-generation model adds a touch more practicality and usability to the mix.

It is one of those cars whose reputation precedes it. With its pretty lines and fashionable image, no wonder it’s often driven by the style-conscious – or that it even turns the heads of those who aren’t.

Those who don’t know better might dismiss the TT as a car that puts style over substance. But that couldn’t be further from the truth, because beneath its pert exterior sits one of the best and most rewarding coupes there is.

In 2014, the mk2 model was replaced with the Audi TT mk3, which lasted all the way until 2023

How practical is it?

You only need to climb aboard the TT to realise it’s about more than just looks. Inside, you’ll find a sturdy dashboard that feels pleasingly over-engineered, with metal-ringed dials and slick switches that lend a real touch of class. There are high-quality plastics throughout, and slabs of real metal or carbon fibre, depending on which model you choose.

The TT Coupe does have back seats, although they’re very small. That said, you can use them to carry small children in a child seat – just. Further back, the TT’s practicality is further aided by the hatchback bootlid which greatly aids access to the 290-litre boot, something that some rivals, like the Peugeot RCZ and BMW 1 Series Coupe, don't have. What's more, you can fold the rear seats down to turn the TT into a two-seater with space for a mountain bike in the back.

You can also get a convertible version, called the Audi TT Roadster, but we'll cover that in a separate review.

What's it like to drive?

Out on the road, the TT gets better. You get a choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and even the former serves up plenty of grip. However, the four-wheel-drive TTs, badged ‘quattro’, deliver better traction on slippery roads, and that might come in handy at the height of the British winter.

Neither version is quite as involving as the BMW 1 Series, but the TT’s faithful responses, excellent body control and sharp responses from the steering wheel still make it invigorating to drive.

Most TT Coupes are equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. And while the sound won’t do much for you, these engines still give you plenty of accessible power to play with, making progress brisk.

You can also opt for a 3.2-litre V6, which sounds more interesting, but adds weight and uses quite a lot of fuel. At the other end of the fuel economy spectrum, meanwhile, this was the first TT to be offered with a diesel option, a 2.0-litre that provides lots of low-down grunt. Most engines come with a slick six-speed manual gearbox, although the 2.0 quattro uses Audi’s quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic, branded ‘S Tronic’.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

The entry-level 1.8-litre model, known simply as the TT, came reasonably well equipped, with electronic climate control, a CD player, sports seats, traction control and a retractable rear spoiler coming as standard.

2.0-litre variants got leather and faux-suede upholstery, while 3.2-litre models got full leather upholstery, as well as heated front seats and four-wheel drive.

Upgrading to the S-Line variant bought you bigger wheels, lowered suspension, a sportier bodykit and a short-shift gearbox, while the performance versions gained magnetic adjustable suspension dampers and Xenon headlamps.

Audi TT running costs

The cheapest TT Coupe to run is, unsurprisingly, the diesel model. Reckon on seeing around 45mpg on average in day-to-day driving, though this will obviously drop off a little if you like to drive quickly.

Of the petrol versions, it’s the standard 2.0-litre that’s the most efficient, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see anywhere between 30 and 35mpg on average, depending on your driving style.

Reckon on that dropping off by 1-2mpg if you go for the 2.0 quattro, while the 3.2-litre engine will sink your fuel consumption further, to somewhere in the order of 20-25mpg. In fact, the more powerful TT S is actually more economical, thanks to its impressively efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine; you should see a shade below 30mpg on average. The same goes for the TT RS, which should be able to crack 25mpg on average.

All mk2 TTs are now old enough to qualify for Audi’s fixed-price servicing offer, and because that’s one of the most reasonable of any premium manufacturer’s, it means you can get your car serviced at an Audi dealership for a decent price. Having said that, if you take it to an independent specialist, you’ll pay even less.

Opt for a 2.0-litre petrol TT built before 2009 or one of the diesel versions, and you’ll need to plan on changing the timing belt every five years or 120,000 miles, at a cost of around £600. Post-2009 2.0s and all V6s used a timing chain instead which, in theory, shouldn't need changing for the duration of the life of the car. Remember, too, that four-wheel-drive TTs will need to have the oil in their Haldex coupling changed every three years or 18,500 miles, whichever comes up first, although this shouldn’t cost you much more than a brake fluid change.

Audi TT reliability

The TT’s 2.0-litre petrol engine has been known to suffer from a stretched timing chain. Even if the problem is caught before it results in major engine damage, this can be an expensive job to fix, and if not it becomes eye-wateringly so, as you’ll need to rebuild or replace the engine. Listen out for rattling noises when you start the car, and make sure you buy a car that has evidence of regular maintenance.

The above problem can be compounded by another peculiar to the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engines, which is that they can sometimes consume more oil than usual. The problem seems to exist mainly on cars registered in early 2011 and before, so it’s best to seek out a car made after this date.

Most TTs are fitted with standard leather seats, but if you’re looking at one that has the optional upgrade to the softer Nappa leather, it’s worth remembering that these seats have been known to wear more quickly than the standard ones, so they can look tatty sooner, and can also start to sag.

You’ll also want to listen out for knocks, clunks and rattles when you’re driving with the front wheels turned. It’s caused by a noisy steering rack, and while not a safety issue, it is annoying, and can cost a lot of money to repair, as the entire rack needs to be replaced.