2003 Audi TT Review

The small, rakish Audi TT sports car is offered for the first time since its 2000 debut with an automatic transmission, and remains a lot of fun to drive. It's one of few auto show concept cars to reach production with few changes.

But only the base 180-horsepower coupe and convertible are offered with the six-speed automatic transmission, which replaces a five-speed manual gearbox.

The responsive automatic has a manual shift feature and makes the TT easier to live with in congested areas. That's partly because the manual transmission's clutch has a long throw that's tiring in heavy traffic and forces some drivers to sit closer to the wheel than they want to.

The automatic's six speeds are needed to get the most performance from the small 1.8-liter engine, which provides an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28-29 on highways.

The higher-line 225-horsepower coupe and soft top come only with a slick six-speed manual transmission, which isn't available for the entry models.

The TT is quick with both versions of the engine, with the lighter coupe being slightly faster. The lower-horsepower model does 0-60 mph in 7.9-8.1 seconds while the 225-horsepower version hits 60 in 6.3-6.7 seconds. However, the engine sometimes stutters and momentarily provides no forward motion when cold.

Power steering is quick, but it feels a bit spongy. Handling is sharp, but the brake pedal needs a more linear action. The ride is firm but supple, although some roads cause it to get jiggly partly because the car has a short 95.4-inch wheelbase.

Both the coupe and convertible are rigidly built, although the convertible has some steering column shake over rough pavement. The convertible's interior is a bit drafty with the top lowered, but it has a power-retractable glass windscreen behind the seats to reduce top-down turbulence at highway speeds.

The base hatchback coupe costs $32,500. The convertible, which arrived for 2001, is $34,500 with an easily worked manual top--or $800 extra with a power top. The higher line all-wheel-drive coupe is $36,200 and the convertible is $39,000, with its standard power top. Both convertible tops have a heated glass rear window.

Only top-line models now are offered with Audi's accomplished quattro all-wheel drive system. Front-drive TT versions do well on slippery roads with their front-wheel drive and traction control system. But there's no beating the all-wheel-drive system for ultimate road grip.

Also new for 2003 are a more aggressive looking grille. There also are distinct exterior accents, new color combinations for the TT convertible and refinements to the interior.

The TT is a retro-style car. It resembles the pre-1965 Porsche which had a smooth "inverted bathtub'' body shape. Occupants sit low, as in a 1950s Porsche Speedster, and the TT's large race-style aluminum gas cap cover could have come from an old competition Porsche.

Under the sculpted TT body is a modified Volkswagen Golf chassis, and the turbocharged engine is found throughout the Volkswagen-Audi car family. Those are solid components and keep prices down for the TT, which is the only sports car in its price range with all-wheel drive.

The TT is rather heavy for a small car; it weighs 2,921-3,274 pounds, which is one reason for the low city fuel economy number. The car is no lightweight partly because even the $32,500 TT has a good amount of comfort and convenience equipment, including automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD sound system, cruise control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel and power windows and door locks with a remote entry feature.

Options include a $1,100 Premium Package with heated front seats with individual controls and powerful Xenon headlights. Safety features include front side air bags that provide chest and head side protection. The convertible has two nifty aluminum roll bars behind the seats.

Options include 17-inch tires for the base versions and 18-inch tires for the 225-horsepower models.

The colorful, post-modern industrial design interior has a large speedometer and tachometer and smaller secondary gauges similar to those in pre-1965 classic Porsches. There's leather upholstery and lots of nicely used aluminum trim. Sound and climate control systems have large, easily used controls.

But a driver unfamiliar with the TT will have a hard time finding the tiny power window switches without consulting the owner's manual; they're virtually hidden on the driver's door. Also, the two stylish console cupholders are set too far back by your elbow for an easy reach.

There's decent room for two tall adults up front, but the small rear-seat area of the coupe is best suited to toddlers, pets or cargo. Its split-folding rear seat enlarges the cargo area. The trunk has a high opening, but even the convertible has a fairly big trunk for a small sports car--at least with the top up.

One drawback to the design of both the coupe and convertible is poor rear visibility, although decent-sized outside power mirrors help here.

The Audi TT probably could get by on its looks, but offers plenty of driving kicks. And it'll probably never really go out of style.


AUDI TT
Prices:
$32,500-$39,000

Likes:
Rakish styling. First available automatic transmission. Lively. All-wheel drive for top-line models.

Dislikes:
Rear-seat room. High trunk opening. Rear blind spots. Sensitive brake pedal.