Fetching style. Now in its third generation, the Audi TT seems slightly less captivating than before. Yet, it still looks great and remains a head-turner. Credit its connection to the R8 with its clamshell hood and an upright grille. The overall look is short, but it isn't stubby. If you recognize some aspects of the Volkswagen Golf underneath, you're not alone as it shares its architecture with its junior partner. Aerodynamic add-ons and larger wheels, though, offer further separation and distinction.
The interior is stylish with lots of attention to detail, but it's also a minimalist design. High-end materials and superb fit and finish are attributes of note. What's not found is an infotainment screen. Instead, those details are integrated within the digital instrument panel.
Snug for two. Available as a coupe or a cabriolet, the Audi TT offers four seat placements in the coupe and two in the cabriolet. The cabriolet is the more sensible layout as the coupe's rear seat isn't fit for humans. Instead, that seat can be folded down and then builds on the generous 12 cubic feet of cargo space. Choose the cabriolet and there is just 7.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
Thickly bolstered seats support the driver and passenger and they're wrapped in exquisite Nappa leather. Tall people will find the space snug, but it isn't unbearable. The average 6-footer should find sufficient head and legroom. If you're taller, then no.
Balanced technologies. When was the last time you scoured the interior of a new car and didn't find a center console display? That's exactly what's missing from the Audi TT. Instead, those details are integrated within Audi's 12.3-inch digital instrument panel or Virtual Cockpit System. The graphics are vivid and transition promptly between various layouts. Controlling the system is easy through a dial and touchpad between the seats, or with the steering wheel, or through voice recognition. Certainly, Audi worked diligently to pull this off and it works for the TT.
The list of standard tech features includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Navigation, Bluetooth, a pair of USB ports, and wireless phone charging are standard. The 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is exquisite and includes HD Radio. There are no upgrades because, quite frankly, none are needed.
Thin safety features. What is the weakest link for the Audi TT? Likely, that would be in safety, although no crash tests have been performed. Its sheer size puts it at a disadvantage, something common to all cars in this class.
What would help matters is a long list of driver-assist technologies. Unfortunately, beyond the requisite suite of airbags, traction and stability control, and rearview camera, the offerings are thin at best. Audi does equip the TT with blind-spot monitoring along with front and rear parking sensors. What you won't find is automatic emergency braking, lane control, and adaptive cruise control. Even mainstream models offer these features, sometimes as standard equipment.
Final thoughts. Every Audi TT comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission routes power to all four wheels. We prefer the TTS with its active exhaust system operated in sport mode. It's faster and louder than the standard model and reminds us of a scaled-down R8.
