Just test-drove an Audi TT from my dealer service fleet.
It was a 2008 model with only 10,000 miles on it and FrontTrack (no Quattro). Will it make a great Audi certified pre-owned car some day? How is the TT holding up after a year in the loaner fleet?
The TT is a handsome car inside and out that has sports car potential. But it has some quirks that make it difficult to live with.
It spins the front wheels like a Oldsmobile Alero
Do you remember the Alero from the 90’s? It was front wheel drive car with a strong V6 and torque steer from hell. This Audi TT without Quattro is a modern day Alero.
plenty of torque + turbo lag + front wheel drive = You will look like a hack who can’t drive
A strong engine with initial turbo lag and low traction conspire to make you look like a hack who can’t modulate the gas pedal. You will spin the tires in the city, especially while turning, even if you are trying hard not to.
What fun is a sports car when you got to be super careful about applying the gas? Want to make a quick right turn without drama? What to merge quickly on the freeway without loosing you steering feel or aim? Forgetaboutit.
Get the Quattro. Seriously.
Audi should have never sold any TT without Quattro. (Thankfully all 2009 and 2010 models come standard with it).
Capable on mountain roads
I took the TT on my usual test loop to Saratoga, CA and up highway 9 to the summit road. The combination of quick tight corners and long sweeping curves is a great way to test the suspension and steering set up. The TT performed very well (aside from the traction problems), with predictable handling and high limits even without the sports package. The steering is getting almost BMW 3 series precise and most importantly my lady passenger said she felt secure being driven fast in the TT. Ultimately, the Audi TT has a bit too much weight up font, which translates into too much under steer. But this is entirely save set up and does not seriously interfere with having fun.
The DSG Transmission is great on the open road, sucks in city
Many good things have been written about the DSG and I agree it’s an excellent transmission – most of the time. The DSG dual clutch automatic fires gears off quickly and smoothly in manual or automatic mode. Regardless if you give it full power, half power, shift at redline or at 2,000 rpm. It’s always crisp and fast. Fun, fun, fun.
But, the Audi TT also suffered from a lurchy automatic.
When you come to a stop the engine rpm briefly drops until the car shakes. A few times I was looking for the clutch pedal with my left foot. Then, as you let go of the break the car starts to shake (again) and then lurches forward as you give it some *gentle* gas. Try to park a car with a lurching automatic and you will look like a fool who doesn’t have motor skills. I’ve talked to my local Audi service advisor and apparently this is a common problem with the DSG. There is no fix for it, you just have to live with it.
If you do a lot of city or stop and go traffic it will annoy the hell out of you. I expect better from Audi. Much better.
Bottom Line
If you are interested in the Audi TT the “must have” option is the Quattro. The front wheel drive is killing all sporty driving ambitions and fatally flaws an otherwise capable little sports car.
Cruising around town in the TT does not satisfy their either. The ride is a bit busy and choppy, the engine is vibrating (especially in stop and go traffic) and the DSG automatic is lurchy. It’s definitely not a smooth cruiser like a Mercedes SLK.
The Porsche Boxster is clearly the better sports car for a few thousand extra. I’m no friend of the BMW Z4 (because of the non-BMW like handling), but at least it offers a much smoother engine and automatic.
Still want the Audi TT? Get the Quattro and check if you can live with the jerky DSG and vibrating engine. Also, watch the options list and keep it simple. A roadster/ sports coupe should be simple and fun. Even if you load it up with options it will never be a luxury car.
read more on CraigSelection.com
No comments:
Post a Comment