Audi TT (2006 – 2014) Review
Audi TT (2006 – 2014) At A Glance
With its sharper styling the second Audi TT has shaken off the rather 'soft' image of the original and taken on a more aggressive look. But these changes aren't just on the outside. It is also more rewarding to drive with great handling and tight steering, yet remains comfortable enough for long journeys without feeling frantic.
When it comes to engines, the Audi TT Coupe also has the power to back up its bold appearance. The 2.0 TFSI petrol - an engine shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTI - is the pick of the range and offers tremendous acceleration along with a great engine note. Of course if you want outright pace, the high-performance TT RS is the model to go for, if you can afford the price tag and running costs of course.
But perhaps the most interesting engine is the TDI. This 2.0 TDI is capable of a very impressive 53.3mpg, a feat no other two-seater sports car can match. It means you can have the style and drive of the Audi TT but it needn't punish you at the pumps.
Inside you'll find one of the best cabins around with wonderful detailing and a top-class finish. It does have rear seats but they're fairly pointless apart from use as extra luggage room. However, that's one of very few negatives.
In 2010 the TT was given a minor facelift with subtle exterior changes including a redesigned front bumper and a rear diffuser. The big alterations came under the bonnet where the 2.0 TFSI engine was upgraded with extra power but also improved fuel economy.
Audi TT (2006 – 2014) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.8 TFSI to 3.2 FSI V6 quattro
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–57 mpg
Thanks to the extensive use of aluminium in the body, the TT is lightweight and consequently very agile. The steering is well weighted and has plenty of feel, which means it's hugely involving to drive and inspires plenty of confidence too. And it's on twisting roads where the TT really comes into its own thanks to huge amounts of grip and minimal body roll.
The standard 2.0 TFSI is front wheel drive and provides more than enough traction for everyday driving situations, however for extra reassurance a four-wheel drive quattro version is available (it's standard on the TDI, 3.2-litre V6 and TTS models) and it certainly adds an extra element of confidence, especially in wet conditions.
The ride quality is impressive too and does a good job of evening out bumpy roads. It is firm, this is a two-seater coupe after all, but it's not uncomfortable. However, be aware that if you opt for the optional 19-inch alloy wheels, they can have a fairly detrimental effect on ride comfort.
One useful optional extra is the Audi magnetic ride system which continually adapts the suspension depending on the road type. In normal mode it's very comfortable (more so than the standard set-up in fact) plus there's a sport setting which stiffens the suspension and sharpens the steering for a more focussed drive.
The most popular engine is the excellent 2.0 TFSI with 200bhp - an engine shared with the 2005 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Not only does it have a great exhaust note, but its lively nature fits perfectly with the TT, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds. It's pretty economical too and will average 36.7mpg.
The top engine is the 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 but while it sounds lovely and is very powerful, it doesn't have the urgency of the 2.0 TFSI. If you're after performance then the TTS is the model to go for. It uses the same engine as the 2.0 TFSI but with power boosted to 272bhp so it will cover the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.4 seconds. It's a good choice if the high performance TT RS is too much.
If you're looking for affordable running costs then the TDI model is the one to go for. The 2.0 TDI common rail diesel has 170bhp and plenty of torque and will average 53.3mpg. It lacks the sparkle of the TFSI engine but makes the most sense when it comes to running costs.
In May 2010 the TT was given a mid-life facelift and although the styling changes were minor, there were improvements under the bonnet. The 2.0 TFSI engine was upgraded to a more powerful unit with 211bhp (from the 2009 Golf GTI) which is half a second faster from 0-62mph. Impressively it's also more economical with an average of 42.8mpg. We've already driven this model here.
The other engines remain unchanged but Audi did introduce the option of a Sport button (in conjunction with the magnetic ride). This button by the gear lever makes the accelerator pedal more sensitive, gives the steering more weight and even makes the exhaust louder.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
1.8 TFSI | 44 mpg | 7.3 s | 149 g/km |
1.8 TFSI S tronic | 44 mpg | 7.2 s | 147 g/km |
2.0 TDI quattro | 53 mpg | 7.6 s | 139 g/km |
2.0 TDI quattro S tronic | 51 mpg | 7.5 s | 144 g/km |
2.0 TFSI | 43 mpg | 6.2 s | 154 g/km |
2.0 TFSI quattro | 39 mpg | 5.7 s | 169 g/km |
2.0 TFSI S tronic | 40 mpg | 6.1 s | 164 g/km |
3.2 FSI V6 | 27–30 mpg | 5.7–5.9 s | 224–247 g/km |
3.2 FSI V6 quattro | 27–30 mpg | 5.7–5.9 s | 224–247 g/km |
TTS 2.0 TFSI quattro | 36 mpg | 5.5 s | 184 g/km |
TTS 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic | 37 mpg | 5.3 s | 179 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi TT (2006 – 2014)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
84%
Real MPG
22–57 mpg
MPGs submitted
410
Audi TT (2006 – 2014) interior
- Boot space is 290–700 litres
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4178–4198 mm |
Width | 1842 mm |
Height | 1345–1353 mm |
Wheelbase | 2468 mm |
The Audi TT has one of the best interior designs around with a sporty but user-friendly layout. As you'd expect of any Audi, the quality of the plastics and the finish are both superb with a real upmarket feel to everything, even the less important switches.
Everything works with real precision, from the clutch and gear change to the stereo and air conditioning controls. And there are some great details too, such as the chrome ringed air vents that have a lovely mechanical feel along with the deep set instrument dials that glow white at night. The flat-bottomed steering wheel finishes the sporty feel off nicely.
Finding a good driving position is made simple by a tremendous range of seat and steering wheel adjustment, while the seats themselves have great support - ideal for tackling tight bends or for longer motorway journeys. The rear seats are fairly pointless though. They're not even 'occassional' seats and instead are best used as extra space for bags and coats.
Leather and Alcantara trim is standard on the 2.0 TFSI while full leather and heated front seats are standard on the 3.2-litre. The TTS (pictured above) has lovely Alcantara and leather sports seats which offer even more side support. Boot space isn't bad for a two-seater sports car either and the TT Coupe can carry about the same as a Ford Fiesta, while rear visibility is more than acceptable.
Equipment from launch (September 2006):
2.0 TFSI and TDI come with 17-inch alloy wheels, three-spoke leather steering wheel (including paddle shifts on S tronic models), six-speed manual gearbox, aluminium interior detailing, CD stereo, electric windows, climate control, electronic stability control (ESP), front sports seats, leather/Alcantara upholstery, split folding rear seats and a retractable rear spoiler.
3.2 quattro adds 18-inch alloys, twin exhaust pipes, chrome detailed headlight surrounds, leather upholstery, heated front seats, quattro four-wheel drive and an enhanced braking system.
TTS (from June 2008) gets the Audi magnetic ride, xenon headlamps incorporating LED daytime running lights, larger front air intakes, aluminium-look door mirror housings, deeper side skirts and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels and a revised rear bumper surrounding quad-tailpipes subtly. Inside there are two-tone leather sports seats, exclusive 'S' instruments with white needles, metal pedals and special aluminium trim elements.
S line (from January 2009) is available with the TDI, TFSI and 3.2-litre engines. Extras include an S line-specific front grille, unique front and rear bumper design, side sill extensions and 18-inch five-spoke design alloy wheels. There is also sports suspension (lowered by 10mm), an upgrade to the short-shift manual gearbox, S line embossing for the sports seats and brushed aluminium inlays inside.
Audi TT (2006 – 2014) models and specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4178–4198 mm |
Width | 1842 mm |
Height | 1345–1353 mm |
Wheelbase | 2468 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1260–1430 kg |
Boot Space | 290–700 L |
Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
Servicing | 9000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Tyre-repair kit |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £24,630–£38,775 |
Insurance Groups | 32–38 |
Road Tax Bands | E–L |
Official MPG | 27.4–53.3 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | - |
On sale until January 2015
On sale until April 2010
Coupe | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
3.2 FSI V6 quattro | £31,420 | 27.4 mpg | 5.9 s |
3.2 FSI V6 quattro Auto | £32,870 | 30.1 mpg | 5.7 s |
3.2 FSI V6 quattro S line | £32,470 | 27.4 mpg | 5.9 s |
3.2 FSI V6 quattro S line Auto | £33,920 | 30.1 mpg | 5.7 s |
Model History
- June 2006: New TT revealed
- January 2008: TTS Coupe and Roadster launched
- April 2010
- October 2011: TT Coupe range expands to include new 1.8 TFSI Coupe
- May 2012
June 2006
New TT revealed
Now with Audi corporate grille. 2.0-litre engines replace 1.8-litre. Lightweight aluminium and steel hybrid construction and magnetic ride system maximise potential of all new Audi sports car
200PS 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine and front-wheel-drive or the 250PS 3.2-litre V6 harnessed by quattro permanent four-wheel-drive. Advanced Audi Space Frame construction blending 69% aluminium and 31% steel for outstanding weight distribution benefiting dynamics. Magnetic Ride system for optimum handling composure and retractable spoiler increases downforce to maximise stability
Power for the dramatically styled new coupe is provided by either the 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine with 200PS or the 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine with 250PS. 2.0 T FSI versions will be front-wheel-driven, and the 3.2-litre models will be harnessed by the acclaimed quattro four-wheel-drive system. Six-speed manual transmission will be a standard feature of both versions, with the Stronic twin-clutch automatic transmission (formerly known as DSG) available as a cost option at £1,400. From June 2007 'Audi exclusive' allows buyers to customise the specs of their TTs.
Options include two-tone Fine Nappa Leather upholstery and extended leather trim with seat centres and door panels in a choice of silver, crimson red, signal orange or saddle brown colour schemes. Priced at £1,750 for 2.0 TFSI Coupe and Roadster models (normally featuring leather and Alcantara mix upholstery) and at £1,200 for 3.2 quattro models with standard Fine Nappa Leather upholstery.
Audi exclusive programme offers a virtually infinite number of customisation possibilities across all Audi models, including in excess of 30,000 pre-mixed exterior paint colours. Bespoke paint mixtures can match team colours, favourite lipstick shades etc also possible.
January 2008
TTS Coupe and Roadster launched
272PS and standard magnetic ride system. Debut at the North American International Auto Show and for UL order from mid-2008/ Powered by an extensively modified version of the 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine delivering 272PS and peak torque of 350Nm between 2,500 and 5,000rpm. Coupé (manual) 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, limited 155mph top speed, 29.7mpg, Roadster 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, limited 155mph top speed, 29.3mpg.
Suspension, steering and brakes revised to complement enhanced performance. Standard quattro drivetrain and Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system for optimum handling. With optional S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission acceleration times are reduced by a further two-tenths of a second in both the Coupé and Roadster.
TTS Coupe and Roadster UK prices confirmed at £33,380 OTR and £35,380 OTR – available to order February 2008 for summer 2008 deliveries. Six-speed manual or optional S tronic transmission and standard magnetic ride adaptive damping. 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds, 155mph top speed, 35.3mpg combined, CO2 191g/km (TTS Coupe manual). 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, 155mph top speed, 34.4mpg combined, CO2 194g/km (TTS Roadster manual)
TDI 170 quattro launched at Geneva Show March 2008, using 170PS version of new common rail piezo injected diesel engine fitted to the A4 B8. Open for UK orders in early March 2008 priced from £26,350 OTR for summer 2008 deliveries Euro 5 emissions compliant. 170PS at 4,200rpm, 350Nm from 1,750rpm to 2,500rpm. TT TDI Coupe 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds, top speed 140mph, 53.3mpg combined consumption, CO2 140g/km. TT TDI Roadster 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, top speed 138mph, 51.3mpg combined consumption, CO2 145g/km.
April 2010
Enhanced exterior design, new colours inside and out, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights now standard for S line versions, new interior trim elements. Engine efficiency improved by up to 14 per cent thanks in part to newly adopted energy recuperation technology – new 2.0 TFSI engine with 211PS featuring Audi valvelift technology offers significant economy gains
- TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI 211PS with manual transmission - 0-62mph 6.1 seconds (TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI 200PS 6.6 seconds), top speed 152mph (149mph), combined MPG 42.8 (36.7) , CO 2 154g/km (183g/km)
- New sport button first seen in TT RS available as an option across the range - alters throttle response, steering servo assistance and engine note
- S tronic transmission option for TT RS due in 2010
October 2011
TT Coupe range expands to include new 1.8 TFSI Coupe
Available with Sport or S line specification and priced from £24,070 OTR. Choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmissions. 1.8 TFSI previously reserved for TT Roadster offers 160PS between 4,500 and 6,300rpm, 250Nm between 1,500 and 4,500rpm. TT Coupe 1.8 TFSI S tronic 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds, top speed 140mph, combined mpg 44.1, CO2 147g. S tronic transmission also becomes available for 1.8 TFSI Roadster and 2.0 TDI quattro Coupe and Roadster models
S line versions upgrade with features including 18-inch alloy wheels, lowered S line sports suspension, a short-shift gearbox for manual versions, S line exterior and interior detailing and xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps.
Above these is Black Edition specification, which takes S line as its basis and is available exclusively for 2.0-litre TFSI and TDI versions. It adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a black styling treatment for the single frame grille surround and number plate holder, dark tinted rear privacy glass for Coupe models, acoustic rear parking sensors for Roadsters, a Bluetooth phone interface and an upgraded Symphony audio system linked to a BOSE premium sound system.
OTR Prices - TT Coupe
TT Coupe |
OTR |
1.8 TFSI Sport manual |
£24,070 |
1.8 TFSI S line manual |
£26,060 |
1.8 TFSI Sport S tronic |
£25,550 |
1.8 TFSI S line S tronic |
£27,540 |
2.0 TFSI Sport manual |
£27,140 |
2.0 TFSI Sport S tronic |
£28,620 |
2.0 TFSI S line manual |
£29,130 |
2.0 TFSI S line S tronic |
£30,610 |
2.0 TFSI Black Edition manual |
£30,380 |
2.0 TFSI Black Edition S tronic |
£31,860 |
2.0 TFSI quattro Sport S tronic |
£30,150 |
2.0 TFSI quattro S line S tronic |
£32,140 |
2.0 TFSI quattro Black Edition S tronic |
£33,390 |
2.0 TDI quattro Sport manual |
£28,300 |
2.0 TDI quattro S line manual |
£30,290 |
2.0 TDI quattro Black Edition manual |
£31,540 |
2.0 TDI quattro Sport S tronic |
£29,795 |
2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic |
£31,785 |
2.0 TDI quattro Black Edition S tronic |
£33,035 |
|
|
TTS Coupe 2.0 TFSI manual |
£35,605 |
TTS Coupe 2.0 TFSI S tronic |
£37,085 |
TTS Coupe Black Edition 2.0 TFSI manual |
£36,855 |
TTS Coupe Black Edition 2.0 TFSI S tronic |
£38,335 |
|
|
TT RS Coupe 2.5 TFSI manual |
£45,840 |
TT RS Coupe 2.5 TFSI S tronic |
£47,185 |
May 2012
Audi revised its recommendation for timing belt replacement on the 2006 - 2008 200PS 2.0TSI engine to be 75,000 miles or 5 years whichever comes soonest.
What to watch out for
Be aware of the difficulty of matching bespoke Audi exclusive colours after damage repairs.
Problem with steering racks/columns rattling and whining.
Engine suddenly cutting out may be due to a faulty airbag switch, activation of which results in the ECU assuming the car has crashed at which point it shuts off the engine, turns on the hazards and unlockes the doors.
One report of cylinder head gasket failure on an independently bought and independently serived 2008 TTS.
06-07-2013:Clutch life of a 270PS TTS can be as short as 20k miles.
10-07-2014:DSG failed on 2007/57 Audi TT 3.2, losing all gears apart from 1st and 3rd. Audi dealer quoted £2,500 to fix, spent 8 weeks failing to fix it, then re-quoted £7,900 and wanted £1,800 to return the car in its unrepaired state.
06-09-2015:Faults with much loved 2007/57 Audi TT 2.0T FSI s-tronicover 69,000 miles included: 2 parcel shelf brackets; both window regulators; both having to have a further 2 re-fits; drivers side still leaking water into foot well; 1 heater blower situated behind glovebox; 1 power relay plus 3 other components to be fitted in tandem, (Audi reluctant to put details on my invoice.) and in January 2015 a new s-tronic gearbox, even though owner had requested twice in the early days of ownership that something was wrong and was told after two test drives it was OK. An independent told her in 2014 that it was the worst TT gearbox he had ever come across, which then made her approach Audi after the power relay failed November 2014. All works carried out under warranty or extended warranty with her paying the first £250 to keep premiums down.
12-09-2015:Noise from rear of recently purchased fairly new Audi TTS cured by replacing rear wheel bearings.
18-02-2016:Instrument cluster of 2012 bought-from-new Audi TT failed completely, so no speedometer, rev counter or mileage, just lots of warning lights (EPC etc). Apparently it needs to be replaced (£800 plus VAT plus fitting). Audi dealer quoted 2 weeks before he could even look at it.
30-06-2016:Report of Audi TT 1.8TFSI roadster needing new waterpump at 32k miles, quoted £679.
19-11-2016:Report of dashboard ESP warning light coming on intermittently on an 18k mile 2008 Audi TT Mk II 3.2VR6 s-tronic roadster. Wheel realignment made no difference. Replacing ESP wheel sensor made no difference. Strange occasional 'bang' from under the car when brakes applied. Otherwise running fine. Eventually turned out to be a faulty brake pedal switch/sensor, cured by replacing the switch ast a cost of £20.
19-01-2017:Numerous faults found on 2012 Audi TTS during change of timing belt, tensioner and waterpump at 31,500 mile service. In addition to annual services, the brake fluid & Haldex coupling oil had been changed at 18,500 miles/3 years and the s-tronic gearbox oil and filter had been changed at 23,600 miles/4 years, so car had been fastidiously maintained. Faults 'found' by Audi dealer at 31,500 miles included pressure converter valve on turbo intake was broken and must be replaced; 2 faults were diagnostically "logged" for v181 haldex pump and j500 power steering control unit and dealer said it would need to investigate these faults at £100 per hour for labour. The only conclusion to be reached from this is that, despite very careful maintenance, the 2012 Audi TTS was not a very reliable car.
12-02-2017:Report of rear differential of Audi TTS exploding 200 miles after Haldex clutch fluid drain and replacement. Before this service the car was 'normal'. After this service there was a faint noise like a motorbike pulling away occasionally when leaving junctions. Owner had the garage look at it, but they couldn't find any problems. On its first sustained motorway journey the diff pinion bearing exploded, whilst on cruise control on a straight motorway doing 70. Owner later told that noise he heard was probably due to lack of oil in the differential, suggesting that the garage had accidentally drained it during the service. There are two reasons a pinion bearing explodes: wear, and insufficient lubrication. Full description of Haldex clutch and servicing requirements here: https://auditttuning.org/2010/12/07/haldex-service-training-self-study-program/
14-01-2018:Report of "Rear Propshaft Bearing" (actually Haldex clutch and diff) failing on 2011 Auti TT 2.0TDI quattro Sport at 65,000 miles. Haldex fluid change was carried out using Shell Helix Ultra on 24/3/2014, although nearly 4 years have elapsed since. Replacement cost £1,478.
21-02-2018:Report of high oil consumption from EA888 engine of 2010 Audi TT Roadster 1.8TSI 160 Roadster. Goes from full to oil light on in 500 miles.
21-02-2018:Report of failure of window regulators in both doors of a 2010 Audi TT Coupe. Replacements sourced from TPS Liverpool, the official Audi/VW parts supplier have thicker wires and pulleys so had been redesigned because failures were quite common.
12-03-2018:Report of judder from transmission of 2012 Audi TT 1.8 S Tronic, approx 20,000 miles. On driving off or at low speeds experiencing a judder, which is happening more and more. Probably a DQ200 7-speed dry clutch s-tronic and likely to be the dry clutch pack.
30-03-2018:Report of engine problem with 2011 Audi TT 2.0TFSI. "On starting the engine misfired and after the RAC eliminated ignition faults it was towed to Audi. They have inspected it and tell me that the metal gauze filter (cam bridge?) has disappeared which caused low oil pressure which in turn caused the cam chain tensioner to skip. They are telling me that the missing gauze held in a ball bearing which is now loose inside the engine and that I need a new engine - quoting 9K for the privilege. The engine turned over, very rough at idle, when the RAC were inspecting it and appeared almost normal when revved. Is a second independent opinion worth while?" We referred the owner to a member of http://www.fer.co.uk
07-01-2019:Report of 2013 Audi TT 1.8 (EA888) flashing up the need for an oil change at 44,700 miles, 6,600 miles after its last oil change in March 2018.
06-02-2019:Report of pitting to camshaft lobes of 2013 Audi TTS at 65,000km (41k miles). Car had been bought used in 2015 at 19,700km. Ran fine until recently. Then on examination Luxembourg dealer found the camshaft lobes were all pitted. Dealer thinks an incorrect lubricant or additive must have been used yet no other parts were pitted. The car has been properly serviced, apparently by Audi dealers. Like the VW Golf GTI Edition 30, while other post 2009 Golf VI GTIs and Audi TTs got the EA888 chain cam 2.0TFSI engine, the more powerful 272PS TTS kept the CLDG EA113 2.0 engine, which is belt cam.
10-04-2019:Obscure report of piston breaking up in engine of 2013 Audi TT (no mention which engine) at 40,000 miles despite "full Audi service history" (no mention of frequency of oil changes). Audi dealer wants £9,000 + for a new engine.
20-02-2020:Report of Haldex clutch of Mk II Audi TTS failing despite Audi dealer servicing and regular changing of the Haldes fluid because the oil filter had become blocked. Audi dealer told the owner they never change the filters unless replacing the Haldex clutches. (See: 14-1-2018 and 12-2-2017.)
28-08-2020:Report of stretched timing chain on 2012 TT 2.0TFSI. Owner quoted £2300 to replace chain.