First Drive: Third time is the charm for 2016 Audi TT

2016 Audi TT (photo:Audi)

Pick up any car magazine, any newspaper, or surf to any car review on the web and what is the first picture you’ll see? The exterior of a car, perfectly positioned in the light, glistening, heroic.

But it’s the interior of a car that’s more important. It’s where you’ll be spending most of your time: staring at the dashboard, adjusting the seat, flicking the turn signals. (You do use turn signals, right?)

Yet we focus on the outside of cars. Are we really that shallow?

With the new 2016 Audi TT it’s what’s on the inside that matters.

Interior

Inside the cabin then, is where where you'll find the TT's most spectacular party piece.

The “virtual cockpit” as Audi calls it does away with the centrally mounted infotainment screen. Instead, there’s a single, huge screen mounted in the instrument binnacle. It's easily configurable to show you any info you might need: a large colour map, speed, favourite radio stations. This by itself is cool, but the real benefit is that it frees up the rest of the dash from clutter and complexity.

The cabin feels minimalist, airy and open. That it’s not claustrophobic is a triumph for a small sports car.

Walkaround

From the exterior, the new TT is instantly recognizable. While the first-generation TT may have been something of a minor revolution in the car design world, this new TT is merely evolutionary. It's a sleek machine.

Note the Audi badge has now moved to the hood instead of the grille — a subtle nod to the R8 supercar.

Tech

The third-generation TT continues the same formula as its predecessors. A 2+2 with a front-mounted engine. In Canada, both models — TT and TTS — will have quattro all-wheel drive. (A front-wheel drive model is offered in Europe.)

The TT features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 230 horsepower. The torque band is massive, with 273 lb-ft available from 1,600-4,300 rpm. The TT will go from 0-100 km/h in six seconds flat.

The TTS features the same 2.0-litre turbo motor tuned up to provide 310 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from 1,800-5,700 rpm. The result? 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The standard six-speed DSG automatic gearbox helps there too.

Performance

230 horsepower is probably all you need in the TT. The car’s lighter weight helps make the most of the power. Even at highway speeds the little 2.0-litre engine has the grunt to overtake with vigour.

However, it does run out of steam in the upper reaches of its rev range. If you are the sort who likes to drive flat out, then you’ll appreciate the TTS. Its engine pulls hard all the way to over 6,000 rpm.

One complaint about the new TT is that it still doesn’t quite feel like a true sports car. Not in the same way, say, a Porsche Cayman does. The TT’s not as sharp or tactile. On the flipside, the TT makes up for it in comfort, ride quality, and everyday usability.

Value

Canadian pricing and fuel economy figures have yet to be been announced, however, pricing is expected to be similar to the current TT, if slightly higher. A fair estimate is around $53,000 for the TT and $62,000 for the TTS, making it a direct competitor for the aging BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK, and the Porsche Boxster and Cayman twins.

Conclusion

The third time really is the charm. The 2016 model is the best TT ever: both new engines are excellent and the cabin is best in class. It may not be a scalpel sharp sports car, but it would be a joy to drive day-to-day.

If you want one, you will have to wait until September 2015 when the new TT officially arrives in Canadian showrooms.