Audi TTS | PH Used Shopping for Information

• Accessible for £18,500
• 2.0-litre inline 4 turbo, all-wheel drive
• Simply out-drags a Porsche Cayman
• Not fairly as a lot enjoyable spherical corners although
• Sturdy reliability and exquisite high quality
• 2023 is the final yr they’re going to be making them

Have you ever ever referred to as an MX-5 a hairdresser’s automotive? If that’s the case, with all due respect you are enjoying a little bit of a mug’s recreation there. By negatively stereotyping good automobiles all you are doing is depriving your self of a fantastic driving expertise. A variety of that MX-5 slurring hit the Audi TT too. Someway it picked up a ‘non-manly’ label within the UK, for causes we will not truly keep in mind. Was it merely the curvy bubbletop styling that offended macho varieties?

Who is aware of – or certainly cares. To us, the distinctive Schreyer/deSilva design nonetheless seems to be recent as we speak having been properly honed over successive generations, so it appears a disgrace to remind you that its days at the moment are very a lot numbered. The present gen-three Kind FV/8S automotive is the final recognisable TT that Audi will produce, and 2023 will probably be its final yr. Audi was truly going to axe it for the 2021 mannequin yr however they gave it a keep of execution whereas they have been placing the ending touches to the TT’s ’emotional’ alternative, which apparently goes to be a battery-powered four-door coupe.

The Kind FV/8S made its debut on the 2014 Geneva present and was constructed across the VW Group’s new, aluminium-rich MQB platform which introduced actual advantages in lightness, power and rigidity (23 % up on the gen-two), which was all excellent news for probably the most highly effective and heaviest mannequin within the gen-two vary, the three.2-litre V6. Properly, it might have been if Audi had continued with that engine within the gen-three TT, however they did not. As a substitute they binned the heavy outdated 3.2 and used their turbocharged inline 2.5 five-pot to energy the brand new TT’s halo mannequin, the 2016 394hp RS, the one new TT to not have a 2.0 TFSI 4.

We did a separate Consumers Information on the RS final March (2021) so in as we speak’s information we may give the ‘lesser’ gen-three TTs their place within the solar. If certainly that is the place they need to be. We’ll discover out over the course of the subsequent few paragraphs.

Let’s begin off by saying that there is not a lot lesserness occurring with the non-RS gen-three TTs. They got here with a alternative of petrol or diesel engines, with the extra highly effective 2.0-litre petrols (and the two.0-litre diesel) providing a alternative of quattro or front-wheel drive, and the lower-powered ones managing with FWD. As a result of that is PistonHeads (the place velocity issues) we will think about the TTS which had the Mk 7 Golf R’s high-performance model of the EA888 2.0 TFSI petrol motor.

The 306hp energy peak for European-spec automobiles was spectacular sufficient by itself, nevertheless it was the supply of 280lb ft of torque throughout a near-4,000rpm broad unfold that made the TTS so deceptively fast cross nation, particularly when it was operating by means of the six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Throw within the Haldex-based quattro all-wheel drive system and also you hardly needed to decelerate within the rain.

A six-speed guide was additionally obtainable for the TTS and this truly began off as the usual transmission for this mannequin. After the TT reprieve announcement in 2021 the guide was dropped solely from the vary. All TTs from that time on bought a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘field. The TTS’s energy was decreased by 4hp in 2021 because of the addition of an exhaust particulate filter. 2018 introduced reworked bumpers and new alloy wheels for some variations and updates to the Digital Cockpit show, of which extra later. It additionally heralded the complicated new Audi mannequin naming regime, during which the TTS grew to become referred to as the 50 TFSI Quattro TTS.

Base stage gen-three TTSs had adaptive suspension as normal together with nappa-leather coated sport seats with diamond-quilted centre sections and contoured, pneumatically adjustable facet bolsters. 19in alloys, lane help and a 9-speaker sound system have been additionally included in the usual TTS spec. Stuff like Audi Join, Bang & Olufsen audio and 20in wheels shuffled throughout from the choices record to the TTS’s normal gear record in 2021.

Highway testers have been giving the TT five-star write-ups because it first went on sale in 1998 (so way back!). Due to Audi’s cautious growth of the automobile they nonetheless are, which is type of exceptional given the competitiveness of a market inhabited by top-notch rivals just like the Cayman and M4. Punters do not at all times see issues in the identical approach as street testers, in fact. Our necessities do not at all times match into neatly headlined classes, and motoring magazines or web sites are but to create a brand new class for subjective attraction. For us the TT is both an impractical four-seat coupe that is not value contemplating at any worth or a really sensible and intensely succesful sports activities automotive that additionally occurs to have a hatchback and 4 seats. For those who’re that second sort of bod, and in the event you’ve determined you do not want a full-house RS and you do not thoughts within the slightest that the TT will probably be no extra after 2023, then this information is aimed straight at you.

How a lot will it price you to get into certainly one of these? Properly, we discovered a repaired Cat S gen-three TTS with 46,000 miles on it for £16,795, however for undamaged automobiles the minimal entry worth is mostly going to be £18,500. On the time we have been placing this information collectively probably the most inexpensive gen-three 306hp TTS within the UK may very well be discovered on PH Classifieds. There is a hyperlink to it within the PH Verdict on the finish. ? Why would you not be? Let’s take a better take a look at what you get.

Engine: 1,984cc inline 4 16v turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed (7 from ’21) twin clutch auto, all-wheel drive
Energy (hp): 306@5,800-6,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 280@1,800-5,700rpm
0-62mph (secs): 4.6 (auto), 4.9 (man)
High velocity (mph): 155
Weight (kg, dry): 1,365 (man), 1,385 (auto)
MPG (official mixed): 38.7
CO2 (g/km): 168
Wheels (in): 18-20
On sale: 2014 – now
Value new: £40,270 (2014)
Value now: from £18,500

Be aware for reference: automotive weight and energy information is tough to pin down with absolute certainty. For consistency, we use the identical supply for all our guides. We hope the information we use is true extra usually than it is incorrect. Our recommendation is to deal with it as relative quite than definitive.

Though followers of different German sporting marques may argue that the TT’s 2.0 4 was two cylinders in need of being a basic engine, they could not in all conscience dispute that the most popular TFSI mixed severe efficiency with an eminently ‘sportlich’ really feel (thanks partly to controllable flaps within the TTS’s exhaust system) and a very good official mixed economic system determine of practically 40mpg.

The 306hp engine gave the TTS a 0-62mph time of 4.9sec even with the guide gearbox. With the auto the time got here all the way down to 4.6sec just about no matter the prevailing street circumstances. That was the most effective a part of a full second lower than it took a PDK-equipped Cayman to succeed in the identical velocity, which provides you an perception into what kind of distinction a very good all-wheel drive system could make. Audi’s quattro reached new ranges of intelligence within the gen-three TTs. Selecting Dynamic in drive choose allowed the motive force to feed extra torque to the rear wheels and in a extra well timed method. On the different excessive, ‘effectivity’ mode might in sure circumstances reduce off all energy from the rears.

The two.0 TFSI engine mixed direct and oblique injection to assist ship this excessive stage of efficiency with out the potential issues of carbon buildup that might canine direct-injection solely engines. In all probability 4 out of each 5 third-generation TTSs have been ordered with the six-speed twin-clutch S tronic gearbox (seven-speed after 2021) though the six-speed guide that was discontinued in 2021 and that knocked 20kg off the automotive’s general weight was slick and constructive. The S tronic had a launch management perform. Be sure you maintain the fluids for this and the quattro system recent.

Engine reliability does appear to be wonderful with no huge shouty issues. You may see that as a inexperienced gentle for tuning. A fundamental remap ought to take you to 350hp. Throw in some laborious components on the consumption and exhaust sides and try to be as much as 400hp. Add a bigger turbo to tweaked fuelling and that is 450hp.

We have simply remembered one of many explanation why some folks weren’t impressed by the primary TT. Dealing with. There was nothing incorrect with the quantity of grip on supply. That was prodigious, however the scarcity of really feel by means of the steering wheel and the quantity of understeer have been usually and, to be truthful not solely unjustly, criticised.

By the point the MQB platform got here on stream within the gen-three with its high-strength metal panels and aluminium within the sills, roof body and componentry of its McPherson entrance/four-link rear suspension, a lot of the perceived numbness had been ironed out of the TT. By way of final suggestions it was nonetheless no Renaultsport or Ford ST and the low velocity trip was nonetheless fairly agency, however the electro-mechanical progressive steering was okay, the automotive became corners neatly and the soundness management system may very well be partially or fully disabled to offer some genuine rear-end adjustability, particularly within the extra highly effective TTS which by the way rode 10mm decrease than regular TTs. Any rattling from both finish of the automotive after medium mileages (50-60k) is commonly indicative of worn wishbones, balljoints and anti-roll bars.

The TTS additionally had lightened entrance brake calipers (squeaking pads may very well be an issue with any TT brakes) and adaptive ‘magnetic trip’ suspension as normal. Of the three core settings – Dynamic, Consolation and Auto – Auto felt proper more often than not and Dynamic felt proper the remainder of the time. You may don’t have any hassle discovering house owners preferring ‘magnetic trip’ to passive suspension, or certainly discovering individuals who assume absolutely the reverse. Attempt each setups in the event you can. TTs look nice on 20in wheels, a bit like a faux-R8, however you might discover the trip to be fairly harsh on these. TTS wheels of any dimension are simply kerbed.

Though the color palette for gen-three TTs was prolonged to absorb seven new colors together with Nano Gray and Tango Pink, with two further choices for the TTS (crystal-effect Panther Black and Sepang Blue), nearly each TTS on sale within the UK appears to be in a sober shade of blue, gray, black or white. Nonetheless, the odd automotive was ordered in odder colors. Within the Verdict on the finish we have put a hyperlink to certainly one of these that is on the market in PH Classifieds.

Whether or not you are cruising the classifieds or recceing the retailers, the power to inform the distinction between a gen-two and a gen-three TTS is vital, particularly in the event you’re buying within the crossover yr, which is principally 2014 however may very well be 2015 within the case of late-registration gen-two automobiles. There’s not a lot money distinction between a low-mile gen-two and a medium-mile gen-three, and certainly some gen-twos will probably be costlier than some gen-threes. In a super world you do not need to be shedding out on the gen-three’s MQB platform or on its further 40hp, so look out for its shallower headlights and taillights, narrower bumper ducts (with out driving lights), and the slight kink within the rear facet home windows.

Some Roadster house owners have skilled issues with water ingress into the cabin on account of drain holes blocking up. The price of rectifying {the electrical} difficulties that this might trigger with the sound system and the electrical seats won’t be coated by Audi’s prolonged guarantee. Home windows have been recognized to freeze up in chilly climate. If that occurred you might be immobilised till you bought it sorted (or till the climate warmed up) as a result of the glass wanted to drop a bit to ensure that the door to close.

One factor you might historically by no means have a pop at Audi for is cabin match and end. That custom was very a lot continued within the gen-three TTs. Vary-wise, the trim ranges have been Sport, S-Line, Black Version or Vorsprung Version. Sport automobiles got here with 18in wheels, Xenon headlights with LED daytime operating lights, cruise management and a retractable rear spoiler. S-Line switched as much as 19in cast wheel and added dynamic rear indicators, LED headlights and tail lamps, S-Line exterior styling pack and ‘tremendous sports activities’ seats in alcantara and leather-based. S- Line additionally introduced distinction stitching to the TT for the primary time, together with ‘unique design’ two-tone interiors combining darkish murillo brown leather-based seats and stone-grey pearl leather-based on the armrests, knee helps and cowl.

The Black Version got here with all of the S-Line options plus 20in Y-spoke cast wheels in shiny black, a hard and fast rear spoiler and a black styling pack together with privateness glass. Vorsprung Version automobiles had 20in cast 5-spoke ‘Cutter’ wheels, matrix LED headlights, facet and park help, and the Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker system with woofers that glowed in the dead of night. By way of particular editions you had the self-explanatory TT 20 Years anniversary celebrators in Arrow Gray or Nano Gray paint with 19in gray alloys, and an original-TT-evoking baseball-stitch moccasin leather-based inside. 999 of those went on sale globally in 2019, 150 of them within the UK.

The TTS driving place was as close to to excellent as makes no distinction, however some house owners have reported untimely bolster put on. There have additionally been feedback about often gradual startup of the 12.3in Digital Cockpit display that grew to become normal gear within the gen-threes. That aside, this was (and nonetheless is) an excellent approach of presenting all of the multimedia, comms, nav and automobile perform information you might ever need. For those who have been coming to Digital Cockpit for the primary time it might take some familiarisation to get completely comfy with the performance, however something standard you bought into after you’d reached that time of consolation would really feel positively stone age by comparability.

The TTS’s instrument panel wings had their very own honeycomb-pattern ‘technical laser texture’. Its MMI contact panel had handwriting recognition and there was voice management too. One pretty contact was the embedding of the temperature and airflow controls into the air vents, though once more you wanted to do your homework on issues like which vents to poke to entry the perform you wished.

The TTS boot was upsized from 292 litres within the gen-two to 305 litres within the gen-three and also you had very respectable practicality with the rear seats folded down. The truth is you have been higher off leaving them down as a result of no adults might realistically sit in them, and even get into the rear compartment in any respect if their physique recommended that they preferred the occasional beer. There have been Isofix factors within the again to your nipper although. PH’s personal Nic had a gen-three TT RS on long-term mortgage again in 2018 and he talked with some affection about its on a regular basis useability, whether or not it was carting a bicycle, going to the grocery store or visiting the recycling centre, or dump as he rudely put it.

As we mentioned at first of this piece, the TT is because of disappear from Audi showrooms as of subsequent yr, or this yr (2023) in the event you’re studying this subsequent yr. Sorry, your author seems to have fallen into some kind of wormhole. Anyway, be that as it might (or because it was), any automotive’s disappearance from the brochure will ultimately confer basic standing on it. It is only a query of when. The fantastic thing about one thing just like the TT is that it is properly made and succesful sufficient to mean you can carry on utilizing it whilst you’re watching its already respectable residual values harden up much more.

As we additionally mentioned earlier on, the entry worth for a gen-three TTS is round £18,500, and to show it, this is the most cost effective one on PH Classifieds on the time of writing, this 94,000-mile ’15 mannequin in black with black leather-based and B&O audio at £18,495. Examine that to the £32,000 entry worth for an RS (albeit in March 2021, however costs for these have not modified a lot during the last yr) and you can begin to see the attraction of the TTS.

For those who do not just like the sound of 94,000 miles you may chip off 20,000 of these by paying an additional £1,300 for this white guide automotive with gray leather-based. On the different finish of the worth scale you might have this 4,000-mile Vorsprung Version automotive from 2021, additionally with gray leather-based however this time with blue paint. Twenty kilos change out of your £50k-sized bag o’ money. Nonetheless within the backside half of the coupe worth vary we fairly like this 2017 Black Version with 39,00 miles and a pleasant spec at £28,500.

For one thing a bit totally different within the £30k plus bracket why not channel your internal Kermit with this 2018 Black Version in Sign Inexperienced with black leather-based and 26,000 miles on the clock, or regardless of the equal of a ‘clock’ is in a digital-dash Audi? Yours for £32,995. Summer time’s approaching, so they are saying, so why not chuck £24,699 on the seller for this perky-looking 43,000-mile Roadster in crimson?