Audi TT
Used Car Review

Overview

The Audi TT proves a sports car can be both thrilling and genuinely livable. The Audi TT might be the perfect blend of performance and practicality you’re seeking. This iconic two door coupe has been turning heads since the late 1990s with its distinctive rounded design and premium German engineering. It’s the car for drivers who want genuine sports car thrills without sacrificing comfort or build quality.

The TT occupies a unique position in the market, offering more excitement than conventional hatchbacks while remaining far more practical than traditional sports cars. Its bold styling makes a statement wherever you park, while the interior showcases Audi’s famous attention to detail. Rivals like the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes alternatives simply can’t match the TT’s distinctive character and sporting pedigree.

What makes the TT special is how it balances performance with daily usability. The driving experience is engaging and rewarding, with sharp handling that inspires confidence on winding roads. Yet it’s refined enough for comfortable motorway cruising and city driving. The cabin feels like a premium product, with high quality materials and intuitive technology. While it commands a higher price than mainstream alternatives, you’re investing in distinctive style, proven reliability, and that unmistakable Audi quality that makes every journey feel special.

What's the Audi TT Like to Drive?

The Audi TT delivers genuine sports car performance with a range of turbocharged engines designed for both power and efficiency. The entry level 45 TFSI produces around 245 horsepower, providing strong acceleration that gets you from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. For those wanting more excitement, the TTS variant cranks out 306 horsepower, delivering blistering performance that rivals dedicated sports coupe competitors. The legendary TT RS takes things even further with its distinctive five cylinder engine.

Where the TT truly excels is in its dynamic capabilities and driving refinement. The quattro all wheel drive system provides exceptional grip and confidence in all weather conditions, while the precise steering gives you complete control through corners. The suspension strikes an impressive balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. Around town, it feels civilized and manageable, but point it towards a twisty country road and the TT transforms into an engaging driving machine. The build quality is exceptional, with everything from the engine note to the gearbox operation feeling perfectly engineered.

How Comfortable Is the Audi TT?

The TT’s cabin proves that sports car design and interior sophistication can coexist beautifully. The dashboard features Audi’s virtual cockpit technology, replacing traditional gauges with a crisp 12.3 inch digital display that shows everything from navigation to performance data. The materials throughout feel premium, with soft touch plastics, quality leather, and precisely fitted panels that showcase German engineering excellence. The sports seats provide excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable on longer journeys.

The cabin feels surprisingly spacious for a compact sports car, with good headroom and shoulder room for front passengers. Technology integration is seamless, with smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto coming as standard. The climate control system works efficiently, while the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers exceptional audio quality. Road and wind noise are well controlled, making the TT a genuinely refined cruiser when you want to relax. Higher specification models add features like heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and premium leather upholstery that further enhance the luxury experience.

The Audi TT successfully delivers an engaging sports car experience without the compromises typically associated with performance focused vehicles. Its combination of distinctive styling, premium interior quality, and genuinely rewarding driving dynamics makes it stand out in a competitive market. The build quality is exemplary, and the range of available engines means there’s a TT to suit different performance preferences and budgets.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Audi TT Expensive to Run?

The TT strikes an impressive balance between sports car thrills and manageable running costs, thanks to its efficient engineering and accessible technology suite. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on which engine you choose and how enthusiastically you drive. The 45 TFSI can achieve around 40 mpg in real world mixed driving, while the more powerful TTS will see figures closer to 35 mpg. Insurance costs will be higher than conventional cars due to the performance nature and desirability of the TT.

The initial purchase price positions the TT firmly in premium territory, but this reflects the exceptional build quality, advanced technology, and strong brand reputation. Depreciation has historically been reasonable for Audi sports cars, helping to protect your investment. Maintenance costs are in line with other premium German vehicles, and the TT has proven to be generally reliable when properly serviced. Car finance options can make ownership more accessible, spreading the cost over manageable monthly payments. While it won’t be the cheapest car to run, the TT offers genuine value when you consider the driving experience and premium quality you receive.

Audi TT Practicality & Boot Space

For a sports car, the TT offers surprisingly good everyday practicality that makes it a viable daily driver. The 305 litre boot provides decent space for shopping or weekend luggage, though the opening is relatively narrow due to the coupe styling. Inside the cabin, you’ll find useful storage compartments for your phone, wallet, and other essentials. The fuel tank is reasonably sized, giving you a good range between fill ups even when driving enthusiastically.

Where the TT shows its sports car nature is in passenger accommodation. While the front seats are spacious and comfortable, the rear seats are really only suitable for very small children or occasional storage. Most owners treat it as a genuine two seater, which is perfectly adequate for couples or individuals who prioritize driving enjoyment. Compared to other used Audi cars, the TT sacrifices some practicality for style and performance. However, its compact dimensions make it easy to park in tight city spaces, and the excellent visibility aids maneuvering in crowded areas.

Our testing confirms the Audi TT as the definitive sports car that refuses to sacrifice daily practicality for exhilarating performance. It wraps cutting edge technology, exceptional build quality, and genuinely engaging performance into a package that works as well for daily commuting as it does for weekend adventures. The distinctive styling ensures you’ll never lose it in a car park, while the premium interior makes every journey feel special.

You choose the TT because you want something different from the ordinary. Its unique character, proven reliability, and strong brand heritage make it an appealing alternative to conventional saloons or hatchbacks. The driving experience is rewarding without being intimidating, making it accessible to a wide range of drivers. If you’re looking for a car that combines sports car excitement with German luxury and engineering excellence, the TT deserves serious consideration, especially with cars under £10,000 offering excellent entry points into TT ownership.