Audi TTS Coupe Pre Model 2.0 quattro 2dr Car Review - February 2012

For the TTS Coupe Quattro, Audi have tweaked the performance on the turbocharged, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol engine found in lesser TT models. The result is an increase in power to 276bhp, a significant increase of the 214bhp found in the 2.0-litre Audi TT TFSI Sport. It retains torque figures of 258 lb-ft, but now produces this at higher revs. The Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro has a Porsche Cayman-beating 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds, and a top speed of 155mph.

The Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro deserves plaudits for losing none of its drivability in the upgrade. For its class, it remains an easy car to drive even when driving enthusiastically. The steering is feathery and responsive, if a little remote. Grip levels are - as you would expect from a 4-wheel drive - very good, although understeer does creep in unless road conditions are dry. The clutch is light too, and the 6-speed manual gearbox allows for rewardingly quick gear changes. The ride is firm, but not uncomfortable.

The TT’s sleek profile has become a design classic since its release, and still has the ability to grab peoples attention. Visually, the Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro differs from other models in the range in only subtle ways, for instance aluminium finish mirrors, LED’s under the headlights, and a revised front spoiler.

Audi are used to attracting superlatives for the quality of their interiors, and the inside of the Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro meets those standards. The comfortable but supportive leather seats and driving position are both worthy of the highest praise. The quality of material in the cabin feels of the highest order.

The list of standard equipment includes: Power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric windows, leather seats, driver airbag, passenger airbag, front side airbags, alarm & immobiliser, MP3 connectivity and CD player. Extra’s available include satnav at an additional £665, bluetooth for another £250, cruise control for £220, rear parking sensors at £305, and metallic paint costs an extra £510.

The Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro is a 4-seater, but it has to be said that space in the rear seats is cramped. The cabin is light and airy, aided by the absence of a b-pillar, and this also aids rearward visibility when reversing. Boot space is a creditable 292 litres.

Audi have a strong reputation for reliability and safety. Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro comes as standard with driver, passenger, and front side airbags, and a 3-year, 60,000 mile warranty.

The Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro is faster and more powerful than the entry level 2.0-litre in the TT range, the TT 2.0 TFSI Sport. It is, however, over £8,000 more to buy new, with a purchase price of £35,605. You can buy an entry level Porsche Cayman for just over £39,000, and while the Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro is a an excellent car, the Porsche beats it for handling.

The Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro will do, on average, 7 miles less per gallon than the TT 2.0 TFSI Sport, with a combined mpg of 35.8. Its increased C02 emissions of 184g/km put it two tax bands higher at Road Tax Band I. It also jumps four insurance groups, to group 38.

Audi’s do hold their value well, but this is tempered by the high initial purchase price of the Audi TTS Coupe 2.0 Quattro. There are a number of features which don’t come as standard, and whilst they will involve an extra outlay when buying new they will bolster residual values, and its those little extras that are important at this end of the market.