Audi TT review

We reckon the entry-level engine – the 40 TFSI – makes the most sense: it keeps the TT's price and running costs reasonable (officially it'll do up to 40.9mpg and emit 138g/km of CO2), yet is still pretty nippy. The more powerful 45 TFSI won't break the bank, either, but if you add quattro four-wheel drive the fuel economy drops and the CO2 emissions rise a bit more.

Then again, it's all relative; next to a V8 Ford Mustang even the TTS is cheap to run, considering the pace it delivers. Whichever version you go for, depreciation will be comparatively slow compared with its rivals, including the Mustang.

We've reviewed the TT RS separately; to find out how expensive that is to run click the link. 

We’d go for entry-level Sport trim on the regular TT, which gets you air-conditioning, faux suede and leather seats, 18in alloy wheels, power-folding door mirrors, keyless start, cruise control, heated front seats and automatic lights and wipers. S line trim isn’t necessarily worth the extra unless you value the sportier styling it brings, which includes 19in alloy wheels and dynamic indicators that sweep when you signal.

Whichever of those trims you choose, though, we'd recommend adding the Plus Package to get climate control and privacy glass.

Black Edition mostly adds black styling details, including the wheels, front grille and door mirror casings. Vorsprung trim is very expensive for both the TT and TTS, and only worth a look if you're a real hedonist.

Audi doesn’t usually fare particularly well in What Car? Reliability Surveys, and 2019 was no different – the German brand finished 20th out of 31 manufacturers. The TT itself didn’t fare particularly well either; it beat the Ford Mustang but finished behind the BMW 2 Series Coupe in the rankings.

However, Audi’s standard three-year warranty is valid for unlimited mileage in the first two years (a 60,000 mile limit applies in the third), and includes three years of UK roadside assistance and recovery. A four or five-year warranty can also be added from the extensive options list, for that extra peace of mind.

The TT received four stars out of five when safety tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015; this was a relatively disappointing showing and largely came because the TT isn't available with automatic emergency braking. It's also worth noting that Euro NCAP's tests are more stringent now than they were back then. 

Every TT comes with four airbags as standard, along with a ‘secondary collision assist’ system that helps to stop the car as soon as possible after a crash. Optional kit (standard on range-topping Vorsprung trim) includes a blindspot warning system and traffic sign recognition.

Meanwhile, security experts at Thatcham awarded the car five out of five for its resistance to being stolen and four out of five for its resistance to being broken into. Every version comes with an alarm.

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