Tuesday 16th July 2013

Audi TT S: Spotted

A rather unsung fast Audi, brought back to our attention by the RCZ R

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In case it wasn't already clear, we're already fairly big fans of the upcoming Peugeot RCZ R at PH. It's been a while since a new Peugeot has really got our juices flowing but the prospect of a stylish coupe with 270hp, a fairly lithe 1,280kg kerbweight and some substantial dynamic upgrades is a tantalising one.

Usual Audi 'S' trinkets, with some driver appeal

To really prove its worth, though, the RCZ R will have to overcome the Audi TT S. It's a strange car, the TT S, in that it manages to fly almost completely under the enthusiasts' radar. But, like the V6 S5, the TT S is probably more satisfying than the full-fat RS version as the engine compliments, rather than dominates, the driving experience. Furthermore, with a similar powertrain offered in the more practical S3 and (albeit only with FWD) cheaper VW Scirocco R, the TT S has struggled to establish itself somewhat.

And that's rather a shame because the TT S is a thoroughly decent and capable performance car; how often have we been able to say that about a TT? It certainly wasn't a trait associated with the first-gen car, even the rather tasty Quattro Sport, but the second TT certainly improved the situation in 2006. It didn't become a PH Hero overnight but the desirability remained, only with an extra dose of driver appeal.

Insert 'ergonomic delight' cliche here

The S arrived in 2008 with 272hp and 258lb ft, figures that are near those for the aforementioned Peugeot. Four-wheel drive helped it scoot to 60 in 5.4 seconds and the top speed was the usual 155mph. All standard Audi performance fare.

However, the TT S did ride properly and didn't plough straight on at every corner, which wasn't standard fast Audi. In fact, one Mr C Harris described it as 'the best TT I've ever driven by a hairdresser's mile'; praise indeed, and there's a fullvideo too.

Many of the TT S models we found were for sale at dealers, but this private car is probably the most desirable. At under £20,000 it's at the cheaper end of the market and also comes with the standard six-speed manual rather than optional DSG. Yes, it's white and comes with the larger 19-inch wheels but the magnetorheological dampers ensure the ride remains tolerable.

No five-cylinder noise, but better than the RS

The usual buyer bonuses such as an Audi main dealer history and six months tax and MOT are certainly welcome, and you imagine this TT could slip into your routine without much drama. Of course, that may be a drawback as well as a virtue but, as subtle sports coupes go, the TT S is one of the better options. Just nobody mention the Porsche Cayman...

 

 

 

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Audi TT S
Engine: 1,984cc four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Power (hp): 272@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 258@2,500-5,000rpm
MPG: 35.8
CO2: 184g/km
First registered: 2009
Recorded mileage: 25,000
Price new: £34,645
Yours for: £19,500

See the original ad here

 

 

[Dr G]

TT-S is a fast, fun, chuckable and tuneable little thing. I've been banging on about them down in the Veedub section for years

A manual, basic spec coupe is certainly not the most desirable example, however.

[OutOfSync]

Sorry, someone has to do it ... http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

So many cheap Caymans out there offering the same (or better) thrills for a lower price. Happy to be told that the servicing is much cheaper in the Audi in which case it's a matter of taste.

Gustibus non est disputandem and all that.

[kambites]

Are they really rare enough to command that sort of price?

I don't really see it as a Cayman competitor - it's in a different league in terms of practicality. Besides, what does a 2009 Cayman cost?

[MyCC]

Who do all these TT's have the 'speed operated' spoiler always extended when stationary? So naff.

Regards,

MyCC.

[carinaman]

I assumed this was the 5 pot, I'm not sure I knew this model existed. 5 pots make a nice noise which is part of the allure to enthusiasts.

[kambites]

carinaman said:

I assumed this was the 5 pot, I'm not sure I knew this model existed. 5 pots make a nice noise which is part of the allure to enthusiasts.

They also seem to add rather a lot of weight over the nose, in the case of this particular one.

[AH33]

MyCC said:

Who do all these TT's have the 'speed operated' spoiler always extended when stationary? So naff.

Regards,

MyCC.

I followed a white one through town yesterday and the driver raised and lowered the spoiler at almost every set of lights. Cringe

[AV12]

They have quad pipes don't they?

It's a reasonable daily in a dark colour. And a twin or single pipe. Basic spec wouldn't bother me.

[carinaman]

kambites said:

They also seem to add rather a lot of weight over the nose, in the case of this particular one.

Indeed, feature count and noise wise the Mk1 3.2 VR6 DSG ticks many boxes but that may not translate to a great drive on the road. Those are more my budget than these, and I'd imagine 5 pot RSs are even more out of my budget.

[dibblecorse]

OutOfSync said:

Sorry, someone has to do it ... http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

So many cheap Caymans out there offering the same (or better) thrills for a lower price. Happy to be told that the servicing is much cheaper in the Audi in which case it's a matter of taste.

Gustibus non est disputandem and all that.

yeah, great if you want to run the risk of one of the chocolate porsche engines with D chunking, bore scoring and other well known issues ... very very different proposition even if it is a better car ... for 90% of people this will tick 90% of the boxes for a pretty 2 door coupe ....

[ferrari1]

AH33 said:

I followed a white one through town yesterday and the driver raised and lowered the spoiler at almost every set of lights. Cringe

Did it occur to you that it may have been automated and caused by stop/start tech?

[Chr1sch]

One of our Le Mans convoy was one of these. Massively impressed, went very well, sounds awesome on boost and stuck like a limpet

Not that camp either IMO (much improved over phase 1 TT)

[soad]

ferrari1 said:

Did it occur to you that it may have been automated and caused by stop/start tech?

Still, silly to see at town speeds.

[Sticks.]

kambites said:

carinaman said:

I assumed this was the 5 pot, I'm not sure I knew this model existed. 5 pots make a nice noise which is part of the allure to enthusiasts.

They also seem to add rather a lot of weight over the nose, in the case of this particular one.

No, 4 pot 2l.

[turbosei]

Nearly bought a new TT-S last year, it's the only Audi with proper steering feel that I've driven and it was pretty decent. It was up against the 981 Boxster S and clocked in at $30,000 less, but the running costs were about the same (even insurance) and the Boxster is just that much more desirable.

Only thing I didn't like was the turbo lag with the DSG gearbox. I couldn't understand how you could have a computer controlled gearbox (and presumably throttle) and not program them to eliminate lag

[Mr Whippy]

5yrs old and still retaining a lot of value?

So do these cars retain value well, or is this example over-priced?

I'd expect it down near £15,000 or so?!


All said I'd prefer the 5 pot just for the noise.

Dave

[Bezza1969]

Often thought that an early TT S would be a cracking buy. I remember a car magazine getting one around Anglesea quicker than a 296 BHP Prodrive Impreza a few years back which I thought wasn't bad.

[sean ie3]

just a note , I just saw my 1st. new gen a class , and comparing it with the pics of the AMG , the AMG kicks ass !

[kambites]

Sticks. said:

kambites said:

carinaman said:

I assumed this was the 5 pot, I'm not sure I knew this model existed. 5 pots make a nice noise which is part of the allure to enthusiasts.

They also seem to add rather a lot of weight over the nose, in the case of this particular one.

No, 4 pot 2l.

I know this is, that was the whole point of the post I responded to.

[carinaman]

Mea culpa, I am the dullard that may have been unaware of this model and assumed it was the RS.