Tuesday 7th May 2013

Audi TT Sport: Spotted

It isn't cheap, but this TT rights many of the original's wrongs

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Fancy an 8N (or Mk1) Audi TT? That's a question that'll split opinion. The reputation Audi's design-led coupe has gained among many enthusiastic drivers since its release in 1998 has not been kind. And yet, there are still plenty of people who revel in its geometric, instantly-recognisable design which, it has to be said, still looks good 15 years later.

TT looks with extra driving flair... nice!

So what if one does appreciate the TT's looks, but desires a sharper edge than it can offer? Well, that's where the TT Quattro Sport comes in. Unlike many VW Group products of its era, and despite this being a run-out model before the arrival of the 8J (Mk2) TT toward the end of the year, the application of a 'Sport' badge in 2005 to the rump of the TT was not simply an extra trim level. Rather, the Sport enjoyed a series of upgrades with the aim of answering many of the criticisms levelled at the original TT.

The recipe? More power, less weight, tweaked suspension and wider rear wheels. 240hp, to be precise, and a reduction of 49kg, the latter thanks in part to the dumping of the rear seats, replaced by a brace to improve torsional rigidity, and the spare wheel, with a puncture repair kit in lieu. Oh, and a black-painted roof so that passers-by could tell you hadn't plumped for the hairdresser-spec model.

Interior was lifted by Alcantara and Recaros

The results were convincing. 62mph came up in 5.9 seconds, and contemporary reviewers suggested that the tweaks that had been made to the Sport had resulted in a car that was vastly more involving than the standard TT, even in V6 form, offering enormous grip and a good deal more involvement, even if it still wasn't quite the ultimate driver's tool.

Of course, the 'more power, less weight' formula is one that Audi's shortly to revisit, albeit in a more extreme and conceptual form, with the TT Ultra Quattro, which will share its pedestal at Worthersee with the supremely bonkers SEAT Leon Cup Racer concept. There's little chance you'll be able to buy either, though, which is why a second-hand Sport like this one makes a case for itself. It avoids being among the top-priced Sports in our classifieds by dint of its mileage - not stratospheric, but not exactly miniscule either. That said, it looks to have had plenty of care and attention lavished on it by its current owner, with stacks of service history, a fresh wheel refurb and a host of polishing activities mentioned in the ad. It's also finished in Misano Red, one of four colours available and arguably the one that gives the most contrast to that black roof. Fancy it? Well, you'll have to fork out just shy of nine grand for the privilege. Not cheap, then - but if you're dying to combine the neat looks of the TT with a spot more driving talent, it hits the spot like nothing else.

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AUDI TT QUATTRO SPORT
Engine: 1,781cc, 4-cyl, turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 240@5,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 236@2,300-5,000rpm
MPG: 30.1 (combined)
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2005
Price new: £29,355
Yours for: £8,950

[mrclav]

Had one of these as my first car (don't ask, long story...), absolutely loved it and genuinely miss it.

[MrHooky]

Very nice.

I plumped for a V6 8N nearly 4 years ago which gets similar styling bar the black roof. Future classic in my opinion although will probably only appreciate once I've sold mine...

[belleair302]

Er, no never!

[Greg348]

It looks like a big Ladybird...

[kambites]

The lack of rear seats and relatively high price puts it up against some pretty serious competition as far as driver's cars go.

[Dion20vt]

Never realized they were still commanding that kind of price?! I was 99.9% going to buy one with 15k miles for £10,995 back in 2010... seems like a bargain now i look back!

[bbr92]

If you really want a TT why not buy a lower mileage 225 and remap it, much more fun than a sport!!

[The Hypno-Toad]

Driven one of these, huge fun.

£9000? Probably not enough fun.

[soad]

Still too expensive for my liking.

[RichTBiscuit]

2 seats?

Too compromised for the Pain in the ass \ Driving reward ratio.

If you really want a car that's unnecessarily compromised, buy a superior E46 M3 and throw the seats in a ditch

[SirSamuelBuca]

for the money they are coming in at i cannot see why you wouldn't get a bmw z3m coupe

[monthefish]

A ph'er bought one for £4k recently and I certainly would have at that price.

[RacingBlue]

I like these rather a lot, but not at that sort of price.

[dukebox9reg]

SirSamuelBuca said:

for the money they are coming in at i cannot see why you wouldn't get a bmw z3m coupe

Because they look like a breadvan

[RichTBiscuit]

dukebox9reg said:

Because they look like a breadvan

You've now been marked as a poseur, not a driver

[scotty_917]

Love the quote "hairdresser spec".

[Escort Si-130]

The usual PH cliche, no car on should be on here apart from the E46 BMW M3. If this had cost more, we would have also get the usual, I can get 2 or 3 E46 M3 for that money have twice the power and still have change etc.

RichTBiscuit said:

2 seats?

Too compromised for the Pain in the ass \ Driving reward ratio.

If you really want a car that's unnecessarily compromised, buy a superior E46 M3 and throw the seats in a ditch

[Escort Si-130]

One for a start as another poster mentioned, they are hideous, it is cramped as fk inside there, not recommended imo for anyone 6ft and over unless you want to drive like a contortionist.

SirSamuelBuca said:

for the money they are coming in at i cannot see why you wouldn't get a bmw z3m coupe

[smartie93]

Escort Si-130 said:

The usual PH cliche, no car on should be on here apart from the E46 BMW M3. If this had cost more, we would have also get the usual, I can get 2 or 3 E46 M3 for that money have twice the power and still have change etc.

RichTBiscuit said:

2 seats?

Too compromised for the Pain in the ass \ Driving reward ratio.

If you really want a car that's unnecessarily compromised, buy a superior E46 M3 and throw the seats in a ditch

It's a fair cliche though, that's a lot of money for a fancy bodied golf mk4. It doesn't even have the "something different" appeal

[RemyMartin]

RichTBiscuit said:

2 seats?

Too compromised for the Pain in the ass \ Driving reward ratio.

If you really want a car that's unnecessarily compromised, buy a superior E46 M3 and throw the seats in a ditch

The back seats in my V6 TT are totally useless. Only very very small children in the back. May as well not be there.