Like its predecessor, the 8J TT Coupe was nominally a four-seat car, but the reality is the rear seats are cramped for all but small children. Access to the seats through the doors is also a spine-contorting exercise, so much better to treat this area as additional luggage space to augment the 290-litre boot. With 50/50 split and fold rear seats, the TT can carry plenty of luggage for a couple. The Roadster is only a two-seater but, unlike many of its rivals with foldaway metal roofs, the TT's boot is uncompromised by its hood mechanism.
High quality and stylish - what did you expect?
The optional Nappa leather fitted to many TTs looks great, is very comfortable and increases a car's appeal to potential buyers. However, it wears much more quickly than the standard leather upholstery and can be difficult to repair without it being obvious. In particular, check the driver's seat bolsters carefully.
Many TT owners report rattles from around the glovebox and lower dash areas. It seems to affect some cars and not others, so listen out for any squeaks on a test drive. The only permanent cure is to strip the dashboard out, put it back in and tighten every screw properly, which is time and money consuming, so better to buy a car that doesn't rattle.
Attractive as the TT is inside and out, there are very few places to store a mobile phone or sunglasses or any other small items inside the car. Narrow door bins provide little help and the glovebox also offers slim pickings. However, there is a small amount of hidden storage under the boot floor for valuables.
Sat-nav not as terrible as you might expect!
Poor drainage around rear hatch will spill water into the boot when the tailgate is opened. It soaks the boot carpet and the rear seat, so check these for damp that can lead to a mouldy smell if the car is not properly dried out.
Standard equipment in all TTs is generous and you will find air conditioning, CD stereo, Bluetooth connection and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Satellite navigation was an optional extra; it's simple to work and not nearly as dated in appearance or functionality as some contemporary rivals.
PHer's view:
"I'd recommend the TT to anyone, but it's a 2+2 so don't buy it for the rear seats, they are just storage for luggage. The boot is very good anyway and with those folding rear seats it's even better.
Ian Summerfield