The TT perhaps represents the best and worst of Audi in one car. A triumph of modern design both inside and out but not always as inspiring to drive as you might hope. Audi has revealed the first details of the next car at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and one thing is for sure; it will have a stunning cabin.
Nice new tech aplenty but manual remains too
Alright, interior design is not the primary PH concern, but credit must be paid where it's due. It's dominated by a 12.3-inch TFT monitor in place of the conventional dials that has two configurations. The traditional layout has the speedo and rev counter in the foreground; the image shown here is with the car in 'infotainment' mode with the majority of the space taken by other functions such as media or the nav map. Having this big display means a second MMI screen is unnecessary too.
Audi claims the interior resembles an aeroplane wing so of course 'cockpit' is used in the second paragraph of the press kit. But the vents, 'reminiscent of a jet engine', are actually quite innovative with the temperature and fan controls in the vent itself; how has that not happened before?
TT interior pics first. Audi has priorities nailed
But there are concessions to drivers too, or so Audi says. That flat-bottomed wheel looks a bit chubby, but the seats are low and the optional sports items have adjustable side bolsters. Audi is also keen to point out the centre console 'supports the lower leg when driving fast through a bend'. Tenuous links for now perhaps, but we can hope. Moreover, seeing that stick protruding from said centre console is encouraging for those of us that still enjoy changing gear. What we'll do without any pedals is a different matter though...
Anyway, perhaps we should more eager on the arrival of the Mk3 TT. After all, the Golf on which it's based has proved excellent every time we've driven it as a GTI, so what wouldn't be to like about a lighter and sportier coupe version? Let's wait and see.
