Car Reviews: 2005 Audi TT

Every now and then, a vehicle comes along which manages to trick us. Despite it's sporty looks, high price tags, and seemingly great available features, something just seems to be a tad bit off. Although there have been many examples of this throughout automotive history, perhaps one perfect case study can be found in the Audi TT. While other Audi models usually offer a superb blend of comfort, style and performance, one cannot help get the feeling that the TT was supposed to sell on it's looks alone, and this is a feeling that is echoed through nearly every aspect of the car.

One needs only to look at the exterior of a TT to realize that it is a very stylish car. Would it appeal to your Mustang-owning next door neighbor? Absolutely not. But for the right crowd, the TT looks sporty, refined, and very modern. However, for those of us that like some lines with our vehicles, the TT just looks a bit off. While competitors such as the Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35 manage to make the two door coupe look amazing, the same cannot be said for the TT. In the right eye, the car looks great. However, most will likely feel that the TT resembles a bubble on wheels. Kind of like a Volkswagen Beetle, but with some more muscle and a tad bit more intelligence thrown into the design.

Moving inside, the TT fails to impress once again. With a sparse collection of instrument controls and gauges, and a radio/heater/air conditioner/seat warmer center console that takes an engineer to operate, the TT may not be the safest thing to try and control on the fly. However, the car is comfortable to sit in. The sport seats put one right in control of the vehicle, and the six speed manual shifter sits precisely where it should be. The steering wheel is comfortable. One would also think that a car in this price range would have a little bit more money thrown into the interior materials. However, one has to wonder why Audi even bothered trying to put the back seats into this model. Surely, no human being can constrict themselves as to fit in that small of a space? Even worse is the safety factor for one who does. Even though interior space may be an issue, it is unlikely that man would target the TT as a family car anyway.

While the interior and exterior may need some work, the single largest problem area is the way in which the car drives. Available with several engine options, including a 1.8 liter turbo, a 1.8 liter engine with a bigger turbo, and a 3.2 liter V6, none of the engines or powertrain options really seem to justify the price of the car. With used models clocking in at over $30,000, one would expect some serious performance from the TT. However, that is not to be had with the front wheel drive equipped 1.8T engine. Of course, it is fairly quick, but the greater issue here is the overall package. A used Nissan 350Z (at about half the cost) has enough power to throw the driver and passenger back into the seat, and rips through corners with a flick of the steering wheel. The Audi is not meant for such tasks. While the all wheel drive quarto models handle fairly well, the handling still feels a bit off, and the car feels way to heavy for what it is supposed to be. The 3.2 liter V6, equipped with the Direct Shift Manual gearbox really is a joy to drive, but expect to pay a lot of money for those two options. No, in most cases, one will experience the 180 horse power four cylinder TT, which has neither the handling, power, or style to justify it's high cost.

For those who want a sporty two door coupe, or even a convertible, there are far, far better choices on the market. One does not need to pay the price for an Audi TT to enjoy the experience of driving a sports car. Check out a used 350Z or any other car in it's class to experience what could have been done for a fraction of the cost.