2018 Audi TT
With crisp, Bauhaus-inspired styling, the third-generation Audi TT coupe looks like nothing else on the road. It offers razor-sharp handling, excellent performance, and a gorgeous interior in a relatively practical package. The TT is also offered as a <a href="http://www.leftlanenews.com/new-car-buying/audi/tt-roadster/">Roadster</a>, and buyers after more power should look at either the TTS or the TT RS <strong>Overview</strong> Some cars are defined by their engines, others by the way they attack curves - in the TT's case, styling is its <em>raison d'etre</em>. Using the progressive, modern ethos of Germany's Bauhaus art movement as a starting point, Audi's designers created a coupe that, like the original TT that was introduced in 1998, incorporates arches and flowing elements to create a unique, timeless form. Relatively compact, the TT stretches 164 inches long, 53 inches tall and 72 inches wide. <strong>Life Aboard</strong> Inside, the TT upholds Audi's reputation for finely crafted cabins with a simple yet elegant dashboard and high-quality materials throughout. There's plenty of room up front, but the rear seats are occasional use units best suited for the short of limb. The TT comes with a Virtual Cockpit, which is Audi-speak for a 12.3-inch configurable screen that replaces the conventional analog instrument cluster. It also boasts Audi's MMI touch infotainment system, and a handwriting recognition function capable of interpreting handwritten inputs. With 12 cubic feet of trunk space, the TT is better-suited to cargo hauling than most other coupes. Additionally, its hatchback makes it easy to load bulkier items. All in all, the TT is more practical than one might expect. <strong>Under the Hood</strong> The only engine available is a turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder that makes 220 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm. It's more powerful than the outgoing model, but it's still down on power compared to the TT sold in Europe. Bolted to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the TFSI mill sends the 3,186-pound TT from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 130 mph. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system comes standard. Fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. <strong>Standard and Optional Features</strong> The Audi TT ships with automatic LED headlights, heated mirrors, an adaptive rear spoiler, automatic A/C, a multi-function steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather and Alcantara upholstery, twelve-way adjustable heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a Homelink transceiver, keyless entry and start, automatic wipers, a nine-speaker stereo and a digital instrument cluster. The list of standalone options includes 18-inch wheels, full leather upholstery, an upgraded sound system, and a host of paint colors. Buyers can order one of several option packages. The Technology package adds Audi side assist, Audi connect, MMI navigation, parking sensors, a rear-view camera and heated door mirrors. <strong>Occupant Safety</strong> Every TT model is outfitted with dual front, side, knee and curtain airbags along with traction and stability control systems and electronic brake-pressure distribution. <strong>Key Competitors</strong> While there are many other two-door models available at the same price as the TT Coupe, the Audi is something of a unique proposition as a luxurious, style-conscious 2+2 without overt sporting pretensions. The <a href="http://www.leftlanenews.com/new-car-buying/ford/mustang-gt/">Ford Mustang GT</a> provides far higher levels of power and handling but can't match the TT's interior sophistication, while the <a href="http://www.leftlanenews.com/new-car-buying/bmw/2-series/">BMW 2 Series</a> is a closer match but it's still more athletic.