Monday, November 17, 2014

Audi TT Mk3 (Typ 8S)

The folks from Audi have been waiting for this since...well, eternity, knowing that their favorite coupster, the Audi TT, is about to regenerate, and after moments of waiting, this is it. The Audi TT has been regenerated to its third-generation and it's going to be the most advanced TT to date.

2015 Audi TT

2015 Audi TT Roadster

So what is it, then?

This is the all new, third-generation, Audi TT. It comes with two different flavors; the hardtop coupe and the roadster which is somewhat heavier than the hardtop version due to its extra bracing and strengthening.

Which TT should I choose?

It depends on how much you have in your wallet. If you're a bit too serious, go for the hardtop, but if you're going for an open-top ride, go for the roadster but due to Europe's dropping temperatures, I'm afraid that the roadster version will have to wait in the garage unless you have its roof closed and prepped up with very warm clothing. Still can't take a joke? Whichever TT you'll choose, you'll be getting to know more about the new TT thanks to its new tech, new engine choices, and a completely new platform.

Hey...isn't the new TT wears the MQB outfit from the Golf?

That's right. Like any other cars from the VW family tree, the new Audi TT is outfitted to its bare skin with VW Group's breakthrough MQB platform. If you don't know about it, let me give you a quick refresher. MQB or Modularer Querbaukasten is a revolutionary platform from VW Group where the engine is transversely mounted and it's flexible enough to allow individual models to have a variety of wheelbase, track and external dimensions. This new TT fits to the new platform like butter.

How does it perform?

2015 Audi TT

2015 Audi TT Roadster

Let's call it mild and tangy because the new TT feels like it's not so hard to drive although this car might face some understeer woes because of being too much grip. Because most of the models ranging from the 2.0L TFSi and the 2.0 TDI ultra come with the front-wheel drive powertrain, the only model I'm interested with is the 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic model. This is the best pick for the normal TT models while the hotter TT S models are standing by until the snow thaws and the flowers bloom.

With the quattro all-wheel drive system, the new TT feels like it firmly grasps through the corners without the drama. Although it feels a bit okay for the driver but it doesn't have the lairy attitude that your would expect from its RWD opposition or from its big brother, the Audi R8. Furthermore, even with the quattro on it, this car doesn't burn your tongue badly like extra hot sriracha sauce. It tastes like...hmmm....sweet and spicy pancit canton. Mmmm...

How about the inside of the new TT

2015 Audi TT

The inside now looks a bit questionable although the new TT's interior is more driver-focused than any other sportscar in existence. You will notice that the sat-nav is now on the speedometer and this is as confusing as the Ferrari 458 or the F12berlinetta. Of course, you can't have both the speedo and the navigation system in the same place via instrumental panel and if you're wandering where the CD player is...don't because the CD player is nowhere to be found. It's kinda harsh that this is made from one of the carmakers who believe that the age of compact discs or CDs is approaching its Revelation due to the fast-changing technology. It's like killing Saturday morning cartoons from broadcast TVs and feels like our lives are a bit empty without stuff we remember when we're young. Kinda harsh, isn't it?

Cost?

The new TT starts at 35,000 Euros for the Coupe version and 37,900 Euros for the Roadster version. In fact, you can charge more for engine choices, optional extras, and accessories but even if you're not going for it, the TT is less costly to own than the big guys like the Jaguar F-Type, the Lotus Evora, the Porsche Cayman, and many others. Don't think of getting too excited to have one because...it feels too mild for the pros but if you're a bit too intermediate, try this one for a change.

Available colors: Brillantschawz, Ibisweiß, Vegasgelb, Florettsilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Mythosschwarz Metallic, Nanograu Metallic, Scubablau Metallic, Tangorot Metallic, and Daytonagrau Perleffekt.

Photo: Audi AG

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