TT
Arrived…
It's here, the new Audi TT. And, I have to admit it, the first one I actually like.
Its predecessors? Too rounded, too feminine for my taste, though the second generation made up for quite a lot of that - while losing some of the undeniable character of the first.
This, the third Audi TT generation, aims to combine both - the character and freshness of the original design, but also a showcase for new technologies, more masculine lines, a sportier stance.
And, to my mind, it very much succeeds with that, making even a second generation TT-RS look quite sensible and boring when stood besides this new front.
As with the S8…an expressive face.
And the TT does not only promise with this stance, it also delivers, certainly in the version I could test drive - the 230hp, S-Tronic Quattro. Sufficient for 0-100km/h in 5,3 seconds, which of course I did not test*, but am very much willing to believe.
*Test drive car graciously provided by the very good folks at Audi Zentrum Landshut
And not only that, it even corners well, with barely a hint of under- or oversteer even on these wet roads. Just precise, light-weight (1410kg) and fun handling.
Again, many will see that part of the car most often…
The back of the car is again that mixology of old and new. The exhaust placement is a clear nod to the first generation, as are those wheel arches of course.
That first TT however could only dream of all-LED taillights, especially of dynamic indicators. Fair warning to other drivers: the movement of these indicators may be mesmerizing. ;)
What would probably have made the first generation faint, however, is the new interior.
It's tidy in here.
This is probably the cleanest and most simplified interior this side of a touch screen (which is better suited for smartphones, not cars…).
All you get in this attractive world of leather and aluminium is a few buttons for things like Drive Select and Park Assist, a gear lever, a largely superfluous MMI controller, parking brake, and a few familiar stalks behind the steering wheel.
Climate Control? Cleverly hidden in the vents.
A monitor and controls for it? Well…
Fancy.
There. That's it. All the information and menus you would ever wish to access as a driver, and a bit more. All in two view modes - basically, large tachometer, or small tachometer, with the rest of the information vice versa.
To control it, you of course can use that MMI controller, but you might as well just use the cleverly laid out buttons and scroll wheels on the, err, wheel. Or just tell the voice control lady that you need to pee. She will understand. And guide you to the next rest stop.
Navigation selected, as well as the second view mode.
That basically means you never have to look anywhere else but in front of you. Unless you wish to look at your beautiful partner. Which of course you will have driving this car. Certainly.
So, the new Audi TT. A perfect mix of an already classic design with new cues, new technology and the driving dynamics to match. I already love it.*