EDMUNDS.COM 2004 AUDI TT
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
For buyers seeking the ultimate performance sport coupe or roadster, the TT may disappoint, but if you''re willing to give up a little performance in the name of style, the TT is a real head-turner.
Pros
Distinctive styling, cutting-edge interiors, available all-wheel drive, optional Bose sound system is superb.
Cons
Confusing interior controls, roadster''s hefty curb weight limits handling, coupe''s useless backseat.
What''s New for 2004
A more powerful TT 3.2 joins the lineup with a 250-horsepower V6 and a new "Direct Shift Gearbox," an automanual with technology that promises both smooth automatic operation and quick manual gear changes. A pair of gills at each front corner, a larger rear spoiler, unique wheels and a rear fascia accent distinguish the TT 3.2 from its stablemates. You can get the 3.2 in both coupe and roadster form. Also this year, xenon headlamps are now standard on all models.
Overview
Introduction:
Audi''s TT was introduced for the 2000 model year as a coupe, followed by a roadster in 2001; both cars are based on Volkswagen''s versatile Golf platform. Now five years into its model cycle, the TT is no longer among the hottest draws on the market, but from an aesthetic standpoint, it remains one of the most distinctive cars on the road. In person, the car looks just right, appearing aggressive and graceful at the same time. The rear boasts rounded flanks and, in coupe form, a cleanly arced roofline. Purposeful styling details are executed with ice-cold precision; it is an instant classic -- a shape that will be a topic of discussion for years.Based on our experience, the TT has never been an exceptional performance car, but the introduction of the new 3.2 model and its innovative transmission promise to change that perception. With more power, standard 17-inch wheels and larger brakes, the 3.2 has more of the ingredients you would expect in a luxury performance coupe. Handling for the standard coupe is on the soft side, and in roadster form, the car feels a bit heavy for a two-seater. Certainly, it has more real-world practicality than some competitors, not to mention fantastic interior trimmings and a full load of features that we find desirable in a high-dollar roadster. Driving enthusiasts should zero in on the 3.2 version, since the standard four-cylinders tend to disappoint when pushed hard. Even with the addition of the 3.2 model, the TT coupe and roadster have a decidedly more relaxed personality than cars like the BMW Z4, Infiniti G35, Honda S2000 or Nissan 350Z. Will this be a disappointment to you? So long as you''re not of the pedal-to-the-metal ilk, probably not. If carefree days on coastal highways and year-round use are in your forecast -- and you dream of driving a car that''s as fashionable as you are -- a TT could be a nice addition to your garage.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Coupe and roadster body styles are offered in three levels of trim based on engine output. Base 180-horsepower models come standard with a long list of features that includes automatic climate control, leather seats, a CD player, 16-inch wheels, xenon headlights and a manual top on roadster versions. Midgrade 225-hp models add 17-inch wheels and a power-operated top on roadsters. Top-of-the-line 250-hp versions add minor exterior enhancements, a modified exhaust system and an aluminum shifter cover. Options include a Bose sound system, heated seats, a navigation system, an Alcantara steering wheel and 18-inch wheels and tires.
Powertrains and Performance:
Three engines are available depending on whether you choose front- or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive coupes and roadsters get a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four that generates 180 hp and 173 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard; a six-speed manual is optional. Quattro all-wheel-drive versions get a 225-hp version of the same engine along with a standard six-speed manual (a six-speed automatic is optional). New this year is a 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 (236 lb-ft of torque) coupled to Audi''s six-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automanual tranny. This transmission offers the convenience of an automatic along with the ability to perform quick manual shifts with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Quattro is standard on 3.2 models.
Safety:
All TTs come with four-wheel antilock disc brakes and electronic stability control. Side and head airbags are standard, and Audi contends that the protection level of the roadster in a rollover is equal to that of the coupe. Crash testing has been minimal, though the TT did receive a five-star side-impact rating from the NHTSA.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Aluminum and leather dominate a decidedly industrial theme that blends retro and modern design elements into one enticing package. A standard power glass windblocker ensures that chilly nights along the beach are pleasant for roadster owners. Trunk capacity ranges from 6.4 cubic feet in quattro roadsters to 13.8 cubes in front-drive coupes.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Driven back to back with its competitors, the TT''s hefty curb weight and soft suspension are immediately evident, but the added horsepower of the 3.2-liter model helps keep it competitive. On the open road, the car soaks up bumps, providing a blissfully secure ride. Pick up the pace and the TT will wallow on dips, but body roll is nicely controlled in all but the tightest of turns. Overall, Audi has engineered an excellent compromise between comfort and performance, but for the most part, this is a cruiser not a bruiser.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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