Guide Audi TT Audi TT Roadster
Noble and strong
Audi TT Generation II
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When the Audi TT rolled onto the sports car market in 1998/1999, not only the fans of the four rings were overjoyed. Because Audi made its study a reality as a series model with almost no changes, and just under a year later brought the chic sportsman as a topless version. If you’re looking for a cool sports roadster, you should grab it here before summer comes to an end.
You simply have to love the Audi TT. Of course, it is not a real opponent for the overpowering German sports car dream of a Porsche 911, but it can easily compete with models such as a Mercedes SLK, a BMW Z3 / Z4 or a Porsche Boxster. Technology from the Volkswagen mass-produced shelf was paired with a chic design and an unusually fine finish for this class. Anyone looking for a classic of tomorrow can take a close look at both the first (8N) and the second TT generation (8J). The engines are right and so is the technology. However, there are a few details to keep in mind:
First of all, you’re not doing yourself a favor in a sports car by opting for the base versions with 150 or 163 hp. And a diesel – admittedly in the second Audi TT generation an always economical way to drive a joker – should be deleted as well as the versions with front-wheel drive. Therefore, a few key data are set: in the Audi TT Roadster Generation I at least the 180 hp version; even better is the initial top model, in which the 1.8 liter four-cylinder turbo from the VW Golf IV in conjunction with the obligatory all-wheel drive delivers 165 kW / 224 hp / 280 Nm. Especially for the roadster – all too happy in silver or gray paintwork with the red-brown moccasin leather seats – an ideal cast. The DSG dual-clutch gearbox was already introduced in the later production years of the first TT generation – if you opted for the 3.2-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine. It ran smoothly and admittedly had six cylinders, but despite the 184 kW / 250 hp it lacked enthusiasm and drive. So just stick with the 1.8 Turbo in its 224 hp version, which, unlike the weaker models, was equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The processing quality of the first TT Roadster is just as good as the standard equipment. Heated leather seats, electric roof, glass wind deflector, sound system and xenon headlights are set on most models. The workmanship in the interior is exemplary for a mid-range sports car, even if the soft surfaces flake off with age and the lockable rotary and pushbutton switches no longer look as good as they did at first. Depending on the mileage, maintenance costs sometimes come up with the turbo engine and all-wheel drive, but in general the Audi TT Roadster is a class package with lots of driving fun and the cool style of the late 1990s. Again and again, the pixelated red digital displays between the two round clocks cause problems. There are special companies that make them fit again; however, it is not all cheap. No problems are caused by the chassis or the electric fabric roof on most models, which will hardly matter even a few years more. Always chic: the numerous aluminum elements inside, the sports seats with plenty of lateral support and the TT flap above the radio slot.
A lot looks different in the second generation available from 2006, because not only did the Audi TT Coupé and the Roadster have a sharper design, but also significantly more power in the model. An ideal choice is the now two-liter four-cylinder turbo with 147 kW / 200 hp (later 155 kW / 211 hp), which in turn should be combined with all-wheel drive for more driving fun and dynamics. However, the best choice is the Audi TTS, which in its early days had an output of 200 kW / 272 hp and is a brilliant choice, especially in connection with the dual clutch transmission.
The Audi TT RS presented for the first time offered even more steam, which was presented by a 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbo with initially 250 kW / 340 hp / 450 Nm and offered particularly sporty driving performance. But both open and closed, the Audi TTS is an ideal choice with its magnificent driving dynamics, 250 km/h top speed and 0 to 100 km/h in little more than five seconds. Again, the second generation – technically closely related to the VW Golf V – scored not only with its design, but also with its particularly elegant workmanship. Equally popular is the nearly 1.5-tonne Audi TT Quattro as a coupé and roadster, with the open-top version being fitted with an electric wind deflector that competitors could only dream of. As with the first model, the space available inside and in the loading compartment is manageable.
Prices for a first-generation Audi TT Roadster start at around 5,000 euros. With an appropriate maintenance condition, accident-free and with a comprehensible history, the recommended 224 hp all-wheel drive starts at around 9,000 euros. Stay away from tuned versions, some of which have up to 350 hp, because the 1.8-liter turbo engine could simply be elicited significantly more power. However, the TT coupés are much more affected. The Audi TT Roadster of the second generation and thus the internal 8J series start at just under 15,000 euros, are technically better, but not quite as stylish as the first generation. The two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is a stunner and a better choice than the pale 3.2-liter V6 that also powered the VW Phaeton in the Golf R32. 211 hp roadster models with good equipment and less than 150,000 kilometers are also available for little more than 16,000 euros. You can confidently leave the 272 hp TTS to the sportier coupe. Some models are equipped with the innovative Magnetic Ride chassis, which can, but does not have to, cost money to maintain.