FIRST DRIVE AUDI TTS AND TT TDI:A high performance S version and a surprisingly worthy entry-level model join Audis new diesel TT, writes Paddy Comyn.
One of the strange but somewhat welcome anomalies about the new VRT and road tax system that is coming in July, is that there are some cars that are so fuel efficient, they seem to almost cheat the new system.
Audi's TT is now in its second generation and is a stunningcar, but who would have believed that in "dear" old Ireland, you would be able to pay just 16 per cent VRT and a paltry €150 per annum road tax on this beauty?
Well, this is exactly what will happen when the diesel version of the TT arrives this summer, alongside a new entry-level version and a new top-of-the-range S version.
It might seem difficult to get your head around the idea of a diesel sports car, but anyone following the rapid development of diesel technology won't be surprised to learn that it is no longer reserved to family saloons and SUVs.
Quiet, powerful and refined, the 2.0-litre TDi engine employed for the TT TDi has 170bhp available and 350Nm of torque, controlled by Quattro all-wheel drive, which keeps the car firmly planted on the tarmac.
You might be aware that you are in a diesel TT when you start it up, but out on the open road- even flat out on German autobahns - this TDi is surprisingly hushed. There is a nice weight to the steering, which isn't necessarily evident in other TT models, and the assurance that the Quattro gives to the novice and accomplished driver will flatter both.
The diesel will sprint from standstill to 100km/h in a very respectable 7.5 seconds and will reach a top speed of 226km/h, but because of its low weight and the efficient nature of the engine, it will manage to return 5.3 L/100km and has an all important CO2 emission figure of just 139g/km, enabling it to fit into Band B under the new VRT system.
This means it should be one of the best value TTs you can buy and will cost you just €150 per annum to tax; how good is that?
Negotiations are ongoing on pricing, but we guess, that the TT diesel - which, bear in mind, has Quattro as standard - could cost as little as €45,000 in coupé form. The open-top roadster version, which jumps into category C, and would cost a little bit more anyway, is likely to be around €52,000.
The star attraction coming in July is the new top-of-the-range TTS. The S model is like Audi's version of M, or BMW's AMG, with RS reserved for the really fast versions. So following the Audi S3, S6 and S8, the TTS comes with a high-revving 2.0-litre TFSI engine that puts out an impressive 272bhp and comes with the option of an S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. It looks superb, with 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon lights with LED running lights, a chunky body kit and, in white - as our test cars were - it was gorgeous.
This car feels a whole lot rawer, with a deep, throaty sound from the exhaust and palpably lighter steering.
However, the grip provided by the Quattro all-wheel drive and the forgiveness of the high-tech damping system provides for astonishing grip. This magnetic ride-adaptive damping is clever, as circulating inside the damper pistons is a special fluid containing minute magnetic particles and when electrical voltage is applied, the fluid's flow properties change, altering the damping characteristics as well. You can choose between a normal and a sports setting, with the latter lowering the car by 10mm and the result is seriously impressive handling.
The manual gearbox in the S will suit the true purists, but the S-tronic is a genius piece of kit and provides for razor sharp, rapid gear changes at the flick of a paddle. Unlike many clutchless system, the S-tronic actually provides for faster 0-100km/h acceleration and will use virtually the same amount of fuel. 0-100km/h takes 5.2 seconds in the TTS and the top speed is governed to 250km/h.
The real surprise of the bunch however, came from the new entry-level model. The TT range will now start from July with a 1.8-litre TFSI engine, which puts out 160bhp and 250Nm of torque. Compared to the lofty figures mentioned for the TTS and TT TDi, you might think that the 1.8 TFSI would be a little weedy. Not so.
The front-wheel drive only version feels lively and, despite the lack of Quattro all-wheel drive, has tons of grip and feels more than capable.
It feels like a hot hatch - playful, nimble and fun to drive. This, too, is available as a coupé and roadster. The coupé will cost €68,840; the S-tronic coupé: €74,160; the roadster will cost €74,160; and S-tronic roadster will cost €76,990
The coupé 2.0 TDi will be almost irresistible when it arrives. Plenty of power, realistic fuel economy and, of course, the giggle you will get spending just €150 on road taxing a TT each year, will be difficult to resist.
Finally, the 2.0-litre TFSI is also going to be available with Quattro all-wheel drive from July and with the S-tronic double clutch transmission.
"Plenty of power, realistic fuel economy and the giggle you will get spending just 150 on road taxing a TT each year will be difficult to resist