2016 Audi TT Coupe: An Innovative Groundbreaking Vehicle

Highlight: The vehicle offers an optional in-vehicle hot spot system.
 
Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $48,725 (base AWD model $43,825)

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; automatic rearview mirror; automated windshield wipers and headlights; automatic headlights; a headlight washing system; LED turn light indicators; heated exterior mirrors; an electronic stability control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; and a hill hold assist system

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; an all-wheel drive system; a clutchless automatic transmission; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; an automatic climate control system; leather/Alcantara power front seats; storage drawer under front passenger seat; a speed-activated rear spoiler; dual exhaust outlets; and Xenon headlights with LED running lights

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: tech package, which consist of a nav system, heated automatic dimming power folding exterior mirrors, a parking assist sensor system, a rearview camera, Audi side assist system; Audi connect with online services; and a special seating design package

Other Trim Level:

TTS
TT Roadster

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle:  a Bose 9-speaker AM/FM/HD with satellite

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                    
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder/220-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage:

20-city/28-hwy

What’s New:  For the 2016 model year, the Audi TT has been reworked inside and out, making this one of the most advanced vehicles in the industry in terms of its interior.

Why: The stunning looking TT, with its evolutionary design, continues to be available as a coupe and a roadster. With its oval shape still in place, the design and engineering team has pushed the already appealing sports vehicle to the stratosphere. Ok, we might be stretching our words a tad bit. However, the new TT is quite innovative, especially the layout of the instrument panel.  

In fact, Audi has definitely reengineered the traditional instrument panel, making the vehicle that much more pragmatic, causing us to ask why did it take this long.  For the 2016 model, the a/c controls have been integrated into the air vents. The fan speed, the air vent selection, the temperature selection and the heated seat adjustments are controlled through three air vents.

Added to that, the driver centric gauges seem more like what we would find when playing an electronic game, as opposed to what’s embedded in the instrument panel of a vehicle.  The TT now houses an all-new digital instrument gauge, which replaces the traditional gauges. In fact, the infotainment system, which incorporates the audio system and the rearview camera, is slotted right into the digital gauges and everything is at eye level for the driver. Yes, the interior design team has basically eliminated what we now know as the traditional instrument gauge. Yes, this is an industry first.

The TT, with its supportive, but comfortable seating, continues to be available with one smooth and zippy automatic transmission. Depending on the model, buyers can opt for the standard 220-horsepower engine in the base TT or the standard 290-horsepower engine in the more powerful TTS, which is only available as a coupe.

And with that being the case, the all-wheel drive system delivers torque by measuring the coefficient of traction at all four wheels. The balance of power can be controlled through the Audi drive select system. Although the brand only builds front wheel drive models, when the vehicle is placed in dynamic mode, the vehicle operate just like a rear-wheel drive vehicle. 

Moreover, the TT can be outfitted with a few extra features besides what we noted in the optional feature section, enhancing the driving experience. Some of those features consist of 19-inch wheels and a 12-speaker audio system, which pumps out 680 watts. For those enthusiasts who yearn for a little more control over the suspension system, they should step up to the TTS. The vehicle allows the driver to choose a selection that suits their needs.

But:  Our four concerns are a carryover from the previous generation TT despite the redesign. What’s a sports car without a manual transmission? And this is probably due to the structural integrity of the oval shaped roof; Audi has opted not to offer a power sunroof. We would be contempt with a pop up sunroof. Moreover, why does this 4-cylinder turbo require premium fuel? And lastly why does the engineering team continue to offer back seats? We guess it’s for pets, as opposed to humans.

Verdict: The refined TT is definitely leap years over the competition, in terms of the interior. In fact, there isn’t another automobile in the industry that has shifted the traditional center stack, which houses the audio and ventilation system, in such a groundbreaking fashion. The cool looking TT which offers plenty of pep, while garnering up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway is worth every penny. In fact, this was the only vehicle in JD Power latest initial quality survey that was reworked both inside and out that scored 5 out of 5. Besides the few gripes we pointed out, the TT continues to be a winner in our eyes.

Competition: Nissan 370Z and Porsche Boxster