2016 Audi TT – Trendy and Progressive

The original Audi TT turned a lot of heads when it was introduced and changed the brand’s image in the mind of many North American car buyers. The all-new third generation TT brings with it the same excitement.

The 2016 Audi TT greets you with its bold new singleframe grille. Inspired by the R8, the four rings now sit on the hood, and sharp new full-LED headlights complete the look.

The rest of the design is mostly evolutionary with only its creased beltline differentiating it from the old model. However, the TT is all-new right down to the chassis – riding on Volkswagen’s MQB platform. As a result, this TT is slightly smaller, but the wheelbase is longer giving it more interior space.

Extra room was created in the trunk as well. You can fit a surprising amount of stuff in the TT, making it pretty good for a weekend away. Plus, the rear seats can fold down to make a flat loading surface.

About those rear seats: they are still little more than a token gesture. Audi describes the TT as a 2+2, but the rear seats are impractical, even for children. The TT does have child seat anchors, however, and an infant should have just enough legroom.

But, if you are looking at the TT, you aren’t looking for a practical family car. The TT is very rewarding for the driver.

You may notice the TT’s lack of a central display. That’s because Audi moved it to where the instrument cluster traditionally resides. Called the Virtual Cockpit, the TT designers tried to redefine what this area should be. The crystal-clear 12.3-inch screen allows the driver to switch the conventional speedometer and tach to stereo or telephone controls, as well as display navigation information. All functions are controlled with the steering wheel or through the MMI system.

Further streamlining the cabin, the climate controls have been moved inside the circular vents. It’s incredibly intuitive and only adds to the TT’s trendy interior.

Once you get moving, you will notice the TT is very comfortable. This sports car will happily cruise for miles and is a joy on longer trips.

All 2016 TT Coupes and Roadsters are powered a 2.0-litre TFSI engine. Its 220 hp, combined with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, make it quick in both a straight line and through corners.

The range topping TTS gets a tuned version of Audi’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, producing 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This cuts its 0-100km/h time down to just 4.9 seconds.

None of this diminishes the TT’s everyday usability. The driver seat is comfy, visibility is good, and the selectable driving modes change the steering weight to allow for a spirited run of a relaxing commute.

The challenge for the Audi TT is its wide range of rivals. Small sport coupes are available in the affordable Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, as well as the top-end Porsche Cayman. The Mazda MX-5 also competes with the Roadster.

What do you think about the 2016 Audi TT? Tell us in the comments whether you could see yourself driving one or not.