The Audi TTS is a 2-seater compact luxury car/roadster made for those who like the Audi TT, but want it to be a bit more exciting. The TTS slots between the entry-level Audi TT and the range-topping Audi TT RS with its amazing 5-cylinder engine. So, is Audi TTS a good car? In short, yes, the Audi TTS is a good car. If you want a long answer, be sure to read this article.
For starters, the TTS gets a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with enough pulling power. This engine is mated to a DCT transmission and an AWD system which makes the car fairly rapid. The TTS also looks more exciting than the regular TT as it gets lots of design upgrades both inside and outside which separate it from the regular TT.
The chassis and suspension tuning of the TTS sits somewhere between performance and comfort which means that it can do corners really well while retaining a relatively comfortable ride. Reliability is decent as well, but there are some issues worth talking about.
The values of these aren’t all that stable, but that is the case with virtually all TT models. Practicality is also not the best as the TT only offers 2 seats, 2 doors, and a fairly confided trunk space area.
Audi TTS – The powertrain
The Audi TTS gets a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 320hp and 295lb-ft of torque. This is enough to propel the car from 0mph to 60mph in just 4.5 seconds. The top speed is capped at 155mph, the quarter-mile time is in the mid-13 seconds which is also fairly commendable for an entry-level compact sports car.
This engine is mated to a dual-clutch S-Tronic 7-speed gearbox and Audi’s famous Quattro AWD system which manages to keep you safe in virtually all conditions. Fuel efficiency isn’t perfect as the TTS can only do about 20-25MPG which is not the best because the newest 2.0L 4-cylinder units from its competitors perform better while also offering better fuel efficiency results.
Audi TTS – Design and chassis
The Audi TTS is available in either coupe or convertible form depending on what you prefer. Both of these get a more aggressive exterior styling, better-looking wheels, larger brakes, and a lower ride height which separates them from regular TT models. The interior of the TT is also really nice as it is cladded with Alcantara, aluminum, and carbon fiber if you are willing to pay for it.
The chassis of the TTS is well balanced which means that the TTS behaves well in the corners. The suspension is stiff, but not overly so which means that the car is not punishing. It bridges the gap between comfortable TT models and the TT RS really well.
Audi TTS – Reliability and common issues
When it comes to reliability, we can say that the TT S is able to hold its own really well. Newer TT S models are miles better than older ones but aren’t completely free of issues. The most common TT S issues are related to the car’s electronics, the equipment, the steering system, the water pump, and higher levels of oil consumption.
Most of these can be resolved with preventive maintenance while others simply can’t be avoided. Either way, the TT S should last you a long time if you take proper care of it. If not, the car is going to fail eventually as is the case with all the cars out there.
Audi TTS – Value and practicality
The regular Audi TT starts at around $50,000 which certainly is a lot of money. The next in line is the Audi TT S which starts at around $60,000 while the range-topping TT RS starts at around $75,000. This makes the TTS seem like a really good buy, but these cars depreciate notoriously and are better off bought on the used car market.
Practicality-wise, the TTS is as good as any other TT model. This means that it offers only 2 seats, only 2 doors, and relatively confined trunk space. The car is compact, yet it can accommodate drivers up to 6 feet 5 inches at the very limit.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Audi TTS?
If you are interested in compact 2-seat sports cars that aren’t too punishing for your back, your ears, and your bank account, the TTS could be a very good choice. The TTS looks really good inside and out thanks to lovely design touches everywhere. Some even deem it to be a baby R8 which is definitely a compliment for the TT and not the other way around.
On the other hand, if you dislike small cars and you don’t care about 2-seater cars, the TTS should be avoided at all costs. The TTS is compromised in the name of performance and that is something that can’t go unnoticed, especially for those who don’t even care about performance.
Is the Audi TTS going out of production?
It seems like the Audi TTS is going out of production soon enough because Audi decided to replace it with something more emotional and possibly with four doors. As such, the TTS is going out this year or the next one and there are no indications that Audi is ever going to bring it back.
Two-seater compact sports cars were the thing in the 90s and 2000s but simply aren’t anymore as SUVs and crossovers are dominating the markets across the world. If you also add EVs to the game, Audi simply has no reason to continue making the TTS as there are more pressing cars that should be released and built.
Is the Audi TTS better than the TTRS?
No, it is not. The Audi TTRS is a completely different beast thanks to its 5-cylinder engine that feels and sounds like a V10 from the R8. The TTRS is much faster and more exciting to drive because it is more focused, it looks more aggressive, and it comes with a lot more equipment from the factory.
It may cost about $15,000 more to get the TTRS, but it is all worth it thanks to that lovely 2.5L turbo 5-cylinder.
