2010 Audi TT Performance Review

With the addition of the tuned TTS edition last year, the Audi TT lineup moved even closer to the sports car vein. It's essentially a carryover in performance features this year-and still a good choice for anyone seeking good power, deft handling, and all-weather traction.

The 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder comes only with Audi's fantastic six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which eliminates the clutch pedal and lets twin interlocking transmissions handle blink-quick gearchanges. All-wheel drive is standard. It's nimbler at handling than before, and the TT has the feel of a speedster-it's low to the ground and corners with flat but eager determination. Kelley Blue Book enjoys the "lighter feel of the four-cylinder/front-drive combination" to other sports coupes and to the formerly available V-6 TT. The Washington Post points out the TT gets "23 in the city and 31 on the highway." The high-performance, 265-hp turbo TTS comes only with the dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. Motor Trend raves about the power delivery from the more powerful 265-hp version of the 2.0T engine in the TTS, saying that it "can surf along on a wave of torque on the freeway, big power just a toe-flick away." They also praise its "real kick" for driving on twisty roads.

The TT's dual-clutch transmission finds many fans among other Web auto writers. Just like the editors at TheCarConnection.com, Kelley Blue Book feels the dual-clutch transmission is "truly revolutionary." AutoWeek pans the dual-clutch's shifting, saying that "upshifts come way too quickly"; they go on to gripe that "it's so slow on downshifts that you're forced to go down a couple gears manually with the paddles"-a surprising admission of sloth from an enthusiast magazine.

Handling also factors in the Audi TT's strong reviews. It's "akin to writing with the finest, most perfectly balanced pen," the Washington Post reports. "It feels that good in hand," Motor Trend finds it "easy to drive briskly," and Edmunds says the "steering is precise, although some drivers might find the rack devoid of feel." Of the ride, Consumer Reports remarks that the TT has "responsive but not overtly sporty handling." Kelley Blue Book attests the sports car "holds the road with a firm grip and minimal lean." Still, most car writers applaud the TT's smooth, quiet ride-though Motor Trend advises it's best to use the "normal" mode, since the magnetic suspension in the TTS' "Sport" mode "bobs and pitches with just a bit too much hyperactivity."