The Audi TT Coupe came in 1998 and it became an instant hit. Its small body, cool driving dynamics, good engines and sleek styling have made it one of the most revered cars for almost two decades now.

Unlike some other quirky-looking cars, the TT has managed to preserve its uniqueness and easily adapt to the ever-changing industry requirements. What we have before us today is the third generation of the car and it is the perfect example of the Audi TT philosophy. It follows the trends and meets general requirements, but at the same time stays completely unique.

At A Glance

Upside

• Lightweight
• Nice and clean design
• Responsive gears

Downside

• Lack of space
• Slightly cluttered steering wheel

Design: 4.5 / 5.0

It’s an Audi TT. It is compact, but sharp and the designers once again made use of the silhouette that seems incredibly well balanced despite the tiny dimensions. What is different is the increased aggression of the latest Audi TT. The second-gen car had some pretty unique design features, even within the Audi lineup. The best example could be the headlights design on the Mk2 and Mk3. The latest version is far more Audi-resembling at the first sight.

The designers also used lots of aluminium in the car, which reduced the weight. The Audi rings are now on the hood and the grille and large intakes also paint a sharper image. The side is nice and clean with just a few details such as the flared wheel arches and a subtle side sill.

The wheel size is at 18” and it fits the car perfectly in any sense. They are neither too big, nor too small for design purposes and they provide the perfect balance between performance and comfort.

Speaking of the size, the car is almost 4.2 m long and about 1.8 m wide, but you would never guess from just looking at it. It looks beefy and serious and it is hardly an inconspicuous pile of metal. You’ll be noticed in the TT.

The rear features a spoiler that is automatically activated when you go past 120 km/h. If you want to show off, you can also activate it at the press of a button in the cabin.

Interior 4.5 / 5.0

Rating this interior was really difficult. It is an Audi, so attention to detail, choice of materials, build quality, fit and finish are as good as they get at this price level. The design is also unique and absolutely stunning. A mixture of digital and seemingly mechanical can be seen on the central console vents.

What many will notice is the small number of buttons on the central console. Although this solution does make the car look far cleaner, they did not simply disappear and this brings us to the only reason to bicker about the interior. Loads of these buttons are moved to the steering wheel. They are ergonomical and, after a while, pretty intuitive to use, but the steering wheel does feel cluttered.

This being said, we know that some people will love the fact that they don’t need to take their hands off the steering wheel for vast majority of actions.

OK, there is another thing to bicker about, but it is expected. The rear legroom is not really legroom. However, this is a car that takes pride in driving agility, so if spaciousness in the back is your priority, maybe you should opt for a different car.

Driving 5.0 / 5.0

Yes, it gets the top mark, but don’t expect it to drive like a Zonda. The Audi TT provides incredible driving dynamics and its new lightweight body makes it even nimbler. Add to this the small wheelbase and the latest Audi TT is as good as the engine lets it be.

And the engine is a 2.0 TFSI, one of the letters in the acronym standing for ‘turbocharged’. The forced induction helps the four-banger provide the car with respectable 169 kW – enough for a 0 – 100km/h run of 5.3 s and the need for an electronic limiter at 250 km/h.

In terms of comfort, the small car is surprisingly civilized. In fact, it is the perfect compromise. The engine is powerful and great for driving fun, but not too powerful that you can’t relax while cruising; the six-speed gearbox is very responsive and also great for everyday use and the seats and suspension provide loads of confidence for aggressive driving, while still keeping comfort as it should be.

The verdict 4.5 / 5.0

People who are thinking of buying a TT probably know what they are looking from a car. If you want spaciousness and utter practicality, don’t but the TT. If you want driving fun, great quality and unique design, get one. Plus, you get the engine and other mechanical features whose maintenance doesn’t cost as much as your yearly wage.