Audi TTS Review

2010 Audi TTS Premium quattro Hatchback

Based on the second-generation platform of Audi's compact TT sport coupe that arrived in 2008, the high-performance Audi TTS is available as a 2+2 sport coupe or two-place roadster in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim. Its sleek hood conceals a turbocharged direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's backed by the versatile S tronic dual-clutch automated manual gearbox, all running through Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The result is 265 horsepower, seamless shifts, tenacious traction and a 0-60-mph sprint of around 5 seconds. The TTS straightens out curves more competently than a garden-variety TT as well, thanks to standard adjustable dampers.

The TTS provides useful upgrades over the regular TT, but you'll pay a hefty premium for it. However, if you're armed with a fat wallet and in search of to-die-for sports car looks and good road manners, the TTS is no doubt a fine choice. Value-minded performance buyers will find more bang-for-the-buck in a Nissan 370Z or Camaro SS, and the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster/Cayman deliver sharper handling and greater overall driver satisfaction. Nonetheless, if money's no object and you value ultimate style over ultimate performance, the Audi TTS is certainly worth a look.

Current Audi TTS

The Audi TTS is a premium compact sports car available in 2+2 sport coupe or two-seat roadster body styles and three trim levels. Base Premium models include alloy wheels, xenon headlights, manual sport seats, steering-wheel shift paddles, a CD audio system with satellite radio, and a manually operated soft top on roadsters. The Premium Plus trim adds a handful of features as well as a power-folding convertible top. Fully equipped Prestige models receive a standard navigation system and a Bose audio system, among other niceties.

Like other Audi products, the TTS features an attractive and high-quality interior. A flat-bottomed steering wheel and aggressively bolstered seats lend the requisite sporting touches to this high-performance model. Those who value function more than open-air motoring should focus on the coupe, which offers hatchback utility and folding rear seats for cargo and people.

On the road, the Audi TTS delivers noteworthy performance. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four is more responsive across a broader power band than the less-powerful turbo-4 in the base TT, and it's appreciably quicker than the regular TT's optional 3.2-liter V6. The dual-clutch S tronic gearbox delivers world-class operation in both automatic and manual modes -- if anything, it's almost too quick and smooth, as shifting the TTS can feel like playing a video game. Thanks in part to its adjustable dampers, the TTS responds more sharply than the regular TT and dispatches twisting roads with aplomb, even if it still can't quite keep up with the competition from BMW and Porsche. The TTS shines while driving hard in inclement weather, where its Quattro all-wheel-drive system provides an extra measure of confidence-inspiring traction.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.