2018 Audi TT Review

Since the 2018 Audi TT is only offered in one trim level, the big decision is whether to go with the coupe or convertible. Both are similarly equipped, so it's just a matter of which body style you prefer. To further bolster the TT's luxury appeal, add the optional Technology package that comes with...

The TT lacks the responsiveness that its nonturbocharged rivals provide, but it operates smoothly overall. The multiple drive modes give distinctly different levels of assist and response, good for cruising to corner carving. Gearshifts are quick and smooth.

The engine's 220 hp isn't a large number, but with 258 lb-ft of torque to exploit, thrust is abundant whether you're driving around town or making a highway pass. In our testing, 60 mph came in 5.5 seconds using the launch control feature.

Great straight-line stability with minimal noise and vibration during panic stops make for a confident braking experience. In our testing, the TT stopped from 60 mph in a short 103 feet.

Electric assist provides different steering settings tuned to either ease low-speed maneuvering or provide more stability at speed. Road feedback is better than in some of Audi's S models but still falls below what we'd consider ideal.

Short of putting the TT on a racetrack, its handling is near faultless. The AWD system does a beautiful job of keeping the car on the intended line. There's great traction and superb poise through turns.

The TT lacks the responsiveness that its nonturbocharged rivals provide, but it operates smoothly overall. The multiple drive modes give distinctly different levels of assist and response, good for cruising to corner carving. Gearshifts are quick and smooth.

For a car with such a performance bias, there's much comfort to be found in the TT. We wouldn't hesitate to use the TT as a primary commuter vehicle or for a long weekend road trip. But you'll be better served using those tiny back seats for cargo rather than passengers.

The optional sport seats have firm but comfortable cushions and a little more lateral support than the base seats. The front seats provide plenty of support and cushioning for hours of comfortable touring.

The TT's sport-oriented suspension strikes a nice balance between controlling body movement and ride suppleness. An electronically adjustable system, like the one in Audi's TTS model, might provide a more flexible operating range.

Summer tires generate some road noise, but otherwise the cabin keeps out the majority of unpleasant sounds. For those who want to hear their machinery's music, Dynamic mode turns up the engine's volume channeled into the cabin.

The integrated air vent climate controls are simple yet effective, though the air vane design limits directional adjustability.

Audi's Virtual Cockpit combines the infotainment screen and gauge cluster into one screen in front of the driver. While this occupies the main stage, the climate controls complete the modern interior look, integrating seamlessly into the air vent bezels on the center of the dash.

A single driver-centric screen helps create a beautifully simple cabin without sacrificing functionality.

The low-slung nature of the TT could provide some challenges for those who aren't used to climbing into sportier vehicles. Otherwise, the narrow door sills and generous dash clearance provide a wide opening.

There are enough adjustments to ensure that tall and short occupants will find a perfect driving position.

The TT's 12-way adjustable seats provide a surprising amount of range to accommodate front-seat occupants over 6 feet tall. The rear seats are for kids only, and even then they'll have minimal legroom. Best to assume you're buying a two-seater.

The front and rear roof pillars are thin, thereby making the TT an impressively easy sport coupe to see out of.

The TT feels worth every penny of its price. The cabin's design is not only pleasing to the eye, but the switchgear and contact surfaces are noticeably high in quality. This is a cabin you'll want to spend time in.

You really can't expect too much in the way of practicality when it comes to cars in this class. And so it is with the TT.

Interior cabin stowage is sparse, limited to modest-size door pockets, a small covered bin and armrest space, shared with a flip-down second cupholder.

Trunk space is adequate with 12 cubic feet of capacity. If you fold the tiny rear seats flat, you can fit two golf bags.

The virtual gauge cluster not only displays the speed and other vitals, but it also handles audio, navigation and secondary system controls. You control the majority of functions with the MMI knob mounted on the center console, right where your hand normally rests.

The system works flawlessly, with quick responses and super sharp graphics that are easy to read at a glance. Some of the menus take some getting used to, but it quickly becomes intuitive.