2012 Audi TTS Review
2012 Audi TTS Review
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Used TTS for sale
Appraise This CarAudi TTS model years
Audi TTS types
- Coupe
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Premium interior
- tenacious handling
- slick automated manual transmission
- thrifty fuel economy
- coupe's hatchback utility.
Cons
- Expensive price relative to performance
- steering not as sharp as many rivals
- stiff-legged ride
- manual transmission not available.
What’s new
The 2012 Audi TTS is unchanged from last year.
Edmunds says
The 2012 Audi TTS trounces the standard TT in terms of performance, but still falls short of true sports car status when stacked up against comparable Porsche models.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Audi TTS Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$203/mo for TTS Premium Plus quattro
TTS Premium Plus quattro
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Introduced more than a decade ago, the Audi TT represented an intriguing design, yet its performance seemed secondary to aesthetics. The second-generation 2012 Audi TTS adds some substance to all of that style, with more power under the hood and sharper handling in the curves.
Offered as either a 2+2 coupe or a roadster, the TTS returns largely unchanged from last year. It uses the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the standard TT, but the use of an intercooler and a larger turbo helps kick output up to 265 horsepower (compared to the TT's 211 hp). The TTS also rides slightly lower and benefits from a sportier suspension and standard all-wheel drive. As a result, the TTS is a much more entertaining and athletic sibling to the standard TT.
Some of this added athleticism has some drawbacks. For one, the stiffer suspension might be too harsh for some, especially when compared to the TT or the refined BMW Z4. And even though the TTS is certainly more communicative on the road, it still isn't as engaging as the entry-level Porsche models.
To the TTS's credit, it won't cost as much as a similarly equipped BMW Z4 sDrive35i, Porsche Boxster or Porsche Cayman. But there are also less expensive alternatives like the BMW 135i, Nissan 370Z and the latest batch of surprisingly good muscle cars from Detroit. Ultimately, choosing a 2012 Audi TTS will depend on your taste for varying degrees of style and performance.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Audi TTS is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 265 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power is transmitted to all four wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission known as S tronic.
In Edmunds performance testing, the TTS coupe went from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined -- truly impressive given the car's performance.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2012 Audi TTS include antilock disc brakes, hill-hold assist, traction and stability control, front side airbags (to protect the head and thorax) and front knee airbags.
In Edmunds brake testing, a TTS came to a stop from 60 mph in a very competent 113 feet.
Driving
The 2012 Audi TTS boasts considerable performance improvements over the standard TT. The 2.0-liter inline-4 isn't the most stirring engine to listen to, but its power delivery is quite broad, and the dual-clutch automated manual gearbox works brilliantly in both automatic and manual modes. Even so, some enthusiastic drivers might miss a true manual transmission.
The TTS devours curvy roads at a rapid clip, responding with a level of agility missing in the regular TT. Nevertheless, there's a certain level of passion missing from the Audi TTS, much of which can be attributed to its uncommunicative steering.
Interior
As we've come to expect from all Audi models, the 2012 TTS features a tastefully designed interior that makes use of top-notch materials. The TTS differs slightly from the standard TT by offering two-tone color schemes in silver, orange and red for some added visual pizzazz.
The navigation system's dash-mounted controller placement isn't ideal, nor is operation as intuitive as those from other manufacturers, but most other controls are straightforward and within easy reach. The sporty front seats are both comfortable and supportive, but the coupe's rear seats are better suited to trunk overflow than accommodating people.
The coupe's rear seats do fold flat, however, to expand the trunk's ample 13-cubic-foot capacity to a capacious 24 cubes. The two-seat Roadster can accommodate only 8.8 cubic feet, but it does feature a pass-through with removable ski bag for longer objects.
The roadster's folding cloth top might seem a bit outdated compared to the slick retractable hardtops that can be found on some of its rivals, but it does retain the TT's clean lines and folds flat into the rear bodywork. Its multilayer headliner and glass window also manage to keep the cabin quiet and well-insulated.
2012 Audi TTS models
The 2012 Audi TTS is available as a 2+2 coupe or a two-seat roadster, each available in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, an automatic retractable rear spoiler, adjustable drive settings (altering suspension firmness, steering assist and exhaust note), automatic xenon headlamps, LED running lights, automatic wipers, cruise control, automatic climate control, eight-way power sport front seats (includes four-way power lumbar), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
The TTS roadster adds an electrically powered convertible top, a power-operated wind deflector and a trunk pass-through with ski bag. The optional navigation system brings with it real-time traffic and a choice of either a six-CD changer or an iPod/MP3 player interface. Heated seats are a stand-alone option.
The TTS Prestige gets the heated seats and navigation system with CD changer as standard equipment and also gains rear parking sensors, an upgraded Bose sound system and an interior LED lighting package. The iPod/MP3 player interface is an option and replaces the CD changer. The Baseball Optic Leather package is available for both trims and offers additional leather trim and seat stitching that resembles that of a baseball glove.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Audi TTS.
5 star(91%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
11 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Not all sports cars are made for summer.
gvr99, 12/12/2013
2012 Audi TTS Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
In reference to the title. I am one that doesn't really believe in stowing a car for the winter. Especially an Audi TTS Quattro. I live near Toronto, Canada and my business is downtown Toronto. Yes we come from the land of the ice and snow 4 to 5 months of the year. The TTS is a sports car made for this weather. In November off came the 19" summers and on went the 18" winters. There are … not many vehicles I can think of that handle the ice and snow better. The 4 cylinder Turbo is awesome on fuel. The option of automatic or paddle shifters makes for an easy commute in traffic and a quick shift into sport manual mode and we have lots of shifting fun. This car is fast and handles very very well.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Awesome Vehicle
Bruce, 03/12/2009
2009 Audi TTS 2.0T quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I recently purchased my 2009 TTS convertible and could not be happier. The exterior look is a unique combination of sophistication and a fun roadster (I get a lot of head turns driving it). The interior design is not only smartly laid out but the quality is obviously of the highest level. It has great acceleration and a very smooth ride and handling at high speeds. While some may say … the AWD feature (which is great for northern weather) may detract from the rear wheel drive sensation of speed and acceleration, I have not noticed this. Overall, I cannot find a bad thing to say about this car. It truly is a winner.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Upgraded to this from the original MK1...
smileman, 11/25/2009
2009 Audi TTS 2.0T quattro 2dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
... and it definitely delivers. I knew I was in trouble when I test drove it at the dealer. Wasn't looking to buy that day, but after the drive I knew I was taking it home. I've had it for almost a year now and very happy with my choice. The car corners and handles with supreme confidence. It's unbelievable coming from a 2001 TT - what I can do with this car! Coming from a manual I … was a little skeptical of DSG. But the ability to paddle shift (key when engaging in spirited driving), the smoothness and quickness of DSG sold me pretty quickly. Very rare to see the a TTS too. I've only seen one other in the Bay Area.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Very Pleased, Came From Porsche, BMW, MB
KMK, 06/12/2009
2009 Audi TTS 2.0T quattro 2dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
What a great vehicle. Replaced a Lotus Exige which I mistakenly thought I could manage as a daily driver. The Exige is brilliant but was simply a car to be endured to be enjoyed. What the TTS loses to outright track performance from the Lotus it more than makes up with overall reliability, fit & finish, & comfort. I've had an R32 which the Audi is essentially a sexier, more powerful & … luxurious, version. Some alternatives are faster, sharper, cheaper, etc. But, the Audi TTS is a brilliant fast, four-season sports car that can coddle you in luxury, large cargo area, and is a modern classic. Price & Performance alternatives: BMW 135, 370Z. STI/Evo are decent near-luxury considerations
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Audi TTS, so we've included reviews for other years of the TTS since its last redesign.
2012 TTS Highlights
Coupe
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $47,000 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the TTS include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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