The TTS Coupé has a potent 2,0-litre engine has enough enthusiasm to make twin tail pipes spit and growl like an aggressive animal.
An understated icon, the 3rd generation Audi TTS Coupe left a permanent grin on my face. It is an attention seeker with its geometric design features, sharp lines and bold colours. Personally, I would buy one in orange, the same as the test car colour we received, just so I can call it a spicy little pumpkin.
The new designed, optional S line exterior package underscores the athletic character of the Audi TT range even more. It includes a full-length front splitter, vertical air inlets, a radiator grille in titanium black and specific side sills with inserts as well as a sporty rear end. Added is a wider diffuser and vertical air inlets below the rear lights with three horizontal fins each.
A need to know about the TTS Coupe is the power behind it, a 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol beating heart with enough enthusiasm to make twin tail pipes spit and growl like an aggressive animal encountering a threat. The 228kW sporty menace is mated with a 6-speed S tronic transmission which caters to both brisk acceleration as well as a wide gear ratio to keep the engine speed down when in a higher gear.
Despite being a small coupé, it still serves as a functional everyday vehicle, with a boot size equivalent to a modern-day hatchback. As for the rear seats, provided your legs can be temporarily be removed, it serves no better purpose than for small children or as a parcel shelf. Then again, a TT is not bought for practicality; it is bought for its recognisable style.
Upfront in the cockpit you are spoilt with simplistic style and high-quality finishes. There is no dash mounted infotainment screen, which I prefer, it restores the purity of a driver focused car that demands your attention. There is however the driver’s digital display which is easy to use and well laid out. A point worth mentioning is the Bang & Olufsen sound system, the clarity and depth to the sound quality is phenomenal.
Although it is a sports car with stylish 19-inch rims, the ride comfort is not compromised, especially thanks to the adaptive suspension and comfort setting. The handling is both dynamic and precise. My inner petrol-head child could not resist the opportunity to try out the launch control, specifically combined with a flawless all-wheel drive system. At this moment as the revs frantically vibrate around the 4000rpm mark, the exterior orange colour always reminds me of a wild tiger pouncing on an unsuspecting victim. The launch control is a potent attribute towards its performance, giggly good fun!
Audi South Africa will offer two petrol engine derivatives as part of the local Audi TT range. The Audi TT Coupé 45 TFSI S tronic includes 169 kW of power and the Audi TTS Coupé quattro S tronic, as mentioned produces 228 kW of power.
The Audi TT Coupé 45 TFSI S tronic is priced at R 670 000 and the Audi TTS Coupé quattro S tronic is priced at R782 000. Both models come standard with the 5-year/100 000km.
