Audi TT RS
By Bill McCarthy
The TT has always had an aura around it, a sportscar that has an enduring quality. A bit like the Mazda MX5, it’s become an icon.
Whether in coupe or roadster form, it has always looked the part, a head turner and offering plenty of performance.
Then there’s the TT RS, the bonkers sibling which offers something else entirely. Looking more menacing and likely to kick sand in your face, it just kicks the rear end of others with performance.
Like all RS Audis, performance is a given, but in the low slung TT it can be exhilarating.
The five-cylinder soundtrack delivered by the 2.5-litre TFSI is via the RS Sports exhaust system, amplified to spit and gurgle as the car blasts from 0 to 60mph in just under 3.6 seconds.
That is supercar territory and you can be in no doubt as you are thrust back in your seat as the car takes off.
The five cylinder unit delivers a stonking 400PS, that around 395bhp in old money which is a ton of grunt for a relatively small car. Mated with the seven speed S ironic auto box with the option of gear change via paddles. It rockets away from a standing start.
Aided by the RS specific suspension with magnetic ride adaptive damping, which keeps the rubber firmly on the road, the power is handled with ease. Throw in the legendary Quattro all-wheel drive and you have a vehicle that feels like it is running on rails and clinging like a limpet when cornering, while driver and passenger are held firm by the sports seats.
People were queuing up for a drive and the couple who did were not disappointed.
Once the bonkers part is over the car is a comfortable car about town and a rapid but sedate performer on the motorway when up to speed.
While £65k for this model seems like a lot of money, there is the full Audi quality you would expect both with outside styling and interior quality together with cutting edge technology. The original TT is still a much sought after car and the shape has evolved. Originally a more rounded vehicle, it now features sharper creases and harder edges, with stylish light clusters.
This model features the RS branding, subtle but still unmissable with honeycomb grille , coloured RS brake callipers, seven-spoke 19-inch alloys and rear spoiler. Door sill trims with aluminium inlays and “TTRS” logo
The interior in typical Audi with high end soft touch finish high-quality plastics.
The dash features aluminium with carbon inserts and features Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display which controls the major functions like connectivity, navigation and entertainment including DAB digital radio and controlled via the central MMI system.
The leather-quilted sports seats feature the RS logo and are firm and supportive, much needed when tested the car’s cornering ability.
A two+two, although the front seats offer plenty of head legroom, it is tight to the rear for any adults, forcing the front passenger to push the seat as far forward as possible. They really are more suited for children, or stowing extra baggage.
Although stowage space is not bad at all, with 305 litres available, it can be extended to 712 litres by utilising the rear seats space.
A car of this nature needs to be safe and the TT is packed with safety equipment not least the huge RS callipers and ventilated discs which provide immense stopping power. It also includes full complement of airbags including curtain and knee protection and stability control.
The TT just gets better, it looks the part and is a thrilling drive.
Factfile
Audi TT RS Sport Edition S tronic
Price: £63,260
Mechanical: 400PS, 2480cc, five-cylinder, petrol engine driving all wheels via seven-speed auto box
Max Speed: 155mph (limited)
0-62mph: 3.6 seconds
Combined MPG: 31.7
Insurance Group: 43
C02 emissions: 202g/km
Bik rating: 37%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000miles
On the road 