1
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Premium sporty/performance car; Built in Hungary
  • 2-door convertible
  • 2-door hatchback
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $9,500 – $43,700*


2008 Audi TT Front


2008 Audi TT Rear


2008 Audi TT Interior


2009 Audi TT Front

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Interior materials
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Cargo room
  • Noise
  • Rear-seat room (coupe)
  • Visibility (convertible, top up)

Revamped for 2008, the Audi TT is a luxury tourer that’s closer to qualifying as a true sports car than its pre-2007 forerunners were. While Porsche’s Boxster and Cayman might ultimately be sportier, the TT’s more-civilized demeanor might be just the ticket for most casual motoring. Available all wheel is an added bonus, especially in wintry climates. Note that new-car prices rose quickly as equipment was added, but such options don’t necessarily add so much to the price of secondhand models

Overview

Introduction of the 2008 Audi TT marked the return of this sporty performance car. Following a hiatus in the 2007 model year, the TT was revived with fresh styling and new powertrains. As before, four-passenger hatchback Coupe and two-seat Roadster convertible models were available. Base Coupes and Roadsters had front-wheel drive and were called 2.0T models. They used a turbocharged 200-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Both body styles also were available as the all-wheel-drive 3.2 quattro, using a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on 3.2s. Optional on those and standard on the 2.0T was a six-speed automatic transmission–actually an S tronic dual-clutch manual gearbox, which could function either as an automatic or be shifted manually

Standard safety equipment on all TTs included front side airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, and an antiskid system. Each 2008 Audi TT had standard leather upholstery and automatic climate control. An optional adjustable suspension system allowed drivers to alter suspension settings for comfort or high-performance driving. TT rivals included the BMW Z4 and 1-Series, Porsche Boxster and Cayman, and the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.

Yearly Updates

2009 TT
A new TTS coupe and convertible joined Audi’s lineup for 2009. Offered only with an automatic transmission, the TTS got a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 265 horsepower–15 more than the V6 and 65 more than the basic turbo four. TTS models had standard adjustable suspension and 18-inch wheels along with slightly sportier exterior styling and unique interior trim.
2010 TT
The 2010 Audi TT lineup got trimmed, with the elimination of front-wheel drive and V6-powered models.
2011 TT
The 2011 Audi TT lineup received slightly freshened exterior styling and more power for the base 2.0T model, which went from 200 horsepower to 211.
2012 TT
A high-performance RS model was added to the TT lineup for 2012. It was offered only in hatchback form and came with a 340-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission.
2013 TT
The Audi TT was little changed for 2013.
2014 TT
The high-performance RS model was dropped for 2014.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

In the TT coupe and convertible, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 200 horsepower (211 starting in 2011) and drives through a six-speed automatic transmission. A 3.2-liter V6, rated at 250 horsepower, went into the 3.2 quattro models, which may have six-speed manual or automatic. In the TTS, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 265 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic. V6-powered models got the axe in 2010. For 2012, a high-performance RS model was added that carried a turbocharged 340-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine mated to a mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. For 2013, RS horsepower increased to 360. The RS was not offered after 2013.

Turbocharged dohc I41
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/121
Engine HP 200-211
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 207-258
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 23/31
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.2/195
Engine HP 250
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 236
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic 		17/24
18/24
Turbocharged dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/121
Engine HP 265
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 258
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 21/29
Turbocharged dohc I52
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/153
Engine HP 340
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 332
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual

 18/25

1. EPA mpg for the 211-hp version is 22/31. 2. 360 horsepower, 343 torque for 2013.

Road Test

Acceleration is sprightly with either the 2.0T four-cylinder engine or the 3.2 V6. The 2.0T suffers from modest turbo lag and some torque steer off the line. Audi claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.1 seconds for the 2.0T, 5.5 seconds for the 3.2 manual-shift model, and 5.3 for the automatic 3.2. All those figures have felt credible to our test drivers. Manual transmissions have pleasant, precise feel, and the automatic transmission shifts with impressive smoothness. Note that a test 3.2 Coupe suffered from periodic erratic idle. A 2012 RS with the 340-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine had explosive power once the turbo boost kicked in. That could take a moment, however, particularly at low engine speeds in the higher gears.

Test manual-transmission 3.2 coupes have averaged 19.6 mpg in city/highway driving, and 24.1 mpg with more highway mileage. Premium fuel is required for all engines.

Current TT Coupes have a wheelbase about two inches longer than the 2006 model, helping to make the ride smooth for a sporty car. An exception here is the RS, which rides more stiffly on its sport suspension, but is never harsh. Roadsters retained their former wheelbase, but ride nearly as well as the Coupes. The optional magnetic ride suspension makes bumps more apparent, but not to the point of harshness. Convertibles have virtually no cowl shake.

The only demerit to the TT’s excellent handling prowess is steering that feels a bit light. Otherwise, these sporty cars are extremely composed with strong, reassuring brakes.

Engines virtually sing under acceleration, with the 3.2 sounding more mellow than the 2.0T. The RS model’s 2.5-liter five produces a rich, raspy note under acceleration and a booming growl even under cruise conditions. With its wind blocker raised, normal conversation is possible in convertibles with the top down.

Gauges are legible. Audio and climate controls are easy to use in cars that lack a navigation system. With navigation, audio controls are integrated into (and therefore complicated by) Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI)-a system that requires considerable time to master. Interior materials are sporty, yet rich-feeling and very attractive.

Front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the TT’s flat-bottom steering wheel allows more room for the driver’s legs. Entry/exit in both body styles is easier than in most small, sporty cars-but still labor-intensive. Visibility is generally good, though when it’s erected, the convertible top creates rather large blind spots. Roadsters have no rear seats. The Coupe’s backseat is only suitable for parcels, and possibly for very small children.

These current TTs made slight gains in cargo space over previous models. Hatch storage area is shallow, but usefully long and wide, and nicely finished. Rear seatbacks fold down in Coupes, while Roadsters offered an optional ski pass-through. Cabin storage is limited.

Ratings

Model Tested: TT 3.2 coupe w/manual

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 8
80%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 9
90%
Quietness - 4
40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Rear - 1
10%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 5
50%

Total: 52

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
97.2 164.5 72.5 53.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
NA 14.5 2
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.7 41.1
2-door hatchback
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
97.2 164.5 72.5 53.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
13.1 15.9 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.7 32.6 41.1 29.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 TT 2-door hatchback

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - NA
0%
Front Passenger Injury - NA
0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Brake noise
Description: The brakes may make a moaning or murmuring sound at low speeds or when turning at low speeds due to a faulty caliper piston seal that does not retract the brakes sufficiently. (2008)
Engine misfire
Description: Engine may run irregularly because of loose camshaft-adjustment-valve filter element. (2009-14)
Audio system
Description: Bluetooth telephone volume may become too low and cannot be turned up of the volume control is turned down while hanging up a call. (2008-09)
Steering problems
Description: Incorrect software can result in stiff steering. (2009-13)
Headlights
Description: If one of the HID headlight low beams flickers, it may be burning out, but it one goes out completely, and installing a good lamp does not help, the control module is probably faulty. (2008-09)
Electrical problem
Description: The “bulb out” warning may come on due to problem with the socket for the daytime running lights which must be replaced. (2008-09)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on due to problems in the wiring for the throttle valve requiring replacement of the original wires and new wires are yellow to show the repair was made. (2008)

Recall History

2008 Coupe
Description: Some C-pillar trim cover clips do not provide adequate retention when rear safety belt deploys; cover may detach from sheet metal, which could injure front occupants
2008-10
Description: The closing force of an internal spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve is not adequate enough to hold the valve closed under extreme driving conditions possibly allowing fuel to leak, resulting in a vehicle fire. Volkswagen will notify owners and Audi dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge.
2009 TT
Description: Wiring harness of a temperature sensor in Direct Shift Gearbox may have insufficiently crimped connection wires; could falsely detect high oil temperature, causing abrupt shift to Neutral.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 20, 2016.
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