Overview:
This week I tested the 2004 Audi TT V6 and must say I love convertibles but I hate the poor visibility of convertibles generally when the top is up. Top down is great and putting it down is easy too. Even with the top down there is a small trunk but if you’re a golfer, forget about it, because you can’t get a set of clubs in there unless you cut them in half. Could it be that car designers at Audi don’t play golf?
I do love sports cars and have owned several, but I gotta tell you it is scary to drive one in today’s world. The roads are filled with big or bigger SUV’s like the bigger you are, the better you are. That spells danger for motorcycle riders and anyone in a small car. And most everything in the sport class is like a bug to all those big monsters hell bent on squashing the little guys.
How rude!
Handling & Performance:
Well, it’s a sports car, built low to the ground and as you’d expect it corners nicely especially with the all wheel drive, but I didn’t care for the “Cushman” motor scooter centrifugal clutch feeling. That transmission needs some work. Hello Audi, you listening?
They did a nice job with the exhaust that fits the car with a throaty sound that signals performance to those around you. 0-60 is pretty snappy at about 6 seconds, once the clutch engages fully.
Styling:
Only a mother could love this face… but then that is true of everything and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I’m just not real attracted to the ladybug look, although I like those cute little insects. I feel the same about the Nissan 350Z, by the way. I’m also partial to blondes but you may be in love with brunettes. I like short hair; you may feel it can’t be long enough. I don’t like a lot of make up in my women and fewer embellishments in my cars, but I still love ‘em both.
I do like the racing touches like the aluminum accents on the controls, pedals, etc. but do not consider them embellishments. They are simply statements that fit the overall design and purpose of a racecar.
I didn’t like the position and latch on the small storage compartment above the console between the seats. It kept popping open when I brushed up against it with my elbow.
My car design friend Merkel felt the braces on the center console were annoying and didn’t look particularly good either. I must agree on this point and wondered why they did that. I didn’t have time to ask but if Audi is reading this, perhaps they will respond with an answer. Merkel and I do agree on many things, but how the ride is isn’t one of them. Merkel felt it was “too smooth” and I wondered if we were driving the same car. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t need to pull out the Kidney Belt but it is close to 20 miles of bad road. Ok so I know the suspension has to be stiff to perform well, but it still seemed a little rough to me. Then I get into a Jeep Wrangler Sport, more on that later, but you do need the kidney belt on that one.
The seats are extremely robust and rugged looking and remind me of the feel of a saddle when horse back riding. These seats will surely outlive the rest of the car and most of its owners.
Fit and Finish:
Very good actually.
Conveniences:
The trunk is “Inconvenient” quite frankly and I DO play golf and think they could have done more to accommodate them.
Cost:
A little too much for this car.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you are truly interested in this car, you need to test drive all noted here to get a good feel for cost-to-value. Prices vary greatly and for a two seater you may find price will be a big influence on your decision, especially if it is a second car.
The Competition:
Audi TT $33-43,000, Mercedes Benz SLK $40-55,000, Mazda MX-5 Miata $22-26,000, Toyota Celica $18-24,000, BMW Z4 $34-41,000, Honda S2000 $33,000, Porsche Boxster $43-60,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $18-29,000.
Good News:
Decent fuel economy, sporty and fun to drive, easy top down convertible.
Bad News:
Poor visibility, slipping clutch feels like Cushman motor scooter.
Standard Equipment:
3.2 liter 250 hp V6 Engine, 6-speed auto trans, quarto all wheel drive system with EDL (electronic differential lock), ESP (electronic stability program), climate control, power one touch windows, AM/FM radio with in dash CD player, remote keyless entry, cruise control, leather seats, tilt and tele steering column, power soft top with heated rear glass window, dual front and side air bags, anti theft alarm, headlight washer system, power mirrors & Xenon headlights.
Gas Stats:
22 City and 27 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $42,900.
