Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2010 Audi TTS 2.0 TFSI Quattro S-Tronic Coupe… lets just call it a TTS, but no matter what you call it you’ll definitely say it’s fast.
A recent test car was painted a ‘putrid’ green and then this TTS was delivered and it was brilliantly painted “Solar Orange”. I love it and I didn’t have one negative comment about the paint from anyone else. I highly recommend it. Also brilliant was the interior color treatment of black and orange leather with really classy orange piping and aluminum inlays. Very special car.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Germany 75%
Assembly – Gyor, Hungary
Class: – SubCompact
Cars: – A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, Q5, Q7, R8, S4, S5, S6, S8, TT
Opinion:
I get very nervous when a car behind me is being piloted by a person with a cell phone in hand. A hands free device is only part of the answer because ‘Texting’ is the rear danger which younger drivers in particular do not hesitate to do it while driving. To them it is simply “Multi-Tasking”. More an more we are learning that the human animal only thinks they can do two things at once. They are slowly learning not only can’t they walk and chew gum they definitely can NOT write their friends while driving an automobile at any speed.
Handling & Performance:
Pretty amazing and I think you’ll agree. If you haven’t already driven one, go for a test drive and if that doesn’t get your heart started nothing will, short of a date with Miss America. You’re going to like the experience, I guarantee it.
The reason it is at the top of my list of great sport cars is, in my opinion, because it is an all around performer. The Turbocharger gives it great acceleration, it’s dynamic low center of gravity, wide stance and Quattro / all wheel drive give it great road hugging characteristics not easily bested by others available for use on public highways. Nissan 370Z comes in at # 2 for my money. Sure, the Corvette Z is awesome for raw speed and acceleration but it would be #3 on my list for road hugging ability.
The transmission is a DSG (direct shift gearbox) and it is lightning fast in action and as smooth as it gets. It employs a dual-clutch design that holds the previous gear while shifting to the next and then drops the last gear for instant shifting performance. Pretty cool.
Brother John was a Ferrari’s kind of guy and on occasion I would drive his 365 GTB or the Daytona. For my money I think this TTS does it for me. Porsche is ok too, but like Ferrari they will set you back at least twice the dough. I’ll travel the world for the difference but I won’t miss out on all that much performance driving the TTS.
I tested a Porsche on the race track with a Porsche company professional driver in the right seat. I watched him take it for a couple of laps and it looked pretty easy. Looks are deceiving. At any rate, for $125,000 for that particular Porsche makes this TTS looks really good. And perhaps if I pushed the TTS a little past its limit on the track like I did with the Porsche I might also do a 360 deg., at turn 3. In that track experience there was no harm, no foul and I continued on around without further incident.
I did test this TTS on one of my favorite mountain road test areas and of course I have learned to push only so far. But it was pretty impressive and I didn’t go off the road once.
Styling:
Spectacular look in addition to being one of the premier performers of highway cars. It isn’t for everyone however because it is essentially a two seater. I believe it would also accommodate two small children. Friend Merkel doesn’t agree. Trust me, it isn’t any different than the rear seat of an older Mustang or Camaro.
There is a bit of a Visibility issue and many will have a problem with that. I didn’t going forward but in reverse you are nearly blind with the supports for the hatchback and the small rear window.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
This Audi is worth the price of admission.
Conveniences and comfort:
All very special stuff that makes the car a kick to drive all the time. This is a keeper and I really could have tested it for another couple of weeks, but I have a weekly column, so I only stretched it to 9 days.
Consumer Recommendation:
Be sure to look at the new Solar Orange color scheme. It is the Bee’s Knee’s. Cute and attractively stylish. Quite possibly the nicest car I have driven in 2010. Try it – you’ll like it too.
Recognized Competition:
Audi A3 $27-31,000, Acura TSX $29-38,000, BMW 1-Series $29-40,000, Infiniti EX $34-37,000, Mazda 3 $15-22,000, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback $19-28,000, Volkswagen Rabbit $16-19,000, Volvo C30 $24-26,000.
Good News:
A kick to drive, great styling, fast fast fast road hugging thrilling experience you won’t often find.
Bad News:
Visibility limitations, entry and exit is tight.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 285 hp turbo charged 4-cylinder engine, S-Tronic 6-speed automatic dual clutch transmission, Quattro all wheel drive system, 18” alloy wheels, Front McPherson strut and four link rear suspension, servotronic electromechanical steering, electronic stability control, 4-wheel abs disc brakes, anti-slip regulation, automatic rear spoiler, Xenon headlights, tire pressure monitoring system, multi-function leather wrapped sport steering wheel, climate control, 140 watt sound system with in dash CD with SIRIUS satellite and 9-speakers, cruise control, Bluetooth hands free system, 2+2 seater with 50/50 split folding rear seat, front, side and knee airbags, anti-theft alarm system, anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). Options: 19” alloy wheels, silk nappa leather package, 10-way power seats, nav system, rain sensing wipers and Bose sound system upgrade with 6 disc CD changer and LED interior lighting package ($6,050).
Gas Stats:
$2.98/ Gal avg. October 25, ‘09
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
21 City and 29 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $45,900.
