Used 2013 Audi TT

One-of-a-kind styling, stirring driving performance and solid craftsmanship are the hallmarks of a respectable luxury sports car, and the 2013 Audi TT Coupe and soft-top Roadster models possess these qualities to a satisfying degree. The TT’s 2013 roster features a choice of three horsepower levels, with all-wheel drive standard across the board. The Audi TT, TTS and TT RS aim for the sweet spot between sport and luxury while competitors like the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK and the Porsche Cayman tend to take their own narrower, more focused approaches. With a broad mix of capability, style and performance, the 2013 Audi TT ranks among the most versatile luxury sports cars on the market.

Our first impression of Audi’s latest TT was formed behind the wheel of a Roadster model, navigating a winding coastal road outside San Francisco. Top was down, sun was shining – and a driver in MG’s classic TC was approaching in the opposite lane. The juxtaposition of two classic shapes in an environment tailor-made for the driving enthusiast capsulized the appeal of the TT platform. It may lack the dynamic driver involvement of Porsche’s Boxster or the evolving nostalgia of BMW’s Z4, but behind the wheel, the TT inspires on many levels, and through many seasons. Add the crisp gear changes of a standard dual-clutch automatic transmission and you have a capable weekday tool and a potent weekend toy.

As a 4-passenger Coupe or 2-seat Roadster, the 2013 Audi TT offers a beautifully built and elegantly designed cabin. The flat-bottomed steering wheel and driver-friendly dashboard project a sporty feel. The TT Coupe’s rear seat is best suited for small children or professional contortionists, but it folds flat for extra luggage room and combines with the hatchback design to provide a high level of practicality. Most of the TT’s controls are straightforward and intuitive, though the optional navigation system’s control dial is mounted on the dash, which feels ergonomically off target.

The Audi TT’s innovative design is the car’s signature feature, and though some might compare its shape to an overturned bathtub, there’s no denying it makes a striking visual statement. To help maintain the Roadster’s sleek appearance, the multi-layer soft top folds flat into the rear shelf. Generous use of aluminum helps reduce overall weight and increase structural rigidity. The TTS and TT RS models receive unique bodywork and standard 19-inch alloy wheels, while all models benefit from Audi’s signature LED daytime running lights and a rear spoiler – fixed on the RS and automatic-retracting on the others.

S TRONIC DUAL-CLUTCH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
In congested city traffic, it’s a smooth-shifting automatic. On the track, it’s a swift-shifting, pedal-free manual gearbox. The standard S tronic transmission is another example of the Audi TT’s remarkable ability to adapt to a variety of driving situations.

POWER RETRACTABLE SOFT TOP
Concerns about interior noise levels have convinced some carmakers to substitute heavy and complex retractable-hardtop systems for cloth roofs, but the Audi TT Roadster’s triple-layer soft top suppresses outside wind and road noise very effectively.

Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard issue on every 2013 TT model, a key distinguishing feature in a class predominantly occupied by rear-wheel-drive sports cars. Additional standard equipment includes a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters, 10-way power front seats with pseudo-suede inserts and a 9-speaker audio system. Surprisingly, a basic USB port with iPod connectivity requires the optional MMI Navigation system. Passenger protection includes six airbags and Audi’s backguard seats, which are designed to reduce the severity of whiplash-related injuries.

The top-level Prestige trim bumps the Audi TT’s base price by some $6K, but it includes body-hugging sport seats, a Bose premium sound system, navigation, and a host of additional comfort and convenience amenities. If you dread the characteristically harsh ride of traditional sport-tuned suspension setups, we suggest you opt for the TT’s available magnetic ride system, which automatically adjusts suspension damping based on road conditions and driving style. A new-for-2013 S Line Competition package available on the TT model includes matte-black 19-inch wheels, the RS’s fixed rear spoiler and black-out trim inside and out.

Audi TT models use one of three turbocharged engines, all powerful, responsive and efficient. The TT uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 211 horsepower and the TTS has the same basic engine tuned for 265 horsepower. The TT RS uses a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder with 360 horsepower. The 4-cylinder TT and TTS are available only with a 6-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. Consistent with its high-performance nature, the TT RS comes only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. All TT versions have Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
211 horsepower @ 4,300-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
265 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg

2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5
360 horsepower @ 5,500-6,700 rpm
343 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650-5,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg