Used 2020 Audi TT

The 2020 Audi TT plays in a very small field of compact coupes and convertibles, offering impressive performance, fuel economy and a fun-to-drive attitude at a fair price. Without a proper manual transmission or the latest active driver assists, however, the TT isn’t exactly the equal of its rivals from Porsche, Lexus or BMW.

The TT Roadster is a true 2-seater, while the coupe has a 2+2 seating configuration, although its rear seat is rather useless. The TTS upgrade bumps horsepower from 228 to 288, plus adds a few more performance-enhancing features. Regardless of which trim you pick, Quattro all-wheel drive will be along for the ride.

On the flip side, the 2020 Nissan 370Z offers more performance for less money, although it too lacks an advanced safety system. Slide behind the wheel of a BMW Z4 Roadster and you’ll spend about the same money, get more horsepower and enjoy standard driver assists.

Audi’s first-generation TT had a strong visual impact, but couldn’t provide a similar driving experience. The second generation was a little more engaging but perhaps lost something in the looks department. This 3rd-generation 2020 TT is more likely to suit a greater number of people. Its handling talents are much closer to major rivals from BMW and Porsche, while still making a definite style statement. The all-wheel-drive system (known as Quattro on Planet Audi) optimizes traction in tight turns and fast, sweeping corners alike.

The straight-ahead 2020 TT coupe zips from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the TTS accomplishes this task in 4.4 seconds. Yet each variant can also be civilized and relaxed. Those seeking the ultimate in TT performance should take a spin in the 394-horsepower Audi TT RS.

Thanks in part to the cutting-edge digital Virtual Cockpit, Audi designers were able to create a minimalist cockpit with only a few knobs and buttons for operating critical systems. This theme carries over to the climate controls, which are cleverly incorporated into the air vents using small rotary knobs to control and display temperature settings, airflow direction and the heated seats.

The TT’s front seats are molded to hold a body tight, something that may be an issue for some. For those who like a snug fit, the TT’s seats are both comfortable and supportive where it counts most. As mentioned previously, the Roadster is a 2-seat-only vehicle, but the coupe gets a tiny back seat that can be folded down for increased cargo volume.

The current Audi TT is a compact coupe or convertible with sharp style, but nothing could really have the same impact as the original TT, which shook up the car-design world. Nevertheless, the 2020 TT looks distinctive, muscular and squat, sporting crisp lines, full LED exterior lighting, and the trapezoidal grille that’s an Audi hallmark.

The coupe’s hatchback is part of a classic silhouette. The TT Roadster’s power-operated fabric roof opens or closes in 10 seconds and at speeds of up to 31 mph. The more powerful 2020 Audi TTS comes solely as a coupe.

VIRTUAL COCKPIT
The TT’s Virtual Cockpit replaces the traditional analog speedometer and tachometer with a digital replica faithfully reproduced on a 12.3-inch display. The high-resolution screen uses an NVIDIA quad-core processor to produce a brilliant, flicker-free display that can be configured to suit the driver’s taste. It can even project the navigation’s map across the entirety of the screen.

QUATTRO
Audi’s version of all-wheel drive is called “Quattro” and although the TT’s version isn’t as complex as its larger Audi siblings, it still delivers the same results. The system relies on the front wheels to do most of the work until traction is needed, then engages the rear wheels. Quattro all-wheel drive improves traction on all surfaces including wet, dry and even snow-covered pavement.

Even the “entry-level” 2020 Audi TT coupe comes with an automatic rear spoiler, along with 18-inch alloy wheels, Virtual Cockpit, leather/Alcantara (simulated suede) upholstery, satellite radio, two USB ports, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, automatic climate-control and drive modes.

The 2020 TT Roadster adds the power roof, power wind deflector, roll-over protection and a microphone set into the driver’s seatbelt for voice commands.

The 2020 Audi TTS has the more powerful engine, sport front seats, adaptive suspension, quad exhaust system and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Some features in the TTS are available in the TT as extras, such as the Virtual Cockpit’s Sport mode and 19-inch alloy wheels. The TT Roadster offers a neck-warming function. Other options include Nappa leather upholstery, cosmetic additions, 20-inch alloys, blind-spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, navigation, and a 12-speaker/680-watt Bang & Olufsen audio upgrade.

Powering the 2020 Audi TT coupe and Roadster is a 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This same engine is used in the TTS, only with increased output of 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

Power is delivered to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, but not before it passes through a rapid-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the technical term for this type of transmission is an “automated manual,” most drivers will probably let the automatic function do most of the work, intervening only occasionally via the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters when struck by the mood for a more engaged driving experience.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (TT coupe & roadster)
228 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (TTS coupe)
288 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/29 mpg