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Audi's TT TDI is a brilliant all-rounder

Introduction

As recently as ten years ago the idea of a diesel engine powering something as pretty as an Audi TT would have been considered preposterous. But diesel engines have changed, and in these environmentally aware times even style conscious buyers want their cars to be as planet friendly as possible.

What is it?

An icon, pure and simple. Audi's TT - even in slightly toned-down, second-generation guise - is one of those cars that has transcended the status of merely being a car, instead becoming an object of huge desirability for all. It's a beautiful looking car; the proportions are excellent and inside it feels way more special than its relatively modest £26,350 price tag. The TT has been around now for about 10 years, this second generation model introduced in 2006.

However, it has taken until now for Audi to introduce a diesel version. The first diesel TT utilises Audi's 170bhp 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder turbodiesel, its prodigious torque meaning Audi has sensibly mated it with quattro four-wheel drive.

How does it drive?

The TT TDI might be a sop to those buyers wanting a more efficient and lower CO₂ model in the range, but in producing it Audi has perhaps created the most appealing TT yet. The 2.0-litre TDI unit is surprisingly revvy, feeling quite petrol-like in its power delivery. There's still that diesel characteristic of oodles of torque though, giving the coupé quite startling mid-range pace. The result is a well-rounded, enjoyable drive, the engine even rewarding high revs with a pleasing, rousing note. The gearshift is quick and light, the steering a touch lifeless and the ride compliant, the TT TDI unlikely to have your pulse racing if you're an enthusiastic driver, but then that's true off all TTs.

What it does do is add to the TT's grand touring credentials. The performance it offers is easy, refinement high and the added range excellent too. It's quick enough for most too, 62mph arriving in 7.5 seconds from a standstill, the car feeling faster than that when it is on the move and utilising its ample 258lb.ft of torque.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

The TT TDi is certainly more of a planet hugger than its petrol relatives. With a combined consumption figure of 53.3mpg and just 139g/km of CO₂ the TT TDI keeps away from the pumps and emits very little. Its extra urban official consumption figure is 65.6mpg, so if you're a big mileage motorway driver the TT TDI is really the only TT to have if you want your cool coupé with a green side.

Verdict

Diesel engines powering coupés might be a relatively new phenomenon but the TT TDI proves it works very well indeed. With it you have all the style of the TT, but with a powertrain that's more efficient and lower in emissions than its petrol alternatives. The way the diesel engine delivers its performance is arguably better suited to the TT's more grown up, refined character. It's a compelling all-round package and for real world driving the most appealing TT in the entire range.

Kyle Fortune

Thursday May 8

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