By EWAN KENNEDY
23 January 2006

Few cars in modern times have created a greater stir than that caused by the radical looking Audi TT. Launched in Europe in 1998, it reached Australia in May 1999 and sold well from day one. Even when you drive an Audi TT today, almost seven years after its introduction, it’s surprising how much attention it creates. Not everyone likes the shape, but those who do are in a pretty big majority.

Originally sold as a fixed-roof coupe, a TT roadster was added to the local range just 12 months later, in May 2000.

The styling is not only radical on the outside, the cabin, with its circular dial and vent theme works very well. It uses a lot of aluminium highlights as Audi is a big fan of this high-tech material. The overall look is great and even those who have no intention of ever driving hard love the sporting ambience created within the TT.

Audi TT is nice to drive but, at least in the front-drive models, feels more like a hot-hatch than a true sports car. Which shouldn’t really come as a surprise, because underneath that gorgeous Audi skin there lurks a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Now, whilst the Golf is a fine little hatch with a good feel, it’s not really a pure-bred sports model. The platform sharing was done to keep costs down, these days Audi being part of the Volkswagen group.

There were several tragic cases of high-speed crashes in Europe, principally in Germany. These were blamed on aerodynamic flaws that were exacerbated by the very short wheelbase of the Audi TT. Later models were been modified in their suspension and have a rear wing to push the tail to the road at speed. The wing takes away some of the purity of the original shape of the TT. There had been calls for it to be a lift-up wing in the manner of a Porsche unit. But Audi says this could have been too expensive.

For most of the time the Audi TT was offered with 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, in either light-pressure or high-pressure turbocharged format, the latter coming with the traction advantage of quattro all-wheel drive.

In December 2004, a 3.2-litre V6 (without a turbo) was shoehorned under the bonnet of the Audi TT coupe, but not at this stage the roadster. With all the torque that entailed, the TT 3.2 has quattro all-wheel drive. The Audi TT 3.2 is a rather expensive beast and hasn’t exactly been selling its socks off in these, admittedly early, days.

Straight-line performance is pretty good in even the lower powered models so don’t automatically go for the blown or six-cylinder engines unless you are a self confessed revhead. Road test the lot, then make your decision.

Five-speed manual gearboxes were fitted to the front-wheel drive Audi TTs until August 2005, when a six-speed manual was installed. A six-speed had been used in TT quattros from their introduction in October 1999. No automatic transmission was offered until March 2003, when a fascinating six-speed torque-converter auto was offered with the low-pressure engines. Good as it was this transmission has been somewhat upstaged in the technology stakes by the brilliant six-speed automated manual used in the TT 3.2 quattro. The latter has all the labour-saving advantages of a conventional automatic, and none of the disadvantages of power loss and higher fuel consumption.

These are complex cars that should really only be worked on by professionals. However, good amateurs can tackle some of the routine maintenance work should they be so inclined.

Spare parts prices aren't cheap, but are in keeping with others in this class. It’s much the same story with the cost of servicing and repairs.

Check on insurance premiums before falling too deeply in love with one of these stunningly styled German cars – insurance companies have a longtime hatred of turbo engines. If you have trouble finding reasonable insurance have a talk to an Audi dealer, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Make sure the engine starts promptly, even when it’s stone cold. If there are any doubts try to arrange to come back first thing in the morning to have it completely cold.

Gearchanges should be reasonably light, but remember that this is basically a front-wheel drive car so there is a multitude of links between the lever and the gearbox. This can give it a slightly spongy feel,

Look at the floor of a roadster for signs of water entry. If there's the slightest cause for concern get permission from the seller to lift the carpets.

Check the roadster’s roof seals correctly when it is closed and that it doesn’t have any tears or cuts, especially around the stitching.

Look for signs of previous crash repairs. A ripply finish in any of the panels, or a mismatch in paint colour from one section to the other are fairly easy to spot. Doing your checks in strong light make it easier to see. If there's the slightest concern over crash repairs either get a full professional inspection, or skip that car and try to find another one.

CAR BUYING TIP
Some sporting cars frequently get thrashed to the heavens, others only ever cruise around looking sexy. No marks for guessing which one to buy…

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