The Detroit News's view
A year ago, a special edition of the 2000 Audi TT coupe was the featured vehicle in the glitzy Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. The car was a hit, sort of a 1998 version of Pokemon for adults with deep pockets.
Recently we had the chance to drive a $34,475 TT equipped with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. It gave us another lengthy look at the German sports car that is helping to put Audi on the comeback trail, as well as a chance to mull over whether it’s still a hot Christmas present.
Paul had a Grinch-like reaction to the low-slung TT. But Anita is putting one on her Christmas list.
She: I couldn’t help but think about you and the TT when I was talking to a Honda engineer last night about their new CL coupe. He was telling me that men make emotional car purchases and women make rational car purchases. This engineer claims that it’s unusual to see a man walk into a showroom carrying a copy of Consumer Reports. As strange as it would be for him to ask for directions. So it made me wonder – are we experiencing role reversal in our reactions to the TT? I’m still sold on it. But you’re not.
He: To tell you the truth, the only other vehicle that has evoked such conflicting emotions in me is the Isuzu VehiCross. My reaction to the TT and the VehiCross is pretty much the same. They look absolutely sensational – the pinnacle of vehicle design. But like the VehiCross, the TT is extremely uncomfortable to drive, especially for someone with long legs, and the visibility is so bad as to make driving this car an extended exercise in anxiety. Plus it’s tough to really love any vehicle when you bang your head every time you climb in or out.
She: You know, I talked to Freeman Thomas, who designed the TT’s exterior, and he perfectly described our positions on the car. He said the TT is about drawing a line in the sand between people who are attracted to the car and those who aren’t. He said the TT is “like a bulldog. You have to understand it. And once you understand it, you love it.”
He: You misunderstand. I love the design of the car. It’s distinctive and thoroughly post-modern, and there’s really nothing else that looks like it on the road. The cabin is equally stunning. This car was designed with exquisite taste and an eye to detail. I just wish Audi would have paid as much attention to ergonomics. No matter how much I lowered the driver’s seat, I still couldn’t see an overhead traffic light through the windshield unless I stopped two car lengths back. And no matter how far back I pushed the seat, my right knee always banged up against the steel strut on the center console. There are very few cars that have made me feel so uncomfortable to drive after only 20 minutes.
She: So if you’re 6-feet-2-inches and 210 pounds, stay out of the TT. But I felt right at home and secure with the all-wheel-drive system and the safety features like front- and side- air bags and standard anti-lock brakes. Besides, the Audi sports car is like a little work of art. I love the interior with the matte-finish aluminum details on the gear lever, the ventilation outlets and the steering wheel. And the exterior is an intriguing series of arches that manages to combine a retro look with a modern look. It’s very appealing. The TT merits a world-class ranking in my book. I’m just disappointed that you didn’t have a more positive experience.
He: It’s not for lack of hardware. The TT has that great turbo-charged five-valve, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 180 horsepower, and still returns up to 29 miles per gallon in highway driving. The standard five-speed gearbox is sweet, smooth and easy to use. Audi says the combination enables the TT to sprint from zero to 60 in about 7.4 seconds. The car is also amazingly nimble, thanks to its compact dimensions. When you order the Quattro system, the biggest mechanical change is to the rear suspension. Instead of a torsion-beam axle and trailing arms, yo et a multi-link independent set up, which enhances control and handling.
She: Our test car had only three options – the $1,000 performance package, which includes xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels and tires; the $700 comfort package, which includes heated front seats and a trip computer with digital display; and the $1,750 Quattro all-wheel-drive system. All are worth the extra cash. The bottom line is that the TT is a great-looking car at a great price. But I guess you’d be happier with some fuzzy slippers and a robe under the tree.
He: Could you also order an extra-wide seat for my exercise bike, dear?
2000 Audi TT Quattro
Anita’s rating: world class
Paul’s rating: acceptable
Likes: Exquisite design, inside and out. Exceptional safety features. Pulse-quickening performance from turbo engine. Terrific handling. Good value (Anita).
Dislikes: Legroom extremely cramped for taller drivers (Paul). Easy to bang your head when getting in or out of the car. Visibility seriously impaired both fore and aft.
Type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, two-passenger sport coupe
Price: Base, $30,500; as tested, $34,475 (inc. $525 destination charge)
Engine: 1.8-liter I-4; 180-hp; 173 lb-ft torque
EPA fuel economy: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway
12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan*: $1,477 (Estimate. Rates may be higher or lower,depending on coverage and driving record.)
Where built: Gyor, Hungary