The heart and soul of any car is its engine and drivetrain, and the TT's 225 horsepower, 1.8-liter, 5-valve per cylinder, twin-intercooled turbo power unit mated to a slick shifting 6-speed manual transmission is heart pounding and soul stirring. It's diminutive displacement means that torque is at a premium in the low revs (207 lb ft between 2200 - 5500 rpm), but the motivating force is electrifying when the turbo kicks in. Keep the revs peaked while letting out the progressively modulated clutch and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive digs deep into the asphalt shooting you forward to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in only 6.3 seconds. Running through the gears is extremely addictive. That said the high sixth gear might never be put to use unless you're fortunate enough to be driving your TT on Germany's Autobahn where it can cruise at 143 mph.
Forward acceleration and ultimate velocity are important factors in a sports car, however bringing everything to a quick standstill in a controlled and calculated manner is equally important. The TT's highly effective Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and electronic rear brake pressure regulation is phenomenal to say the least. The added security at speed creates confidence, taking the worry out of driving quickly, knowing that the Audi is fully capable of dealing with the unexpected yet inevitable bad driver who is destined to cross your path.
Although the TT should be considered a two-seater, there is room enough in the rear for two moderately sized adults, and then only for extremely short jaunts. Most of the time however, the back seats are best laid flat to make for greater storage room accessible via the practical hatch. Back here you will find handy tool and first aid kits and an emergency warning triangle.