2008 Audi TT First Impressions

(Photo: Audi)

The Audi design team has done masterful work in giving the new TT a bold, new shape that incorporates the, at times, unwieldy corporate "horse collar" grille. In the new design, said grille is framed by a pair of piercing, angular headlights that set the stage for the sweeping hood. The second-gen model is longer and slightly taller than the first, but the four wheels are still pushed far to the corners. The net effect is a coupe that looks less bulbous and more muscular, less playful and more serious. (Note: photos don't do the Audi justice; it must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.)

On the inside, the new TT retains much of its original charm. The round air vents return, but the tunnels extending from the vents to the vanishing point on the dashboard are gone. The gauges are familiar from other new Audi models, so they're logical and clean, and the controls have been angled more towards the driver. The new TT doesn't have the

(Photo: Audi)

"return-to-centre" climate control switches, one of my favourite features on the original. In other news, all models tested featured a sporty steering wheel with a truncated bottom; no word yet on whether Canada will get this feature.

My only significant complaint with the interior layout is that the brake pedal is positioned too far to the right to encourage left-foot braking with the S tronic. (All rally fans out there can appreciate the need to have both feet on the pedals at the same time.)

Due to the fact that the TT has more generous exterior dimensions, there's also more interior space for both driver and passengers. The back seat still

(Photo: Audi)

offers too little headroom for adults - the TT is a 2+2 is the truest sense - but with the seats folded down, there's actually a decent amount of luggage room.

In the final analysis, the new Audi TT is better, faster, stronger and more appealing for a lot of reasons. Only time will tell if the new Audi will replace its predecessor in the hearts and minds of style-mongers around the world - but my guess is that it will. Prices for the 2008 Audi TT have yet to be finalized.