[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by Martin L (original)

Right guys had my TT almost a month now, it's run in and after a great days blast in the countryside yesterdays I think I've now got a more detailed opinion of the car

Engine:
What a peach - this is the smoothest, most accomplished turbo I've experienced. Torque is there right from 1200rpm and despite that there is still a surge of "turbo" boost when it cranks up more at around 3500rpm
There's a nice thrumb to the engine, almost like a five-pot and this engine cackles and pops like the MINI. It's one loud MFer....
Tunnels or built up areas are a joy
Only slight problem I've experienced is I feel it could do with more power for the motorway. The instantaneous acceleration isn't there, so you need to drop a few cogs before blasting off. I guess because it cruises at 70mph at around 2500rpm, which is low...

Gearbox:
Audi have got this spot on. It thinks like I think, it's uncanny. The most impressive part is as you approach corners, most autos will change up as you lift off. Not the TT, it drops a gear ready for you to punch out of the corner. It even does this in normal mode, not just sport.
Sport mode is harsher then normal with changes even faster then you could imagine, but this does lead to jerkyness if kept in sport at slow speeds. A small price to pay as it blips the throttle on dwonshifts
All this talent and yet it's concious enough to keep revs low and help maintain an incredible mpg.

Ride/suspension/handling:
This is the BEST attribute of the car. All car manufacturers need to have this period.
It'll be very difficult for me to own another car without it. It is a huge step in car technology.
The ride is soft and supple when not pushing hard, and then when corners come it transforms into a sharp handling sports car.
Admittedly the "feel" of the MINI isn't there, which I wish they could improve upon, but there's enough there to give confidence so you can place the car correctly for corners.
There is little hint of understeer with this car, better then the MINI I would say, however, it doesn't feel as nimble. It's a heavier and bigger car, so I wouldn't expect it to. You do have a feeling of waiting for the rear to come around, but I think it could be my driving style, as I'm still used to RWD so I haven't explored what the rear end can really do. I need to get into the mindset of point the front wheels in the right direction and plant the loud pedal and the rear will follow. Next time I'm out for a spirited drive I'll try and take that attitude

Interior/build quality:
Legendary Audi. Everything works as it should do with Germanic efficiency.
No problems of sagging leather as I steered clear of that minefield by going for the alcantara which adds that sporty/tactile feel to the interior.
Not to sure about the flat bottomed steering wheel though
Hard to get used to as hand placement is trickier in tight corners... jury is still out on it's true usefulness. Still looks dead cool though

Roof:
I think Audi stole this from Mazda. The Z fold roof is perfection, only now it's motorised in the Audi
Noise levels are surpressed very well with the interior lining, but it is still louder then the MINI. Could be down to the noisier exhaust though

Conculsion:
Postivies:
Great engine, good fuel economy, fantastic suspension set up
Downsides:
Looks far better roof down then up (sorry lads for disputing this before)

Do I miss my mazda?? A definate no. The TT is now the best car I've owned
Money well spent..... so far.....

That IS a really good review Martin

Quote: Originally Posted by Fabio (original)

keep an eye out here for the tts review

YouTube - DRIVERS REPUBLIC - Audi TTS First Drive (Preview)

I like the TTS, but won't be changing yet

Quote: Originally Posted by Pobsey (original)

Smashed the windscreen on the 1er yesterday, a bolt hit me on the M6, new screen fitted tomorrow, saves me trying to get the dead bugs off it at the weekend

A bolt? Feck !

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini (original)

Aiden - hows the S5?
HAd 2 in yesterday, 1 had recarros - NICE
Think these are a really good car. Will they do an RS5?

Its great, I'm loving it !

RS5 is coming, seems they still aren't saying what engine will power it !

I love the S5, I never tire of starting it, the V8 is Its something we should all try before we die !

Quote: Originally Posted by northandy (original)

Even the 3.0TDI sounds nice

It does actually !

Quote: Originally Posted by Martin L (original)

I don't think that's due for a while...
Got to see out the current RS6, then it's the TTRS and then you "might" get an RS5.

I'm not liking Audis take on performance cars. They bring out mediocre S models and then make you wait ages for a full on RS model

TBH Audi are getting up their own ***** on this, like BMW they're way too expensive.
An RS6 is a similar price to an R8.... come on I'd know which I'd have....

Mediocre? I dunno, I think the S5 is well, more than decent

Quote: Originally Posted by jimskater (original)

Back from the Dragon. Looks like a whole bunch of congrats & welcoje backs are due, all around.

I need specs & proper pictures, please.

Misc Photos Here:

Dragon Photos: Minis on the Dragon - a set on Flickr

North Carolina photos: Outer Banks - a set on Flickr

Link to pro site with a few of me driving the dragon (3 photos, click the < icon 2 times to see the other 2) PhotoReflect - MoonshinePhoto.Com

Looks like agood few days out Jim !