• 2012 Audi TT

• 2013 Audi TT
• Used Audi TT
• Repairs Audi TT

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Audi TT U.S. News Best Cars 7.7
Critics' Rating:	8.0
Performance:	8.3
Interior:	8.0
Safety:	N/A
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Sleek exterior design
• Lavish interior

• Competitors have stronger performance
• Confusing multimedia interface

Research Other Years

• 2013 Audi TT
• 2011 Audi TT
• 2010 Audi TT
• 2009 Audi TT
• 2008 Audi TT

The 2012 Audi TT ranks 10 out of 10 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 55 published reviews and test drives of the Audi TT, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

With its gorgeous interior and low base price, test drivers agree that the 2012 Audi TT is a smart buy. However, it’s not the quickest sports car in the class.

If you’re shopping luxury sports cars because you want blistering performance, test drivers agree that the 2012 Audi TT might not be at the top of the heap. However, that doesn’t mean you should overlook it, since many of the TT’s attributes make it a truly endearing car. Whether you opt for the base TT or the more powerful TTS, Audi provides features like standard all-wheel drive, which none of the TT’s competitors can match. You’ll also get a slick automated manual transmission, which is often a costly option on competitors like the Porsche Cayman and BMW Z4.

Many reviewers also say that the TT’s well-rounded driving dynamics, good fuel economy and decent cargo space make it a top choice if you plan to commute to work rather than run laps at the track. Consumer Guide says, “While Porsche's Boxster and Cayman are ultimately sportier than the TT 2.0T and TTS, this Audi's more civilized demeanor might be just the thing for more casual motoring.”

Along with the TT’s agreeable nature, auto writers say that it offers gorgeous exterior styling and one of the nicest interiors in the class. Since every TT comes with AWD, it’s a natural choice for sports car shoppers in snowy areas. Perhaps the biggest draw, however, is the TT’s low base price. If you’re looking for luxury sports car performance on a budget, you won’t find a better buy than the 2012 Audi TT.

Other Sports Cars to Consider

The Audi TT looks good, but if you’d opt for performance over sleek exterior style, consider the Porsche Boxster and Cayman. Both Porsches are stronger performers than the TT, but some reviewers find their interiors sparse in comparison.

If you like the TT’s well-rounded balance of style, performance and luxury, the BMW Z4 is a good alternative. Though the Z4’s performance also trails the Boxster and Cayman, reviewers say it’s sportier than the TT. As an added bonus, the Z4 has a retractable hardtop, so it works as both a coupe and a convertible. 

2012 Audi TT: The Details

The Audi TT rolls into 2012 basically unchanged. Two trims are available in either coupe or soft-top convertible body styles: the base TT and the more powerful TTS. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive and an automated manual transmission are standard on both models. See the full 2012 Audi TT specs.

• "Not nearly as rewarding as Porsche's Boxster, but still fun." -- Car and Driver  
• "For about the same money as a new TT, the BMW 1 Series delivers superior driver engagement, as do the numerous 3 Series variants, which also benefit from more interior space." -- Edmunds