• 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

Test drivers report that the TT's combination of power and comfortable handling make it a sports car that's easy to live with every day. Though competitors might offer better straight-line performance and sportier handling, few can match the TT's total package of performance, ride comfort and luxury.

• "The only demerit to TT's excellent handling prowess is steering that feels a bit light. Otherwise, these sporty cars are extremely composed with strong, reassuring brakes." -- Consumer Guide 
• "In addition, the TT is an easy car to live with, combining good fuel economy and a ride quality that's comfortable enough for daily driving." -- Edmunds 

Acceleration and Power

The 2012 Audi TT’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 211 horsepower at 4,300 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. Reviewers say the combination provides more than enough power for daily commutes. While they also like the TT’s six-speed automated manual transmission, some wish for a true manual gearbox to increase driver engagement. Audi says the TT can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.

If you want more power, the TTS features a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine that generates 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. A six-speed automated manual transmission also comes with the TTS. Audi claims that the TTS will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

The EPA reports that both the TT coupe and roadster net a city/highway fuel economy 23/31 mpg.

• "Neither offers a manual transmission, which we consider a mortal sin." -- Car and Driver 
• "The transmission shifts with impressive smoothness." -- Consumer Guide 
• "The 2.0-liter inline-4 isn't the most stirring engine to listen to, but its power delivery is quite broad, and the dual-clutch automated manual gearbox works brilliantly in both automatic and manual modes." -- Edmunds

Handling and Braking

Overall, test drivers are pleased with the TT's handling dynamics. However, steering feel is an issue that's continuously mentioned. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard on both the TT and TTS.

• "The ride is smooth for a sporty car, even with the TTS' standard 19-inch wheels. The optional magnetic suspension makes bumps more apparent, but not to the point of harshness." -- Consumer Guide 
• "The TTS devours curvy roads at a rapid clip, responding with a level of agility missing in the regular TT. Nevertheless, there's a certain level of passion missing from the Audi TTS, much of which can be attributed to its uncommunicative steering." -- Edmunds
• "Steering is overly light, as well as numb at low speeds, but effort and feel improve as the speedometer needle climbs. As with most all-wheel-drive cars, there's understeer, but the TTS doesn't mind being pitched into corners, and its balance is good despite its forward weight bias." -- Car and Driver