TT2

The looks may be evolutionary, but the all-new TT drives with a fresh sense of purpose. Sometimes it's difficultto change. Van.Gogh didn't improve on his famous sunflowers Shah Jahan didn't order updates on the Taj and Coke eventually found that sticking to the same basic formula was the way to go. Audi, however, is in the car business, where standing still actually means moving backwards rapidly. Hence the new TT, now sharper-driving and more modem-looking, but with basically the same shape.

Still, it is surprising how modem and up-to-date this car looks. Place it next to the old car and it's clear that the update has made the car look contemporary, the old IT now looking just that in comparison, retro and old. Audi has achieved this by using fresh but similar-looking derails like the new sharp-cut headlamps, a more modern chin as, well as a more rakish-looking rear. A styling wedge along the base of the flanks gives it a tipped-forward, ready-to-go look and details like the mirrors are new, still this new car is larger and wider.

Characteristic TT clues carried' over are the snug-fitting bubble, , canopy, clamshell bonnet and large wheel arches. Although, the new TT is more visually compromised compared to the purer old car and concessions made for space, safety and other regulations have taken their toll. The looks maybe evolutionary, but the manner in which the car drives is a massive step forward. The old TT had the handling characteristics of a wet sponge. It felt loose at speed, lacked directional stability when loaded up in a comer and there seemed to be a queer disconnection between the front and rear suspension; fun, but in a different way.

Audi is more serious about this new car. Like the flagship A8 saloon and the R8 supercar, the new TT uses an aluminium construction. Using only 30 percent steel to reinforce areas of heavy load, the new TT's bodyshell is an incredible 50 per cent stiffer, yet So per cent lighterthan the outgoing car. A real-world measure of the saving in weight can be gathered from the Volkswagen Golf GTi, a car that uses the same PQ35 platform. When compared, the new TT weighs about 74*9 less than the VW.

Just10 minutes behind the wheel is all you need to realise that this TT a takes the driver seriously. As in the earlier car, you are sat lowdown, WA the snug-fitting roof keeping I - digs cozy. Compared to other cars, de mirrors and gear lever feel placed higher up.

The steering is direct and has a Mmonable amount of feel, the TT can be accurately placed in a corner and body control is good. This version of the car gets adjustable dampers that be softened for poor roads, and I actually rides agreeably over for car with such sporting intentions. Anyone expecting E-class levels of compliance, however, needs a head examination. You still am bumps on the road to some Agree, but that said, you are not tossed around like popcorn.

And it has decidedly sharp handling even with the dampers on the 'soft' setting. You can settle into a smooth rhythm, the TT responding to the tweaks on the wheel with a fair amount of enthusiasm and body roll is also well-contained. This makes it useful as a great long-distance traveller too.

The torque of the V6 motor is considerable, producing its maximum twist from just 250orpm and, as a result, dialing up 200orpm is sufficient for most purposes.

And it's quick in a straight line too, with 247bhp on tap. Fire up the V6 and it makes a pleasing rumble, with a deep baritone exhaust note when asked to from low speeds. Half-throttle responses are very sprightly, with the thrust from the V6 hurling the light aluminium body forward effortlessly. Performance in the mid-range is also very strong, with this long-stroke motor pulling hard in this rev band; Audi has upped the ante with the new TT for sure. The car responds well being driven just relatively hard, say at 8/10ths of its fail ability. It revels in being fifthly driven, and using only 80 per cent of the power band, grip and handling turns out to be a very pleasing exercise.

The new IT shares its underpinnings with the VW Golf R32 and, as a result, this car inherits the Golf's part-time four-wheel-drive system. Audi may call the car a Quattro, but in actual fact the system used is a Haldex four-wheel-drive unit that sends 85 per cent of the power to the front wheels. While it can reverse this at any time, the system, which is

Basically VW'S still doesn't deliver the grip of 50:50 or 40:60 full-on Quattro system.

The TT is also somewhat lacking when it comes to being driven really hard, like a sports car should. The motor runs out of steam as you get of tire power band and there seems to be lack of linearity at these engine speeds. Then the electro-mechanical steering lops off some crucial feedback as you go harder and the TT lacks that all four wheels are overloaded for grip.

Understeer sets in pretty early, and the ploughing continues until you get off the gas and onto the breaks; nice and safe but not grin-inducing. Despite the shape and the greater focus on driving manners, The TT remains a predominantly front-wheel-drive car with its motor slung out over the front axle.Thus it cannot be compared with the likes of the. Porsche Cayman or even the gutsy Nissan 350 Z for sheer driving pleasure. I I

At almost Rs 50 lakh, the TT isn't cheap. But if you don't look at it as a performance-oriented sports car, you'll soon see why this car is such a success. Buy it for that unique blend of style and cool that only a TT can offer. Buy it for the fantastic build quality and finish. Buy it for the attractive interiors, with the deep - set dials and the high-quality plastics. Buy it for the impeccable leather trim, the well -crafted metal bits and the snug fit of the cabin. Don't buy it if you are shooting for the ultimate driving experience. It has more than sufficient performance, great agility and food grip and poise. And, in reality that's about all you will need on a regular basis. Buy it as a sports coupe, a fun car. Isn't that what you want anyway?