Audi TT 2.0T S-Tronic (2006) CAR review

Haven’t you driven the TT?

We’ve already tested the 3.2-litre four-wheel drive Audi TT, but this car’s the cut-price sibling: a front-wheel drive, 2.0-litre turbo which, at £24,625, undercuts its big brother by nearly £5000. The two cars look virtually identical both inside and out. So if 197bhp sounds like plenty and all-weather grip isn’t a priority, the 2.0-litre could fit the bill. Best of all, the cheaper car is also considerably lighter: 1260kg versus 1410kg. In fact, it’s even lighter than the often-lauded Golf GTI on which it’s based, thanks to the TT's part-alumnium construction.

Does the 2.0-litre feel low spec?

No, it’s hard to spot the difference. Where the 3.2-litre wears 18in wheels as standard, the turbo gets 17s with the option to upgrade to two other 18in designs. The turbo model also lacks dual exhaust pipes, while the interior looks near identical save for the lower-spec car’s leather and alcantara mix – a combination that feels noticeably grippier when you’re pressing on. Seems the saving has come almost entirely from losing two cylinders and two driven wheels.