As explained in a previous post, I don't really get on with auto/semi-auto gearboxes, so finally got to drive a manual TTS yesterday. There aren't that many around, so local Audi dealer had to get it transported over from another dealer 40 miles away. Anyway, when I turned up the salesman said that there had been "a bit of a misunderstanding" between him and his colleague. Oh dear, what next?? As it turned out, not a huge problem...
I am interested in the coupe, but what had turned up was a (lovely looking) red TTS Roadster. Ok, they are quite different cars, but at least I could test out the gearbox, which was the main purpose of the exercise. In summary, the test drive went well and we are converging on a possible deal. Will have to be a new car, as I have given up looking for a low mileage 2015/16 example in the spec I am looking for. I am taking the weekend to think about it a bit more, so decision day on Monday. Tried the car in comfort and dynamic modes over various road surfaces, including a couple of roads with speed bumps. No dramas. Got to chuck it around a few fast bends too
. I test drove an S tronic TTS coupe a few weeks ago, so already knew I was happy with the general handing etc.
Didn't really have chance to play with the Individual drive mode settings, but was pleased to hear that throttle response is in there. Some say the steering is too light in Comfort mode, but I found it fine (compared to the Golf R anyway). In Dynamic mode there was a noticeable 'weighting up', which I was pleased about. And - a big thing with me - the brakes were excellent. For me, the gearbox actually suited the car well, and seems slicker (and has a shorter throw?) than the one in the Golf. Suffice it to say that the manual gearbox passed the test. Not the best I have driven, but still pretty good.
Like many VW/Audi comparisons, everything just feels that little bit nicer in the Audi (as you would expect for the extra money), and the TT interior certainly has the wow factor.
I am interested in the coupe, but what had turned up was a (lovely looking) red TTS Roadster. Ok, they are quite different cars, but at least I could test out the gearbox, which was the main purpose of the exercise. In summary, the test drive went well and we are converging on a possible deal. Will have to be a new car, as I have given up looking for a low mileage 2015/16 example in the spec I am looking for. I am taking the weekend to think about it a bit more, so decision day on Monday. Tried the car in comfort and dynamic modes over various road surfaces, including a couple of roads with speed bumps. No dramas. Got to chuck it around a few fast bends too
Didn't really have chance to play with the Individual drive mode settings, but was pleased to hear that throttle response is in there. Some say the steering is too light in Comfort mode, but I found it fine (compared to the Golf R anyway). In Dynamic mode there was a noticeable 'weighting up', which I was pleased about. And - a big thing with me - the brakes were excellent. For me, the gearbox actually suited the car well, and seems slicker (and has a shorter throw?) than the one in the Golf. Suffice it to say that the manual gearbox passed the test. Not the best I have driven, but still pretty good.
Like many VW/Audi comparisons, everything just feels that little bit nicer in the Audi (as you would expect for the extra money), and the TT interior certainly has the wow factor.