Every week, wheels.ca selects a new vehicle and takes a good look at its entry-level trim. If we find it worthy of your consideration, we’ll let you know. If not, we’ll recommend one – or the required options – that earns a passing grade.
With the automotive world rapidly careening to all things electric, rumours are rife that the next Audi TT will take its form as some sort of electrified machine. Until then, the ’22 model retains its unique shape and grippy Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Technically saddled with a ‘45 TFSI S tronic’ suffix, the entry-level TT Coupé – priced at $60,200 – is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This mill is connected to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, so you’ll have to find something else to do with your left leg. Electromechanical steering with speed-sensitive power assistance provides telepathic communication with the front wheels, while the brand’s excellent Quattro system puts power down to all four. Highway speeds are yours in about 5.5 seconds.
Typical Audi theatre is standard kit on the TT Coupé, including an electric spoiler which automatically extends at 120 km/h to increase aerodynamics and retracts at 80 km/h. For a sportier appearance (read: showing off), it can also be operated manually. LED lamps pepper the front and rear fascias, while dual exhaust tips sprinkled with brightwork poke out from under the rear bumper. Wheels measure 19 inches in diameter and are wrapped in 35-series performance rubber with a meaty 245 section. Any shade other than Ibis White costs $890; your author has chosen Python Yellow Metallic because he is an irritating extrovert.
Few companies can do an interior like Audi, and the company’s skills are on full display in the 2022 TT Coupé. A flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather, as are the heated front seats and some other interior elements. Tunes are taken care of by a 680-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system whose 12 speakers fill the small cabin with whatever music you’re playing instead of the dour news emanating from the CBC.
The nifty Virtual Cockpit is a fully digital instrument cluster which incorporates a 12.3-inch display directly in front of the driver. This jumbotron can depicts a variety of navigation or entertainment info, driving dynamics, or other vehicle vitals. Luddites can minimize the amount of detail by choosing a simple large tachometer, if desired. Climate displays show up as screens integrated into the slickly designed trio of centre vents.
What We’d Choose
Optional on the entry-level TT Coupé is the $1,400 S line Competition Package. Some of its features are cosmetic – including the red brake calipers and blacked-out trim – but others increase performance such as the 10mm wider 30-series tires on 20-inch wheels. The active spoiler is also swapped out for a fixed unit, Alcantara is applied to interior surfaces, and colour selection is restricted to grey, white, or red. If you don’t mind those changes, the tires alone are worth the cash. And even if you don’t want the Competition styling cues, a set of 255/30/20 performance shoes are available as a stand-alone option for $800.
In a market where crossovers and SUVs (witness our last umpteen number of Base Camp subjects) are the beyond-dominant body style, the world’s gearhead community is glad Audi continues to make sporty coupés like the TT.
Keyword: Base Camp: 2022 Audi TT Coupé