The new Audi TT is currently one of the best personal European sports car to buy for this year alongside the RCZ, the Z4 and the SLK/SLC and it is one of the most quickest in that particular segment especially the entry level ones. The current TT 2.0 TFSI is way nimble and easier to steer, and also have a decent amount of torque for a smooth and quick acceleration. But what if you want to go back in the 90s or early 2000s where everything has less fuzzy electronics, simple-looking and evergreen design, and most importantly, it is cheaper to buy these days. By reading the question, you just came to the right room. So, today, I bring you guys a special retro review of the 2006 Audi TT Mk1, the last batch of the first-gen Audi TT. This is one of the future classic in the next decade.
This particular TT is currently for sale on Mudah.my. I've been searching this well-maintained TT and this is the one that is well-kept over others. You can click the link here for those who are keen to this nimble looking sports coupe as a second car.
Still looking cool even it is 10 years old.
The first-gen TT was unveiled by Audi back in 1998 as a coupe while the roadster version was available in 1999. Based on the Volkswagen Group A4 platform, the TT had some of the identical parts from the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf Mk4 and the first-gen Volkswagen New Beetle. It was designed by Peter Schreyer, the guy who is currently responsible for Kia Motors as a chief design officer. Just seeing the car outside, it does not show any ageing design from A to Z. Park it beside the current-gen TT is gonna be like a modern art.
The design is still used as a fundamental language in every generation starting from the wing mirrors, the metal fuel door release, side window shape, and the wheel arches. By now, it still pulling the crowd to clearly show how beautiful it is.
In Malaysia, the TT was launched in the year 1999 by Euromobil and they only brought the 1.8T with either front-wheel drive or a permanent all-wheel drive system called Quattro. At that period, the TT has two transmission offers, a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed Steptronic gearbox. No DSG gearbox available as it only applies to the 3.2 VR6, which was not even sold in Malaysia. Most Mk1 TTs I have seen are mostly FF, while the Quattro is not easy to find.
Since it is a 2006 model, it uses a 17" Fat 5 spoke wheels instead of Avus wheels.
Single exhaust pipe clearly shows it is a non-Quattro. However, the rear end is way busty and sexy like the new one.
There was scratches at the back because there was a motorcycle hit it before. This can go away by a simple touch up and wax.
Sharp-looking wing mirrors to provide better aerodynamics and sporty design. Later TTs adapt this philosophy.
Rear lip spoiler is mandatory for the Mk1 TT. This recall was already issued since 1999 after a sudden oversteer that lead to accident after 180 km/h without the spoiler. ESP is also added after the recall alongside the redesigned suspension setup to improve handling at a very high speed.
Under the hood, the Mk1 TT has a turbocharged 20 valve (5 valve in each cylinder as you see on the engine cover) 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 180 hp at 5500 rpm and thus, it has 235 Nm of torque at 1950 to 5000 rpm. That is considered fast for a 90s to mid-2000s car.
Moving on to the interior, the TT has some of its retro and sporty bits. The radio is hidden by the TT plate at the center console. Most importantly, the dashboard design is simple and easy to control.
Bear in mind that there is a phone cradle just beside one of the air vents. Presumably used for old Nokia phone and it was an accessory option for the TT and other Audis. Since the owner no longer using it, he cut a hole on the cradle and put a USB charging port. Clever DIY idea.
Where's the radio?
Voila. Open the radio door latch, you will find a 6 speaker Audi Concert audio system as standard. Bose audio system was an optional item for the Mk1 TT.
It has a simple looking door panels too.
You won't find electric seats in here. All of them can be adjusted manually.
There is a backseat, but is utterly useless for everyone. For a big guy like me, my head literally hits the rear windscreen and I felt like I being squished like a jellybean by a heavy concrete. Since the front seat is pushed all the way to the front, there is no hope for a driver to seat at all. As a matter of fact, it is a 2+2, and only small kids can seat behind, but it kills the legroom for the front passenger and the driver. However, the 3rd-gen TT has a little more space behind, but the driver has to drive like a woman if someone seats at the back, unless the person is too skinny. Not to mention is that there is two warning stickers which refers to the back seat passengers, one at the side and one under the trunk, in every TTs.
Logo-ed door sills.
Enough blabbering about the exterior and interior, as it is time to go for a drive.
When getting behind the wheel of the first-gen TT, it is relatively small and cramp especially for big and tall drivers. Headroom might be a little small, but it can be settled by lowering the seat. Visibility is considered okay for a sports car. Since this one has its quirks solved by Audi back then, the TT becomes a driver-friendly car when it comes to handling. Cornering at a sharp intersection is absolutely direct, even though it is front wheel drive. With the help of ESP, the TT is very safe as it increased traction for better grip at high speed. Braking was also superb too.
The 1.8T engine is very powerful to this date. 0 to 100 is about 7.5 seconds. There is no signs of turbo lag. Speaking of which, this smaller cc with turbo is already a huge steps forward for current Audis and Volkswagens (obviously they are in the same company). The power steering is a bit hard compared to its previous enemies like the BMW Z3, but it is still manageable to turn and it is also direct.
As for the audio system, I have no complaint at all. It still sounds like new and there is signs of abruption or even a buzz on each speakers.
In my opinion, the Mk1 TT was the pioneer of Audi that bring it to success in terms of sales and motorsports before the R8 took over its place. It is very nimble to drive and easy to own compared to its competitors. Before I end this post, this TT is absolutely a piece of engineering prowess from Audi, as what they say in their slogan: "Vorsprung Durch Technik".
Wanna buy this car? You can click this link right now to get yourself a beautiful and well-kept Mk1 TT.
:)
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