07 Apr 06
Some eight years after the launch of the stunning TT coupe, Audi has unveiled its replacement.
'Replacement' might be too strong a word, though, as this latest TT is a gentle evolution of what has been a very successful model. And while the new car is longer and wider, it doesn't actually look bigger than the previous model. The styling has been sharpened up, too, although the look is entirely faithful to the original.
Walk around the car and the most obvious styling departure is the dramatic nose, which mirrors that of the Shooting Brake concept unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show 2005. In profile, the TT has a longer stretch of sideglass and more deeply sculpted swage lines. There are lovely detail touches throughout, such as the taillights with their distinct internal squares - taking a cue from BMW's trademark ringed headlights, TTs will be very easy to spot from behind after dark.
Climb aboard and you'll be immediately struck by how much less claustrophobic the new TT feels compared with the old, partly due to an extra eight centimetres of cabin length, which has allowed for more seat travel. You also sit very low in the car, which for tall drivers will counter that sense you had in the old car of the roof being drawn overhead as though you're wearing a giant sombrero.
