[Rukka]

Hi All,

Not been posting for a while as I've had rather a lot on my plate but have been keeping up with thinks on here (Brexit, watches, Lobb tracking . . )

Anyway, a few of you might remember the grief I had with my M4 originally and 2 rejections before getting into the YMB CP. Well, the love affair didn't last!

Using it as a daily didn't suit my circumstances and the road noise was awful. Couple that with a very loose rear end in all but dry conditions and driving it left me weary. I think the shine was taken off the whole purchase/rejection experience and by November last year I was looking at getting out of it.

So the shopping list was for a small ish 2 door coupe. Not hatchback and not convertible. For those that have looked, choice is limited.

A trip to Porsche resulted in some test drives in Boxster (no tin-top demo cars available) and me placing an order for a new 718 Cayman. It had it's compromises though as interior space is very limited and the 4 pot engine sounds agricultural from the outside. Anyway, sport exhaust would help with that part.

However, a few weeks later, I got the opportunity of a Cayman for the day, and there's where it all went south!

The Boxster has the engine outside of the drivers cabin, if that makes sense. The fabric hood comes down right behind the driver. The Cayman on the other hand has the engine compartment essentially in with the driver - and the noise is terrible! Coupled with a few other bit that didn't work on a day to day basis - I cancelled the order.

Back to the drawing board then until Mrs Rukka decided she wanted a TT. We found a really nice Mk2 example - 1 owner from new with an individual colour which she proceeded to buy.

I loved it! It was the 2.0 211bhp Quattro version with DSG and it drove great. It was fun to hustle along and the 4WD meant it was pretty surefooted too. I likey a lot!

I had test driven the Mk3 TTS a few years ago but couldn't get on with it. Seating position and steering being my biggest gripes but I set off to do some research...

Research done, I went to my local Audi dealer armed with a spec sheet. 30 minutes later I walked out after him looking at me like I had two heads when I mentioned coast2coast. "Discount? we don't do discount" - yeah right.

So off to Crewe Audi who were more than happy to play ball and order was placed.

Fast forward to the end of June and the new TTS Black Edition was collected

Dealer experience was spot on and handover was smooth as silk.

I can't really compare the TTS to any of the other cars I've had because its, well, different.

It's a 4 pot engine for a start but once your head has got round the fact its got 2 less cylinders - it's a very good engine. Torque is plentiful and it revs quickly. The Quattro means the days of rear wheel slippage are gone.

And it's quick! Yes the M4 would muller it on a dry road above 60 mph but you know what? I don't care. In day to day 'normal' driving it's good. I can pull away quickly, in any weather, and it takes it all in it's stride.

Interior is a nice place to be. The quilted Nappa leather seats are very comfortable; the digital dash is brilliant; steering wheel is nice and the overall minimalistic layout is very pleasing.

Fit and finish is as good as anything I've driven before and everything you touch is 'soft'.

The TTS has 306 horses (4 down from pre facelift due to PPF) and a slight bump in torques from the old (pre facelift) model to make up for it. It also gets a new 7 speed DSG (old model was 6 speed and a bit slow) which seems very good.

I'm now nearly 4k miles in and loving it. There are nice things it does/has like remember the last mode you drove it in (see BMW - it can be done), electronic handbrake, B&O Sounds, flat bottomed/perforated steering wheel is lovely, AC controls integrated into the vents.

Practically, you can get a lot in the boot if you put the rear seats down. They're no good for anyone over 4 foot tall who has legs anyway

And here it is . . . .

[isleaiw1]

Stunning. Audi do know how to make a great interior and that looks brilliant outside too!

I think awd, once you have had it is one of those things that you really struggle to live without in daily life - especially in a reasonably powerful car. I know I wouldnt buy an M car with rwd, sorry traditionalists but I am not a good enough / confident enough driver to be prepared to risk it!

Glad you have found something that works for you - sunglasses definitely needed when stepping out of your front door though!

[mikeoz]

Wow very bold colour...Audis do very nice interiors dont they
Shes very bossy...charge your phone Rukka..

[stuboy2uk]

I had a TT before my 335d, I was really pleased with it and have to say the interior was much nicer than my new BMW.

[Rukka]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

Stunning. Audi do know how to make a great interior and that looks brilliant outside too!

I think awd, once you have had it is one of those things that you really struggle to live without in daily life - especially in a reasonably powerful car. I know I wouldnt buy an M car with rwd, sorry traditionalists but I am not a good enough / confident enough driver to be prepared to risk it!

Glad you have found something that works for you - sunglasses definitely needed when stepping out of your front door though!

Thanks. I originally ordered Turbo Blue but decided I'd had enough blue cars and opted for the Vegas Yellow as wasn't feeling the new shade of Orange on offer

Agree on the AWD. The M4 just became too much of a chore to get anywhere in. Great fun for the first few weeks then very warring. Day to day - this is just as quick/nippy and its easy to drive - just jump in and go!

Originally Posted by mikeoz

Wow very bold colour...Audis do very nice interiors dont they
Shes very bossy...charge your phone Rukka..

Thanks - I do like something thats easy to find in a car park . . .
She also tells me that I've left my phone in the car when I open the door which is very useful so I'll let her off

[mcoops]

Fantastic! One of these is on my list of possibles when I retire the 4GC, assuming I go smaller and Mrs MCoops steps up a size with the family SUV. All the reasons you list are what makes it appeal to me too

[Rukka]

Originally Posted by stuboy2uk

I had a TT before my 335d, I was really pleased with it and have to say the interior was much nicer than my new BMW.

I'd agree to some extent. Even the interior in the Mrs's Mk2 is good. What did you have?

[stuboy2uk]

Originally Posted by Rukka

I'd agree to some extent. Even the interior in the Mrs's Mk2 is good. What did you have?

I had a Mk2 tdi (remapped to around 200bhp), plenty of torque and quattro made it feel pretty nippy and very easy to drive. As you said about your M4, my 335 would wipe the floor with it in a straight line but the TT felt much better in the corners with less weight and no dodgy xdrive suspension!

[teaston]

Nice, love all the gloss black bits! Totally agree about 4wd, in real world use it blows away rwd!

Love the yellow and green colour combo, as I am a Norwich City fan!!

[JustChris]

Congrats Rukka. Aways liked the TT and this version is the best and the interior is amazing.

I agree the F80/82 is not well suited for DD activity at all...or we are getting old.

Curious if you were looking at the 718s was the Z4 not on the list at all. I thinnn in it's the best car BMW make currently.

[Rbrown]

Lovely! Enjoy!

👍

[JD6]

Looks very cool. There can't be many two TT families out there!

[Consett Mag]

This post answers a few questions I've had about an M4. Maybe it's not the car for me. And a couple of interesting observations about the Cayman too. Both of these vehicles sound like they've noise issues. Thanks for this info.

I've got to admit, the Audi TT seriously looks a lot of fun.

[philiper1]

That looks great, congratulations

[Vasumir]

Very nice TT, I've always thought the Audi interiors are lovely. The digital dash makes BMW's offerings look awful.

Out of interest, what tyres did the M4 have on? I ask because my 440i was extremely tail happy until recently... I know they are not the same car. My car came with Michelin pilot super sport tyres on. I've found these to be quite bad at the rear unless it's dry and warm/hot.
Recently switched to Michelin pilot sport 4, the normal ones as I'm on 18s. The difference is ridiculous, suddenly huge amounts of grip in normal driving conditions, I can now enter/exit corners with some enthusiasm, without fearing the rear is going to slide out every time.
Wondered if the M4 came with the same tyres and that might be why.

[dopper99]

Looks a great car and it’s unpinnings are essentially the same as mine ... 300bhp 4wd VAG platform with 7 speed DSG.
Couldn’t agree with you more with regards your comments on both the M4 and your new Audi. My Golf is brilliant fun and puts a big smile on your face and I would imagine the TT is the same.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Looks a great car and it’s unpinnings are essentially the same as mine ... 300bhp 4wd VAG platform with 7 speed DSG.
Couldn’t agree with you more with regards your comments on both the M4 and your new Audi. My Golf is brilliant fun and puts a big smile on your face and I would imagine the TT is the same.

I had more fun on the public roads in the 2.0i Z4 loaner I tried.

Sport Mode
Stick Left
Actually enjoy acceleration for >2 seconds at a time

Modern M is pushing lots of limits. Great cars but on the street 3 tenths most of the way.

[Rukka]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Congrats Rukka. Aways liked the TT and this version is the best and the interior is amazing.

I agree the F80/82 is not well suited for DD activity at all...or we are getting old.

Curious if you were looking at the 718s was the Z4 not on the list at all. I thinnn in it's the best car BMW make currently.

Hi Chris.

Didn't really like the Z4 and only 2 seats. I know the TTS has tiny rear seats but at least you can put something on them.

All verts as well aren't they?

100% happy with my choice - great fun and like you say, you can actually use some of the power without it getting (too) silly too quickly.

[Rukka]

Originally Posted by Vasumir

Very nice TT, I've always thought the Audi interiors are lovely. The digital dash makes BMW's offerings look awful.

Out of interest, what tyres did the M4 have on? I ask because my 440i was extremely tail happy until recently... I know they are not the same car. My car came with Michelin pilot super sport tyres on. I've found these to be quite bad at the rear unless it's dry and warm/hot.
Recently switched to Michelin pilot sport 4, the normal ones as I'm on 18s. The difference is ridiculous, suddenly huge amounts of grip in normal driving conditions, I can now enter/exit corners with some enthusiasm, without fearing the rear is going to slide out every time.
Wondered if the M4 came with the same tyres and that might be why.

MP4SS on the M4 from memory. Didn't really matter if it was dry tbh - still tail happy but horrendous in the wet (which we have lots of in good old GB)

[Rukka]

Originally Posted by Consett Mag

This post answers a few questions I've had about an M4. Maybe it's not the car for me. And a couple of interesting observations about the Cayman too. Both of these vehicles sound like they've noise issues. Thanks for this info.

I've got to admit, the Audi TT seriously looks a lot of fun.

Yep - I'd urge anyone to take an extended (2 day or more) test drive in one before committing.

DSG did my head in too with no creep feature. Made it very on/off in stop/start traffic.

[robwils]

Awesome, love the colour too

[225]

Wow wont lose that in a car park

Nice and a bit different.