Audi TT 2001 $9,950

The Audi TT offers just about everything most people would want in a small affordable advanced sports car. The 2003 TT is rakish fast and a kick to drive. And the TT is offered for the first time since its 2000 debut with an automatic transmission—a responsive 6-speed unit with a manual shift feature. If that weren't enough the TT is the only sports car in its price range with the traction and all-weather advantages of all-wheel drive. Alas though the base 180-horsepower coupe and convertible (Audi says roadster ) are offered only with the automatic transmission which replaces a 5-speed manual gearbox. The up-level 225-horsepower coupe and convertible come only with a 6-speed manual transmission. Questionable Transmission Strategy Audi's transmission strategy seems flawed because there probably are many potential TT buyers of the more affordable 180-horsepower versions who'd like a manual gearbox—a traditional sports car feature. Moreover there likely are a good number of potential buyers of the 225-horsepower coupe and soft top versions who'd like an automatic transmission. However the automatic does make the TT easier to drive in congested areas. That's partially because the manual transmission's clutch has a long throw that can be tiring in thick traffic and forces some drivers to sit closer to the steering wheel than they wish. Limited All-Wheel Drive Availability Only the 225-horsepower TT now is offered with Audi's accomplished quattro all-wheel-drive system. Entry TT versions do well on slippery roads with their front-wheel drive and standard traction control system but there's no topping the all-wheel-drive system for ultimate grip. A more aggressive looking grille is new for 2003. There are also distinct exterior accents new color combinations for the TT convertible and interior refinements. The base hatchback coupe has a $32 500 base price. The entry convertible is $34 500 with an easily worked manual top—or an additional $800 with a power top. The upscale all-wheel-drive coupe is $36 200 and the convertible is $39 000 with its standard power top. Both convertible tops have a heated glass rear window which beats an easily scratched plastic rear window. Family Engine The six speeds of both transmissions are needed to extract the most performance from the TT's sophisticated-but-small 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. This turbocharged engine is found throughout the Audi-Volkswagen car family but is a proven unit that helps hold down TT prices. Estimated highway fuel economy is 28-29 mpg. The engine provides only a marginal estimated 20 mpg in the city. That's partly because the TT is rather heavy—2 921-3 274 pounds—with a lot of equipment. Well Equipped Standard features include automatic climate control AM/FM/CD sound system cruise control tilt-telescoping wheel and power windows and door locks with a remote entry feature. Options include a $1 100 Premium Package with heated front seats with individual controls and powerful Xenon headlights. Also optional are 17-inch tires for the base versions and 18-inch tires for the 225-horsepower versions. Safety Features Among safety features are front side airbags that provide both chest and head side protection. The convertible has two nifty looking functional aluminum rolls bars behind the seats. Spirited Performance The TT is fast with both horsepower versions of the engine with the lighter coupe being slightly quicker. The 180-horsepower TT does 0-60 mph in 7.9-8.1 seconds while the 225-horsepower version hits 60 in 6.3-6.7 seconds. However the 180-horsepower engine in a test TT bogged down for a few seconds when cold and thus provided no forward motion. I soon learned not to try to zip through intersections from a standing start until the engine was warmed up. Sharp Handling The power steering is quick although it feels spongy near the on-center steering wheel position. Handling is sharp but the brake pedal needs a more li

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