AUDI TT MK1; History

When the mk1 Audi TT was unveiled at the 1995 Frankfurt international motor show it created an instant icon. The styling was so sharp it made a Hattori Hanzo katana look like a blunt potato peeler, whilst the interior had more minimalist chic than a New York loft apartment. By 1998 the concept had become a production reality, draping that Bauhaus body over mkIV VW Golf underpinnings with minimal changes. 

Even the bad publicity of poor high speed stability - leading to some unfortunate autobahn casualties and a full revision of the cars steering, suspension, bushing and aero set-up - couldn’t dampen the public's enthusiasm for the TT. The chiselled new Audi was the car to see and be seen in, and the on paper spec sheet looked to back that up. With a choice of 2 + 2 coupe or two-seater roadster body styles, a turbocharged 20v engine and four wheel drive evoking the Ur Quattro, buyers stampeded to the showrooms.

Thanks to the handicap of its platform, the driving experience never quite lived up the promise of those sharp lines, but the recalled TT did offer sure footed handling in all conditions, supreme refinement and in 225 form, could match a Subaru Impreza Turbo away from the traffic lights. It is little wonder that by the time the mk1 was superseded by the second generation model in 2006, over 275,000 TT’s had rolled down the production line. Today the TT remains a very stylish way to get around, and the chassis and engine can be tweaked to increase performance and engagement. 

However, the TT is not without its drawbacks as an ownership proposition, with some well documented reliability issues, particularly on early cars. The good news is that TT’s are now on the upward curve in terms of values. But that means they’ve also potentially been through that inevitable rough patch of ownership where corners have been cut. Studying the service history in detail is therefore vitally important, but don’t be too alarmed by high mileage TT’s - the comfort and refinement of the car means many have been in constant use rather than tucked away for sunny days.

AUDI TT MK1 BUYING GUIDE; Model Variants

The 1.8 litre, 20v turbocharged engine is the most common engine found in the mk1 TT. This engine was available in several different power outputs, including the base front-wheel drive model (150 bhp), the Quattro all-wheel drive model (180 & 225 bhp variants), and the limited edition, driver-focused 237 bhp Quattro Sport. Later in life, Audi upped the power of the 150 and 180 models to 163 bhp and 190 bhp.

In mid-2003 Audi also introduced a new engine option - the narrow angle naturally aspirated V6 sourced from the Golf R32. This engine produces 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, and could be paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG transmission. Despite the additional range-topping power, the 3.2 VR6 engine provided a more refined driving experience, with its ultra smooth power delivery and accompanying soundtrack. 

Sadly the additional weight of the new engine also blunted the on-limit handling of the TT, turning the car into more of a cruiser best suited to the pioneering dual-clutch transmission. The additional kilograms also countered the outright performance, meaning in the real world the V6 wasn’t any faster than the 20v turbo. Throw in increased fuel consumption - plus a road tax penalty - and it's not hard to see how the V6 accounted for the fewest sales.

The rarest mk1 TT is the Quattro Sport of 2005, limited to 800 units. Audi firmed up the suspension and removed 49kg of weight from the car, sacrificing the rear seats in the process. The driver and passenger were secured by deep-dish Recaro bucket seats while the steering wheel was trimmed in Alcantara. Making use of the 1.8T engine, the Quattro Sport upped the ante to 237 bhp thanks to a larger turbocharger, a revised intake manifold, a high-flow exhaust system, and a more aggressive ECU tune.

The engine was also equipped with a larger intercooler and oil cooler to help keep temperatures under control during hard driving. Visually, the Quattro Sport was distinguished by a new alloy wheel design, V6 aero styling and a solid black roof.

PRODUCTION TIMELINE

1995 - TT Concept Coupé unveiled at Frankfurt Show, Roadster makes its debut at Tokyo

1998 September - Coupe 2+2 launched with either 180 bhp (16in wheels, five-speed ’box, single exhaust) or 225 bhp (17s, 6-speed, dual exhaust) 1.8T engine

1999 - TT Roadster introduced

2000 March - Worldwide safety recall to fit ESP, uprated front suspension arms, larger bushes and rear spoiler

2000 September - six-speed