The Audi TT is one of those rare cars which make it from motor show concept to production reality very little changed, while also being the perfect example of how ‘platform sharing’ can be used to good effect. VW Group’s PQ34 is commonly known as the Mk4 Golf platform since that was the highest-volume car to be built on it, but it also formed the bones of the humble Skoda Octavia, the ‘Spanish Alfa’ Seat Leon and Toledo, the controversial New Beetle and two upmarket Audis: the A3 and TT.
The TT was a radical new departure for previously staid Audi, whose previous coupe offering had been a simple two-door version of the Audi 80.
A car “radical in design, but suitable for everyday use” was the basic design brief and the chunky broad-shouldered style was certainly arresting as well as being very Germanic. Indeed, much was made at the time of the design showing Bauhaus influence, the reference relating to the prewar German design movement which required form to follow function. The proportions and curves also evoked the lines of the 1930s ‘Silver Arrows’ racers of Audi’s ancestor brand Auto Union.
Launched as a coupe in September 1998 and arriving in UK showrooms from February 1999, the TT was offered as a convertible from August 1999, engine options limited to two versions of the VW Group EA113 four-cylinder, 20-valve turbo rated at 180bhp or 225bhp. Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive was offered as an option on the 180bhp model and standard on the 225bhp car.
In early 2002 the TT was facelifted with a three-bar grille, 25mm lower suspension, aluminium gearknob, 18-inch wheels and titanium lamp inserts on the 225 model. The 247bhp 3.2-litre V6 engine was added to the range in July 2003 with the six-speed DSG gearbox and wit the manual box from January 2004.
In March 2003 an entry-level 150bhp version of the four-cylinder turbo was added, offered only in front-wheel drive form.
In April 2005, the limited-edition TT Quattro Sport was offered, running a 237bhp version of the 1.8 turbo together with weight-saving measures and fixed Recaro racing seats. In 2005 the 150bhp engine was uprated to 160bhp and the 180 model to 190bhp, the first cars wearing the 55 registration.
Production of the first-generation ‘8N’ TT ended in June 2006, with its replacement an all-new design.
