Audi TT Coupé 1.8 TFSI

TT Coupé ownership just became a bit more affordable. Previously, the cheapest model was the £27,140 2.0 TFSI Sport, but now Audi has introduced 1.8 TFSI versions which cost from £24,070 on the road.



Offering the smaller turbocharged petrol engine in the Coupé was a fairly obvious move though, as it’s already available in the TT Roadster.

A respectable 157 bhp (117 kW / 160 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb/ft) of peak torque allows the TT Coupé to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h), while still managing 44.1 mpg (6.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle.



With the optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission in place of the standard six-speed manual gearbox, those figures remain the same, except that the 0-62 mph time reduces a little to 7.1 seconds.



Two trim grades will be available with the 1.8 TFSI engine. Sport variants come with leather and Alcantara upholstery, MP3 player connectivity, climate control and 17” alloy wheels. Alternatively, the S line model has sports suspension, 18” wheels, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and a short-shift gearbox on manual cars.



An obvious competitor to the TT Coupé 1.8 TFSI is the Scirocco from sister brand Volkswagen. £24,705 will buy the GT 2.0 TSI, which has the more powerful 207 bhp (154 kW / 210 PS) engine. Consequently it’s quicker than the Audi, with 0-62 mph taking 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph (239 km/h), but average fuel consumption of 38.2 mpg (7.4 l/100km) is worse.



Rear-wheel drive enthusiasts should also consider the BMW 120i SE Coupé. At £23,965, it’s virtually the same price as the entry-level TT Coupé, and its power output is similar at 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). However, a 0-62 mph time of 7.8 seconds, top speed of 139 mph (223 km/h) and combined 43.5 mpg (6.5 l/100km) are all slightly inferior.



For a combination of performance and value, all three of those models are eclipsed by the Renault Mégane Coupé Renaultsport 250 Cup. It costs £24,020, yet boasts 246 bhp (184 kW / 250 PS) and an impressive 340 Nm (250 lb/ft) of torque. As a result, the Mégane will do the 0-62 mph sprint in 6.1 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). The downside is comparatively disappointing consumption of 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km).



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