Audi TT RS Coupe (From York Press)

Audi TT RS Coupe

1:38pm Friday 20th November 2009

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WHEN life was a lot simpler, the choice for buyers of the Audi TT was a straightforward one.

You either went for the 2.0-litre TFSI – my preferred choice – or opted for the 3.2-litre version, with both being available with Quattro all-wheel drive and as a roadster, too.

Then along came a diesel-engined version, the TT 2.0 TDI, the first series-production sports cars to be powered by diesel engines, and it was a beauty that gave improved fuel economy without the loss of the car’s characteristics. It meant a lot more head-scratching before signing on the dotted line.

What’s more, Audi turned up the heat some more by adding the petrol-powered 2.0-litre quattro TTS to the mix. And you know that if an ‘S’ appears in an Audi model name, then it’s going to be a bit special.

But despite this much-improved array of offerings, something was missing – a true high-performance version bearing the letters RS.

Perhaps Audi was waiting for the right conditions.

The brand’s image has been delicately massaged in recent years, turning it into one of the most sought-after badges on UK roads, and the TT RS arrives riding the crest of positive publicity from the R8 supercar and fellow RS variants.

Whatever the reason, here it is, complete with the quattro four-wheel drive system, rapid acceleration and tremendous grip.

The other key ingredient comes in the form of the engine. Despite having one of the most impressive ranges of naturally aspirated, turbocharged and supercharged high-performance engines of any manufacturer, Audi started from scratch with the TT RS, developing a new five-cylinder turbocharged unit.

Full marks for dedication, then; particularly considering that Audi isn’t expecting the TT RS to be a huge seller.

Only 320 examples of the coupé are predicted to find owners in the model’s first full year of sale, with fewer still roadsters.

All of which suggests that Audi has built the model because it can, and not because it needs to.

Sub-five second acceleration to 62mph and more than 230bhp per tonne sounds like a lot of fun, and it proves to be so.

The TT RS has a unique hybrid steel and aluminium structure ensuring low weight and high stiffness, the highest maximum speed in its class, when de-restricted) and the best acceleration.

It also has class-beating fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures.

The five-cylinder unit, with its charismatic growl that can be intensified using the Sport button to open a flap in the exhaust system and sharpen the throttle response, provides a constant surge in a straight line with the quattro system as efficient as ever in eliminating any hint of drama.

The short-throw, close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox helps squeeze the maximum performance from the engine. Yet, like the R8, the TT RS is perfectly manageable.

The interior is luxurious, reassuring given the price tag, but without the sports seats and RS logos there’s little to differentiate it from a well- specified regular TT. No chequer plate or cutaway carpets. No strut braces or cages to spoil the excellent visibility or erase the rear seats.

Commuting in the RS would be as comfortable as in any other TT model, only you’ll be more visible thanks to the obvious exterior additions, which include a fixed rear spoiler, TT RS front and rear bumpers, 18-inch five-double-spoke alloy wheels and a high-gloss black grille.

The real difference will be noticed on a twisty road or race track. Even with the two-stage ESP switched off, the TT RS provides rapid but assured driving experience.

Careful weight distribution and an adaptable four-wheel drive system help to tame some of the traditional four-wheel drive under-steer.

Combine that with unflappable grip out of the corners and gutsy engine performance and it makes for a brilliantly quick but quite neutral experience.

Track fans will be addicted to the driveability. The downside is that thrill-seekers might find it too capable, and a little uninspiring.

Audi TT RS Coupe

Price: £42,150.

Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit developing 335bhp and 332lb/ft of torque.

Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving all four wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 155mph (limited), 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds.

Economy: 30.7mpg combined.

CO2 emissions: 214g/km.

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