Audi

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Audi’s new TTS is quick – so what is the RS version going to bring to the party?

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If the TDI and TFSI TT don’t offer enough grunt for your taste then this month Audi unleashed the answer – the all-new TTS.

With power output upped to 310bhp, the TT is suddenly brushing on supercar status. The 0-60mph time is trimmed to 4.6 seconds and the car is available as coupe or convertible too.

Prices start at around £39,000 – which seems like good money when you consider the TTS is almost as quick as a Porsche 911.

Many people will be waiting for the RS version of the TT that is destined to be even quicker. As the TDI is no slouch, I can’t imagine what that’s going to perform like!

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My landmark diesel moments from the last 30 years of clattering…

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There has been several defining diesel moments in my life. One was when a neighbour used to wake me every morning by firing up his 1980s Audi diesel. Painful.

Another was when BMW launched the 2003 5-Series range in Spain. I drove the 535d back to England, convinced the diesel market had changed forever because the car was so damn good.

The most terrifying was being a passenger in Peugeot’s Le Mans winning car – at Le Mans. Shame we never saw that one on the public road.

And now there is the Audi TT TDI. This engine/coupe combination is simply class-leading. It takes diesel power to a new, much higher level that rewards the driver not just with economy, but with great performance.

Sure it takes the TDI around 7.5 seconds to reach 60mph but the torque is incredible. The TDI is no longer a poor relation to the petrol unit. It’s quite possibly the better car…

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Buying a new motor involves six months of research looking at car ‘porn’

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Come September I’m buying a new car. For me, that involves six months of research and delicious car ‘porn’. At least I can now rule the Maserati Gran Turismo out of the equation.

I’m currently in Northern Ireland, driving the Maserati around County Down. Turns out the 2+2 is stunning in the metal – but lacks the drivability of the Porsche 911, Jaguar XKR, or even the Golf R.

The Mazzer is, like all Maseratis, beautiful but flawed. It’s a supermodel with a scar on her cheek, you simply can’t escape the fact that the Gran Turismo has a deep secret – it doesn’t drive well.

Entering the equation instead is the new Audi TT – except I need the RS version to come along sooner rather than later. Razor sharp handling, high tech interior – it’s a no brainer…

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Razor sharp – handling in the new Audi TT is astoundingly good

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Razor sharp. That’s how I would describe the handling of the new Audi TT. After steering the boat-like Mulsanne for a week, this coupe feels like an F1 car through the corners.

In fact, the first left-hander I tackled in anger, I over-compensated and almost lost the TT in a hedge. It’s staggeringly good and every inch as precise as a Porsche 911.

I can recall testing the last generation TT cabriolet, back-to-back with a Boxster. The TT may have enjoyed quattro four-wheel drive but the Porsche felt more balanced and settled through a corner.

Now I wouldn’t be so sure. The new Boxster is, of course, a barnstormer but I reckon the latest TT would be on a par. And the Audi costs less – plus our test car isn’t a grippy quattro. It’s astoundingly good!

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The Audi TT’s digi dashboard is groundbreaking – expect other manufacturers to follow the same design path

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I wondered if Audi could up their game on the latest TT dashboard – they’ve done it in style. While the original TT  was an interior masterclass, the last, out-going model was a massive disappointment, with switches and dials we’ve seen elsewhere in the Audi range.

However, the 3D digital dash of the latest model is groundbreaking. You just know that other manufacturers will be copying the format and that we will see a rash of digi dashes on the market over the next few years.

In practical terms it means no ugly screen in the middle of the dashboard any more because the sat nav is now displayed in the instrument binnacle, right in front of the driver. Simple, brilliant, safer.

You can flick between the different systems – perhaps choosing the classic speedo, rev counter view – which all appear as graphics. Add to this the flat bottomed, multi-function steering wheel and it won’t be long before we have a totally ‘clean’ dashboard’ in future cars, without buttons or dials…

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Can the new Audi TT possibly be as good as the reviews make out?

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I’ve owned a first and second generation Audi TT. I loved the original because it had a stylish interior that has yet to be surpassed – and I liked the latter model because it was good at everything.

Well, good at most things. It wasn’t very happy driving forward at speeds in excess of 70mph without suffering significant steering wheel vibration. Despite three weeks in Audi warranty care, they never solved the problem and at times, didn’t seem to care.

So that left a rather bad taste in my mouth which also cost me a packet. Hence I approach the new Audi TT with some trepidation. Can it possibly be as good as the reviews make out?

I’m certain the steering wheel won’t vibrate in our test car but it’s going to have to be very good to tempt me away from a Porsche Cayman – the current coupe of choice. More tomorrow….

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It’s double Range Rovers at Zara Phillips house but the Audi A6 Ultra didn’t look out of place

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Spent the afternoon interviewing Zara Phillips at Gatcombe. It being equine central and all, the most expensive vehicle was a 40ft horse lorry, probably worth about £250,000!

Mr and Mrs Mike Tindall drive a Range Rover and Range Rover Sport – both suitably plastered in Gloucestershire mud.

My A6 Avant seemed to get admiring glances from the stable girls though – maybe they just like a car with a huge boot for their dogs?!

Tomorrow I’m picking up a Tesla Model S. It’s the first time I’ve ever gone all electric for a week. Slightly nervous I’m going to run out of juice somewhere but we’ll see.

The A6 Ultra has been a major revelation though. I’ve been hammering it around for seven days and still have half a tank of diesel left. It’s big, comfortable and superbly refined in the cabin.

It may not have the presence (or the price) or a Range Rover, or the economy of a Tesla but as a all-round family car, the A6 really is pretty hard to beat.

 

 

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If only Williams’ F1 car could achieve 47mpg in everyday driving they’d win everything too

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Just back from interviewing F1 legend Sir Frank Williams, at Williams HQ in Oxfordshire. It’s the kind of place you want to roar up in an Aston Martin – I arrived in the Audi A6 estate. Hmmm…

Never mind. The guys on security who, let’s face it, must have seen every type of supercar come and go, seemed more interested than I would imagine.

Having spent some of the morning in Sir Frank’s company, I’d say he appreciates a fine piece of engineering when he sees it too. If only his race car could achieve 47mpg in normal, everyday driving!

If you want to see an Audi on the racetrack then head for Le Mans in June. The manufacturer has dominated the race for years with a diesel-powered machine.

Me? I’d be quite happy with an A6 estate. If only because I can get my dog in the cavernous boot too…

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The A6 Avant Ultra is a big car but it has the same DNA as other more sporty Audi models

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There’s a narrow stretch of country road on the way to Kingham Station in Oxfordshire where you have to ‘breath in’ when a car approaches from the opposite direction. This morning I met a large, meandering lorry…

The A6 Avant is a big motor – it’s wide and long. Fortunately, it also handles extremely well, so when the ABS cut in and I steered towards the hedge, the Audi did exactly what I asked of it.

Moments before, I had been wondering at the feel of the Audi steering. To be honest, I’d prefer it a little heavier but the lorry moment persuaded me otherwise. I escaped with just my passenger door mirror pushed back.

So, to anyone who thinks the A6 Avant is just too big for them and something smaller would do, I’d say, ‘don’t worry, go for it.’ It may not be a TT but it has plenty of DNA from other faster, more sporty Audi models to keep you entertained and safe…

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The Audi A6 Avant Ultra is so big and roomy you might want to consider having another family again

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Typical German engineering efficiency – I’m struggling to find the Achilles Heel of the A6 Avant. It’s so damn good that you are virtually seduced into wanting a family again!

I couldn’t justify owning such a whopping car on my own, so at least I have an excuse not to buy one. I love driving the estate but it’s starting to feel lonely up front…

Only the styling of the Audi might leave some people cold. It’s not unpleasant to look at but there is little to excite the eye. The Avant is long, low and has obviously spent a lot of time in the aerodynamics wind tunnel.

When you are searching for maximum mpg and minimum drag, even the tiniest of angles matters. The A6 looks as slippery as any vehicle I’ve seen. Not bad when you consider this is a family estate and not a racing car…