Audi TT 2.0 TFSI quattro: driven

There's always a price to pay. It's the same with this entry-level four-wheel-drive Audi TT, although it may not be the price you'd expect.

First, let's get some numbers out of the way. You'll have to pay an extra £2790 over the front-wheel-drive 2.0 TFSI for the quattro, but then the S tronic semi-automatic gearbox comes as standard (it's normally a £1420 option). That's great if you want the convenience and speed of the semi-auto 'box, but not if you appreciate the involvement of changing gear yourself.

Still, you'll be able to accelerate faster (0-62mph in 6.2 seconds, rather than 6.6) and won't pay a penny extra in fuel both are capable of 36.7mpg on average. Carbon dioxide emissions are actually 2g/km less in the quattro, but it's in the same 24% company car tax band. So far, so even.

On the road

Things are also similar when it comes to driving the TT. Despite being 100kg heftier than the 2.0 TFSI, the quattro still feels agile and alert it's a blast to drive. The ride also has that lovely TT knack of letting you know what state the road is in, but not bothering you with every last detail.

Of course, four-wheel drive helps the TT deploy its power without a whiff of wheelspin, but then the front-drive version is hardly a tyre-shredding tearaway, either.

Being a TT, you also get a beautifully designed and built cabin, plenty of space for two (the rear seats are a joke) and excellent resale values.

The thing is, the 2.0 TFSI does all of these things at least as well and for a whole lot less. No, the biggest price you'll pay is the knowledge that you've bought an inferior TT.

Our verdict

An exceptionally fine car, but not the best TT

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI quattro Price: from 28,210
On sale: Now
You'll like: It's a lovely thing to drive
You won't: 2.0 TFSI is better and cheaper