Audi TT Mk2 Review

What Is the Audi TT Mk2?

The Audi TT Mk2 is the second-generation TT, known internally as the Type 8J, was sold as a coupé and roadster which kept the original TT’s distinctive shape but became a more mature and capable sports car.

It did so by using an aluminium-and-steel structure, sharing technology with the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Group performance models, and offering front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive. Engines included 1.8 and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol units, diesels in some markets, the 3.2-litre VR6, the TTS and the five-cylinder TT RS. For buyers, the Mk2 is appealing because it still looks special, feels modern enough to use regularly and is generally easier to live with than many older classics.

Launched in 2006, the ‘8J’ TT (to use the internal designation) adapted the pioneering Audi Space Frame aluminium construction techniques developed for the A8 and A2 into a hybrid mix of this and conventional steel panels, other distinguishing features including a pop-up spoiler to replace the fixed one introduced to first-gen cars to counter initial instability.

While still based on a generic VW platform this helps counter the argument the TT is simply a Golf in posh clothes, Audi targeting the use of aluminium in the panels to offset the natural nose-heavy balance of the front-driven foundations.

Over its lifespan the 8J TT introduced a number of new powertrains and model lines to the range as well, including diesels, a sporting S version and, most excitingly, the return of Audi’s signature five-cylinder turbo in the top of the range RS.
Front-wheel drive or quattro, manual or dual-clutch auto, Coupe or Roadster, there’s a huge range to choose from with the second-gen TT. Here’s how to pick the right one.

When was the Audi TT Mk2 produced?

The Audi TT Mk2 was launched as a coupé in 2006, followed by the roadster in 2007. Production at Audi Hungaria in Győr continued until 2014, when the third-generation TT replaced it. Audi Hungaria says 241,276 second-generation TT models were built.

What changes were made to the Audi TT Mk2 over the years?

The Mk2 launched in 2006 with sharper handling, improved structure and a more mature cabin than the Mk1. Early models included the 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 VR6, with quattro available depending on version. The roadster followed in 2007. Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping was offered, giving the car a more sophisticated feel.

The TTS arrived as a more focused performance model, using a more powerful 2.0 TFSI engine, quattro drive and sharper styling. The diesel TT also appeared, giving buyers economy rather than traditional sports-car character. The most significant enthusiast model was the TT RS, launched with Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine.

It brought genuine performance-car pace and is now the most collectible Mk2 variant. A facelift in 2010 brought styling revisions, updated lighting, improved interior details and revised engines, including more efficient 2.0 TFSI units.

Later cars generally feel more polished, but condition and service history matter more than age alone.

What are the common problems with Audi TT Mk2?

Common issues include S tronic/DSG gearbox faults, especially lurching, clunking or hesitant low-speed behaviour. These gearboxes need correct servicing. On quattro cars, Haldex servicing is important. Neglect can become expensive.

Petrol engines can suffer timing-chain, cam-follower, coil-pack, PCV, diverter-valve, carbon build-up and oil-consumption issues depending on engine type and year. Diesels need the usual checks for DPF and emissions-system health.

Roadsters can suffer leaking hoods, blocked drains and tired roof mechanisms. Suspension bushes, magnetic ride dampers, brakes and tyres can be expensive on higher-performance versions. Electrical faults are less notorious than on the Mk1, but warning lights, air conditioning, windows and infotainment should still be checked.
A cheap Mk2 TT with poor history can quickly become an expensive one.

What should I look for when buying an Audi TT Mk2?

Buy the car on service history, condition and specification. Check evidence of regular oil changes, cambelt or chain work where relevant, Haldex servicing on quattro cars and S tronic gearbox servicing on automatic models.

During a test drive, listen for rattles, misfires, turbo hesitation, suspension knocks and drivetrain noise. The S tronic gearbox should shift cleanly without jerks or hesitation. Check all electronics, air conditioning, warning lights and roof operation on roadsters.

Inspect tyres, brakes, suspension and bodywork carefully. Performance versions can be driven hard, so look for matching quality tyres, correct maintenance and signs of careful ownership. Avoid poorly modified cars unless the work is properly documented and declared.

Where does the Audi TT tend to rust?

The Mk2 TT is generally better protected than older classics, but corrosion is still possible as the cars age. Check wheelarches, front wings, sills, jacking points, door bottoms, bootlid edges, rear arches, subframes and suspension components.

Rust can hide behind plastic trims and underbody covers, so a clean exterior is not enough. Look underneath, especially on cars used through winter or kept near the coast. Corrosion on subframes, fixings and brake lines can also affect MOT condition and repair costs.

What do people love about Audi TT Mk2?

Owners tend to love the Mk2 TT because it blends style, quality and usability. It still has the visual drama that made the TT famous, but it feels more grown-up than the Mk1. The cabin is well made, the driving position is good and the car is compact enough for everyday roads.

Quattro models feel secure in bad weather, while the 2.0 TFSI gives useful performance without excessive running costs. The TTS and TT RS add real pace and more character. Buyers also like that the Mk2 is modern enough to use regularly, yet old enough to feel like an emerging modern classic.

It is not the most delicate sports car, but as a stylish, usable, well-built coupé or roadster, it makes a strong case for itself.

What are the most popular specifications for Audi TT Mk2?

The 2.0 TFSI is the most common and usually the best-value choice. It offers strong performance, manageable running costs and plenty of specialist knowledge. The TTS is popular with enthusiasts because it adds more pace, quattro traction and a more focused feel without the cost of a TT RS.

The TT RS is the halo model. Its five-cylinder engine gives it character, performance and collector appeal, but purchase and maintenance costs are higher. The 3.2 VR6 is liked for sound and smoothness, though running costs and DSG/S tronic checks matter. Roadsters suit weekend use; coupés are often preferred for practicality and body rigidity.

How Does the Mk2 Audi TT Drive?

For driving purists there is no escaping the TT’s front-driven roots compromise it dynamically compared with the classically rear-driven BMW Z4 or mid-engined purity of a Porsche Boxster or Cayman. But nobody ever accused modern hot hatches of being boring to drive, and Audi knew how to play to its strengths and mitigate any apparent weaknesses in the layout.

With over two-thirds of the panels made from aluminium the weight distribution on the coupe is pretty much 60:40 front to rear depending on the version, lightweight suspension parts and other thoughtful engineering contriving a feel at the wheel that’s even lighter than the figures suggest. True, at the limit a TT will push on. But at the speeds you can drive on the road it feels nimble, pointy and fun, while the quattro versions have the reassurance of all-weather traction and ability to use more of the power more of the time than you might in that Z4 or Cayman.

While the temptations of the charismatic five-cylinder in the RS are obvious it’s perhaps a blunter instrument than the four-cylinder petrol models, the later 2.0 TFSI or S both sweetly balanced.

What’s Good About the Audi TT Mk2?

The 8J TT hails from a high point for Audi interiors, and the feelgood factor of its crisp design and quality materials isn’t to be underestimated. Obviously this only improves with higher-spec examples, so ideally you’ll be seeking out S line or similarly high grade models as you filter your search and, by the time you reach the full S version, the combination of leather, Alcantara and other luxury materials feels as good as it looks.

OK, it’s perhaps a little less characterful than the first-gen TT. But still a nice place to spend time. Performance and refinement are also good, and there are plenty of engine options to choose from according to your tastes, budget and driving style. While front-wheel drive versions shouldn’t be dismissed out-of-hand the all-wheel drive quattro variants have that core Audi USP and mean all-weather capability lacking in most rivals.

Similarly, the market likely favours the S tronic gearbox, and the original TT was the first to market with a dual-clutch gearbox so has a claim to it as a trademark feature. But the manual is lighter on the nose, nice to use and adds a level of involvement keen drivers will appreciate. Each to theirs but we’d take that over a couple of tenths off the 0-62 time.

What’s Bad About the Audi TT Mk2?

In-car tech has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade and, while Audi has always been ahead of the game here, there’s no escaping the small nav screen and fiddly controls age the car more than the styling or performance, especially compared with the nifty Virtual Cockpit introduced on the third-gen TT.

In some ways finding a non-nav car and installing a phone holder to navigate off your apps may be a neater solution. In terms of things to look for these are still relatively new cars in the market but with that come the issues you’d encounter with any mainstream purchase. That means cars that may have passed through several owners on finance, or without too much emotional stake in upkeep. So look carefully at the history, be wary of ‘tells’ like cheap or mismatched tyres and obvious things like kerbed wheels, stone chips or other evidence of a hard life.

Make sure everything works as it should and be aware of common issues like dodgy S tronic gearboxes (test drive with care and make sure there are no lurches, clunks or kangarooing at low speeds) or leaking hoods on Roadsters. There are enough in the market that you can afford to be picky, so having settled on an engine and spec employ due diligence and insist on one whose history looks solid.

How much does it cost to insure an Audi TT Mk2?

Goodwood Classic Solutions can insure your Mk2 Audi TT from just £275 per year, offering you specialist classic car insurance at a great price.

Your exact premium will depend on a whole host of factors such as the age, condition, and mileage of your TT, as well as how you’ll be using and storing it. You can phone our team of experts on 01243 913 333 to get a quote, or you can get a quote online at any time.

We can also dramatically lower your insurance premiums with a limited mileage discount if you’ll not be driving your TT much over the year, and can protect your investment with an agreed value policy, too.

How easy is it to get hold of parts for the Audi TT Mk2?

Parts availability is generally good. The Mk2 shares many components with other Volkswagen Group cars, and Audi still supports the TT through dealer and specialist networks. Service parts are straightforward. TT RS, magnetic ride, body trim, roof parts and model-specific items can be more expensive.

Who is the Audi TT Mk2 recommended for?

The Mk2 TT ideal buyers who want a stylish, usable modern classic with strong build quality and manageable running costs.

A 2.0 TFSI is the sensible all-rounder, the TTS is the enthusiast sweet spot, and the TT RS is the collector-performance choice. It is not ideal for buyers who want the cheapest possible sports car to run without careful maintenance.

Which Model of Mk2 Audi TT to Choose?

While adequate the basic front-wheel drive 160PS (118kW) 1.8 petrol is probably the least desirable here, the 2.0-litre petrol versions good all-rounders with hot-hatch levels of performance in standard 200PS (147kW) and later 211PS (155kW) trim, while the earlier 250PS (184kW) 3.2-litre V6 and five-cylinder in the RS score for charisma if not running costs. The latter’s 340PS (250kW) – later upgraded to 360PS (265kW) in the Plus version – is seriously impressive and the sound and characteristically turbocharged power delivery add to the fun.

Diesel may carry a bit of a stigma these days and it’s a quirky option for a sporting coupe but the TDI is fast, economical and could make sense if you do big mileages. If that’s your choice and you’re attempting to claw back credibility among fellow car enthusiasts just point to Audi’s incredible run of Le Mans success with diesel power.

If we had to pick one, though, the TT S looks like the sweet spot. 272PS (200kW) makes it  meaningfully fast but, at the same time, it has a deftness lacking in the harder hitting and considerably more expensive RS version. It also gets the best of the interior bits with two-tone upholstery, aluminium trim, the desirable Bose stereo and features optional on other models like the adjustable magnetorheological dampers, meaning less time wasted deliberating over the spec or options.

Specifications

2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol

272PS (200kW) @ 6,000rpm

350Nm (258lb ft) @ 2,500-5,000rpm

Six-speed manual/six-speed dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive

1,410kg

5.5 seconds/5.3 seconds (Roadster 5.7/5.5)

155mph (limited)

2006-2014