Audi TT priced under $72K

When the new third-generation Audi TT two-door sports car arrives in Australia in February 2015 it will be priced from $71,950, a rise of $2600 over the previous entry-level model.

Despite the rise in cost, Audi has already more than 200 orders for the vehicle and insists pricing for the new 2015 TT is in fact "sharper". That's because the previous 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine (118kW/250Nm) has been replaced by a lustier 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit that bangs out considerably more mumbo – 169kW/370Nm – and standard equipment levels have risen too. It's certainly a 'sharper' price than the above-$77,000 price Audi suggested for the 2.0-litre car during its global launch last year. And rumour has it a 1.8-litre version is still on the agenda anyway. 

The extra herbs give the TT a claimed 0-100km/h dash of 5.3 seconds when paired with quattro all-wheel drive, which based on current prices should add around $8000 to $10,000 to the base price.

All models will be fitted as standard with Audi's show-stopping virtual cockpit technology which includes sat nav and touch-sensitive input controls, while the clever car-sensing matrix LED headlights will be optional.

Two model grades will be offered, the TT Sport and TT S line, but both will be standard with leather and Alcantara upholstered electric front seats plus keyless entry and engine start.

The entry-level $71,950 Audi TT will be front-wheel drive. Six-speed manual and seven-speed auto transmissions are offered.

The 169kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder will be the only engine offered initially, with the diesel engine also ditched. The most efficient new Audi TT model will use fuel at a rate of 6.4L/100km.

However, a TT S and TT RS are expected to deliver more power and potentially different engines down the track – possibly even a 300kW+ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powerplant seen in the Audi TT quattro Sport Concept.

Audi Australia's managing director, Andrew Doyle, predicted the new TT will solidify its position as a leading sports car while delivering technology not yet seen on other vehicles.

"In Australia, we know that our TT customers place a high value on the kind of technology that is showcased in this car, so we have worked hard to ensure a really outstanding level of standard equipment," he said.

"The all-new new third-generation model extends the sporty concept that the original began, and now more than ever, the new TT is a true sports car and also a technology leader," added Doyle.

A complete price and specification list will be released in February when the new model begins landing in dealerships, and Audi says alloy wheel designs "up to 20 inches in diameter" are also available.

Sales of the Audi TT in Australia are best described as niche, with just 125 units sold during 2014, compared to 184 in 2013 – which is down about one third. However with more than 200 pre-orders for the new TT, Audi has virtually doubled last year's annual sales tally before it's even gone on sale.

"With almost 250 orders already placed for the new TT, we are confident
that it will be the most successful ever," proclaimed Doyle.