12
REVIEW
Audi TT RS Limited Edition 2012 Review
Its combination of agile handling, hard-hitting performance and head-turning looks make this TT the one to haveAudi TT RS S tronic Limited Edition
Road Test
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges):
$139,900Road Test
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges):
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Voice Control $940
Crash rating: Four-star
Fuel: 95-98 RON PULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 8.5
CO2 emissions (g/km): 285
Also consider: Lotus Evora (from $119,900), Porsche Cayman (from $115,100)
It’s quicker than a Cayman S to 100km/h, and as one of only 45 models imported to Australia, is certainly more exclusive. It’s the Audi TT RS S tronic Limited Edition, and it’s a cracker.
Powered by Volkswagen Group’s direct-injected 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI (petrol) engine, the Hungarian-built TT RS Limited Edition develops 250kW between 5400-6500rpm and 450Nm across 1600-5300rpm. It’s a huge delivery curve, and allows neck-stretching acceleration from almost any speed, propelling the 1475kg coupe from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
The engine is not only strong, but has character as well. Its sonorous, deep warble incites decadent use of the throttle pedal as it spins freely to redline. With ‘S’ mode engaged, a crisp posset from Audi’s sports exhaust system marks each gear change as the tacho snaps tersely in reply. It’s hardly a surprise that this mill has twice been crowned International Engine of the Year.
That said, the stylish coupe is a doddle to live with and equally content in daily commuting. Mated exclusively to Audi’s sharp-shifting seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, TT RS Limited Edition not only delivers precise performance, but impressive efficiency as well. Despite its performance-orientated nature, TT RS Limited Edition can achieve a combined-cycle fuel economy figure of 8.5L/100km.
Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system maintains prodigious grip in all conditions, the front end pushing slightly off-throttle in the wet, and then only if allowed to do so. Keep the loud pedal employed and TT RS Limited Edition is tenacious in its hold over winding roads, its taut MacPherson strut/multi-link suspension quickly returning wheel to road when challenged, without being excessively stiff.
The electro-mechanical steering arrangement is light but lucid offering 2.9 turns lock-to-lock and a turning circle of 10.9 metres. Hit the Sport button and the steering grows sharper, gathering weight with speed, the throttle, too, brusquer in calibration.
Regardless of mode, TT RS Limited Edition offers compelling braking performance. Pedal modulation is superb, as predictable as any daily driver -- our only criticism being the occasional squeal when coasting softly to the lights. Under duress, however, these stoppers are a force to be reckoned with.
TT RS Limited Edition rides on five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels finished in stealthy titanium. They are shod with liquorice strap-thin 255/35 Toyo Proxes T1 Sport rubber. Combined with the sooty black exhaust outlets the contrast to its glittering Ibis White duco is effective in turning heads, not least because of the juxtaposed high-gloss black grille and mock rear diffuser.
Glittering LED daytime running lamps and captivating adaptive bi-xenon headlamps [I know they’ve been around for a while but I still love how the car “looks” around corners] punctuate the low-slung coupe’s entrance at dusk with dazzling affect.
Inside, toys and trickery extend to cruise control, mechanically-adjustable figure-hugging leather-clad race seats, DVD sat nav, 255-watt BOSE audio package and cool LED ambient lighting. Bluetooth telephony is standard but not audio streaming. Audi says the TT RS Limited Edition represents $8460 in additional value against the ‘regular’ TT RS.
According to Audi’s retail website, safety equipment extends to driver and passenger front airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes with EBA and EBD, front and rear parking sensors, hill-start assist and tyre pressure monitoring.
If you can stretch the coin to cover an RS then the Limited Edition model is well worth a look in – assuming you can still track one down. The combination of agile handling, hard-hitting performance and head-turning looks make this TT the one to have.
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Written byMatt Brogan
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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