Audi TT tiptronic 2003 Review

What to do when it comes to upgrading a car that is universally praised for its cutting-edge styling, has won numerous awards, and offers performance and handling to match its prestige sports car pricetag?

In the case of Audi's TT, not a lot it seems. The German maker has taken a less-is-more approach to the mid-life makeover of its striking sports coupe and convertible. Not surprising, when many regard the original - introduced here in 1999 - as an instant classic, and four years down the track it still turns heads in traffic.

The latest TT features front grille changes, new exterior colours and interior trim, and new 16in wheels - but they're so subtle only the eagle-eyed will detect the difference.

More significant is the change under the stylish skin, where Audi has added a Tiptronic automatic transmission to go with the five-speed manual. According to Audi, the six-speed auto is a first among its German contemporaries - BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK included - and was developed in conjunction with Japanese firm Aizin.

Audi is pinning its hopes on the six-speed auto to help revitalise sales of the TT, which dropped considerably in 2002. Last year it sold 309 TTs, but plans to boost this to 450 with the introduction of the automatic.

Audi expects around 70 per cent of new TT buyers will opt for the auto transmission. That's despite the fact that the auto is only available in the front-wheel drive model, powered by the 132kW, turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. At $74,100 in coupe form, it costs almost $4000 more than the five-speed manual.

The automatic convertible TT is priced at the time of writing at $80,900, which makes entry to the drop-top TT club about $12,000 cheaper than before. The roadster was previously only available with the 165kW all-wheel drive manual drivetrain.

The 'quattro' TT misses out on the new transmission because it isn't strong enough to take the extra grunt of the more powerful engine.

So is the auto TT worth the extra cash? Automatic transmissions are usually avoided like the plague by sports car purists, but the TT's tiptronic is a vast improvement over the traditional 'slush box'. First up, it offers a variety of options to suit preferences and driving styles. For relaxed commuting or lazy highway stints, simply slot the gearshift into 'D'. An adaptive driving program, called DSP, analyses driving style and continuously adjusts the gear change timing to suit.

For a sportier response, slot into 'S' and it holds onto gears for higher revs and faster as well as super-smooth gear changes. To change gears yourself, there's a 'clutchless' manual mode, which can be operated via the gearshift - forward to change up a gear, and pull back to change down.

We found the best system for manual gear changes, however, was to use the up/down press-button shifters nicely positioned on both sides of the steering wheel. Not having to take our hands off the wheel meant we could make more of the TT's sharp handling and responsive engine on tight, twisting roads.

As for other changes to the TT package, there's little to report which is good news for fast-driving enthusiasts. The 132kW, 1.8-litre turbo four is still one of the sweeter four-cylinder engines around. The slight turbo lag off idle is soon forgotten once on the move with plenty of mid-range mumbo to keep lead-foots happy.

Don't expect a V8-style, chest-thumping rush, just smooth, unfussed and brisk acceleration all way to the rev limiter. Audi claims 0-100km/h sprinting in 8.4sec for the coupe - 0.6sec slower than the manual - with a top speed of 226km/h.

According to Audi, the tiptronic TT is more economical than the manual, using 8.5lt/100km on a combined city/highway cycle.

In coupe or roadster form, the auto TT is a joy to punt hard on a windy stretch. It corners flat and predictably, with grip and safety levels enhanced by 205/55 16in rubber and various electronic aids. Surprisingly for such a taut and responsive chassis, road bumps are soaked up with little fuss.

In-cabin styling matches the exterior for pizazz, with aluminium accents and other sharp design elements highlighting the well-built well-appointed interior. The driver sits down low in finely crafted leather seats, while the top-notch Bose stereo should satisfy the most discerning car audiophile.

The old criticism of limited rear vision in the coupe remains, but if that's a problem, choose the roadster - the top folds in seconds for unrestricted open-air motoring. The roadster is strictly a two seater; the coupe's token rear seats providing enough space for some extra luggage, or a baby seat.

The tiptronic auto may not be the purist's choice, but it's the logical solution for the majority of drivers. Without overly detracting from the TT's sporting edge, it better caters to the overwhelming majority who spend most of their driving time in city traffic.