Audi first introduced the TT as a sporty compact two-door in the late ‘90s, with the latest third-generation model arriving in 2014 at the Geneva International Motor Show. Offered as both a hardtop coupe and a drop-top roadster, Audi sends the TT into the 2019 model year with a mild refresh, including an updated exterior, a new seven-speed gearbox, and more standard equipment as well.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Audi TT.

2019 Audi TT

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 Audi TT
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Pros
Cons

2019 Audi TT Coupe Exterior Styling

- Minor aesthetic upgrades - Still sharp and aggressive - Keeps geometric cues - Large Singleframe grille up front - LED headlights light the way - Coupe-like rear profile - Standard 17-inch wheels, optional up to 20 inches - Silver gas tank flap - Dual exhaust tips - Optional S line package adds even more sportiness - Three new exterior colors added for 2019 - Same exterior dimensions as before

To help it standout as a newly refreshed model, Audi says the 2019 TT’s exterior is “More masculine, more progressive, and even sportier than before.” To our eyes, it doesn’t look all the different, but that’s alright - it’s still quite the head-turner.

Regardless, the 2019 TT definitely takes its aesthetic cues from the well-received Audi halo sports vehicle, otherwise known as the R8. It’s much sharper, bolder, and more geometric than it was in previous model years, and the updates definitely help to up the aggression factor from all viewable angles.

It’s also worth mentioning that over the years, we’ve seen the TT’s cockpit move towards the rear of the vehicle, giving it less of the “flying saucer” aesthetic we saw from the earlier models. That said, the 2019 TT is still pretty bubbly looking, albeit in a more assertive way.

Let’s dive into the specifics of the aesthetic, starting in front. Up here we find the nose comes dominated by a large three-dimensional Singleframe grille, with Audi’s characteristic six-sided intake occupying the majority of the forward-facing body panels. Complementing the Singleframe grille is a dual set of plus-sized side intakes, which were added to the corners to help up the car’s overarching sporting intentions.

Just above the side intakes, you’ll find a set of headlight housings set in a parallelogram shape, complete with dual L-shaped lower daytime running light signatures that enhance the car’s angry demeanor. If you decide to pick it up, the 2019 Audi TT comes with either LED lighting elements as standard, or the option for Matrix LED tech, if desired. The 2019 model year also adds a set of rain and light sensors for the windshield wipers and headlights respectively, both of which come as standard equipment.

When viewed from the side, the 2019 Audi TT’s coupe-like roofline becomes much more apparent, falling back from a steeply rake windshield into the tail at a gradual slope. The window surrounds come with dark-colored trim, once again enhancing the car’s sporting attitude, while the wheels are pushed to the far ends of the bodywork, giving it short overhangs and a stretched-out appearance.

Speaking of the wheels, the 2019 TT comes with 17-inch rollers as standard, plus the option to get into 18-inchers, 19-inchers, or 20-inchers, all of which are provided by the Audi Sport division. This latest model year also includes a fresh set of wheel designs.

Standard spec tosses in heated side mirrors. In the rear, the taillights get dynamic turn signals, which come complemented by additional horizontal styling elements spread across the tail. Audi also mentions the 2019 TT does not come with a traditional gas tank cap, but rather, you must fill up by inserting the fuel nozzle into a specific opening under the silver, riveted tank flap in the rear, something Audi calls a “typical sports car feature.” We think it’s pretty gimmicky, but we like it all the same.

Closer to the ground, there’s a black diffuser-type element, which also houses a dual set of rounded tailpipes with a polished finish. Higher up, there’s an adaptive spoiler that rises and falls as needed.

The S line package once makes its return for 2019, and now comes with fresh new designs to add even more visual zest. Taking inspiration from Audi’s motorsport heritage, the S line throws on a host of visual upgrades, including a new full-length splitter and vertical air intakes in front, as well as a new titanium black grille and revamped inserts for the side intakes. The rear end is also upgraded, with the package adding a new, wider diffuser, as well as faux vertical air vents under the taillights, plus other goodies.

Of course, if you’re looking for even more visual impact, Audi also offers the even-hotter TT RS model line, with comes with all kinds of go-faster styling elements that take the TT even further down the path of aggression (not to mention the mechanical bits to match).

Back to the standard model, Audi added three new exterior colors for 2019, including shades dubbed cosmos blue, pulse orange, and, as an exclusive addition for the S line models, turbo blue.

Sizing is more or less the same as before, with both the Coupe and the Roadster model sharing the same exterior dimensions, including a 13.7-foot overall length and an 8.2-foot wheelbase. Check out the complete list of exterior dimensions in the table below.

2019 Audi TT Coupe exterior dimensions

Overall Length

164.7 inches

Overall Height

53.2 inches

Wheelbase

98.6 inches

Overall Width

72.1 inches

Front Track

61.9 inches

Rear Track

61.1 inches


2019 Audi TT Coupe Interior Design

- 2+2 seating layout - Adjustable side bolsters in front - Wide, horizontal dash design - Flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel - High-end materials throughout - Audi Virtual Cockpit as standard equipment - Handwriting recognition, voice command - Illuminated USB ports - Optional Bang & Olufsen audio - Several driver assists systems

Step into the 2019 Audi TT, and you’ll find a 2+2 layout, with space for two passengers up front, plus a tiny bench in the rear for another two passengers in a pinch. Up front, passengers will enjoy power adjustable seats, plus a good deal of support thanks to sporty side bolsters and integrated heat restraints, both of which come as standard. Meanwhile, the upgraded S sport seats that come with the S line sport package add in even more support thanks to pneumatically adjustable side bolsters.

Facing forward, the dash design uses a wide horizontal approach, while a short central stack keeps the clutter to a minimum. Audi likes to call the layout “driver-oriented,” which basically means the various elements (like the vents and hard buttons) are turned slightly to face the individual in the hot seat, rather than straight back. What’s more, the aesthetic is intended to recall the world of aeronautics, with the instrument panel shaped to look like the wing of an aircraft, and the various air vents shaped to look like rounded jet engines.

Settle into the hot seat, and you’ll get a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel as standard, with three spokes and large hand bolsters at the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions. Various infotainment controls are added at thumb’s length on the midline, while a ball-shaped gear lever controls the transmission. In the footwell, you’ll find a set of metal pedals with rubber inserts.

As expected, high-end materials pervade throughout, including leather, Alcantara, and aluminum.

Tech lovers out there will love the Audi Virtual cockpit, which now comes as standard for the 2019 model year. In case you were unaware, the Audi Virtual Cockpit is essentially a 12.3-inch display that replaces the normal analogue gauge pod behind the steering wheel. Because it’s all-digital, it offers a host of customization options, including two different display modes. The first of these is the “classic view,”which puts the speedometer and tachometer side-by-side on the display. Then there’s Infotainment mode, which features a large map pulled from the navigation system, with a smaller tach and speedometer added to the corners. There’s also the optional sport display, which adds in performance specs like engine output, torque levels, and g-force.

As mentioned previously, the MMI terminal on the center console helps to minimize clutter, with just six buttons in total. Upgrade to the range-topping MMI navigation plus system, and you’ll get a touchpad added to the upper section of the rotary/push-button controller, which enables the handwriting recognition feature, while also providing smartphone-esque controls for the display, such as a zoom feature.

There’s also voice control, which is enabled via buttons placed on the steering wheel. What’s more, the Audi connect system throws in a variety of features and online connected services through an LTE web connection. There’s also Audi smartphone support for content streaming through the onboard USB connection, which comes with an illuminated design as standard to provide you with easier plug-and-play at night. The standard Bluetooth system also helps to keep your devices all synched up.

Audiophiles will want to upgrade to the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system, which comes with 680 watts of power, 14 channels, and 12 speakers with two center speakers and two subwoofers.

Audi also tossed in a selection of driver assist systems, but don’t worry - they aren’t designed to take away from the fun of driving this compact sports car. Rather, Audi says the assists were designed to “relieve the driver of work, so that he or she can fully concentrate on the road.” To that end, there’s extras like lane change assist, lane departure warning, active lane assist, and traffic sign recognition. There’s also park assist with a rearview camera.

Finally, the Coupe comes with 10.8 cubic feet of cargo room, which is a bit more than the Roadster’s 9.9 cubic feet. It’s not a lot overall, but it is enough to get a few groceries, especially if you’re willing to use the rear bench as well.

2019 Audi TT Coupe Drivetrain And Performance

- Should carryover last year’s engine configuration - 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder - Upwards of 220 horsepower in the standard TT - TTS makes just under 300 horsepower - Quattro AWD as standard in the U.S. - New seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission - Optional magnetic ride suspension - Multiple drive modes for customization - Older MQB platform

Audi declined to provide any information on the 2019 TT’s engine package, but it’s probably safe to assume the U.S.- spec model will carryover over the same components as the preceding 2018 model. That means it’ll come with a standard 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder rated at 220 horsepower between 4,500 rpm and 6,200 rpm, plus 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. Put your foot down, and it’ll hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, topping out at a maximum speed of 130 mph.

Audi is also expected to offer an S model variant, which will add more output and more aggression, bringing the grand total to 292 horsepower between 5,400 and 6,200 rpm. Torque will also get a boost, with a maximum of 280 pound-feet created between 1,900 and 5,300 rpm. The additional power will also drop the 0-to-60 mph time down to 4.6 seconds, while also increasing the top speed to 155 mph.

And, of course, don’t forget the RS version, which should offer even more go-faster fun.

Standard spec in the U.S. will include quattro AWD, while buyers overseas will get quattro as an available option.

Although Audi has yet to disclose further powertrain details, our friends atMotor 1 recently posted a piece that lists a good deal of additional info. However, the site didn’t say where exactly the info comes from, so it’s worth taking it with a grain of salt.

Either way, the publication reports that there will be multiple engine configurations for the 2.0-liter, including 197 horsepower plus 236 pound-feet in the base model 40 TFSI, and 245 horsepower plus 272 pound-feet of torque in the mid-range 45 TFSI. The outlet is also reporting the TTS will get upwards of 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

Moving on, we do know for sure that the 2019 TT will get a new dual-clutch seven-speed S tronic transmission, which was added as a replacement for the outgoing six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. There should also be a six-speed manual for those that want to row their own.

The base model will come with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, and there will also be an available magnetic ride suspension set-up. Up front will be a MacPherson strut setup, while the rear will use a four-link setup. Further details include a progressive steering system and Electronic Stabilization Control.

Go for the S line sport or optional Audi magnetic ride suspension, and the ride height will be lower by 0.4 inches.

Also look for the 2019 TT to come with a slew of drive modes to choose from, such as “Comfort,” “Auto,” “Dynamic,” and the fully custom “Individual” mode, all of which help you find the ideal balance between backside-coddling and apex-hunting.

Further handling refinement will come courtesy of the onboard wheel-selective torque control system, which is “activated in fast cornering and improves handling as required by means of precise brake interventions on the unloaded wheels on the inside of a curve.”

Finally, under the skin, you’ll once again find the MQB architecture, a platform shared among several other Four Rings products, including the Audi A3 and Audi Q2, not to mention other Volkswagen AG models like the Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Golf, and Volkswagen Jetta.

2019 Audi TT Coupe Prices

European deliveries kick off in the fourth quarter of 2018, with pre-orders opening up later in September.

Pricing will start at 35,000 euros for the Coupe, while the Roadster slots in at 37,500 euros.

As for the U.S. model, look for it to arrive next year. Pricing should more or less match that of the current model, starting at $43,950 for the base trim level and $52,950 for the TTS.

2019 Audi TT Coupe Competition

BMW 2 Series Coupe

The Bavarians are no stranger to making fun little two-doors, and the latest 2 Series fills that role quite naturally. Making it go is a base-level 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is turbocharged to produce upwards of 248 horsepower. There’s also a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder if you’re looking for extra muscle, which produces upwards of 335 ponies. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends it all to the rear wheels as standard, while AWD is an available option. If you need even more speed, go for the M240i option.

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Read our full review of the 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe.1}

The SLC is every bit the head-turner as the TT, but with a splash of extra Mercedes curb appeal to boot. While it’ll keep you warm when the weather is cold thanks to its retractable hardtop roof, it’ll also let in the sunshine when the mood strikes you, going full-on roadster mode at the push of a button. Motivation is provided by a turbocharged inline four-cylinder producing upwards of 241 horsepower, all of which is sent to the rear axle through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Put your foot down, and the 60 mph mark arrives in a little over 5 seconds, while top speed is rated at 155 mph. Throw in a slick interior spec and extra options for high-tech features, and the SLC-Class might be a better option than the Audi.

Read our full review of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class.

Final Thoughts

All told, there’s nothing all that surprising about this mid-cycle refresh. It definitely stays faithful to the original formula, offering up a small, fun-loving attitude, plus a good deal of luxury-laden opulence in the cabin.

The look is sharp and head-turning, that much is obvious, even though it might not be all that different from the preceding model year. It’s definitely got some exciting specs as well, although nothing earth-shattering. All in all, the TT continues on as is, and we’re okay with that.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi TT.

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi TT RS.

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Audi TT RS.

Read more Audi news.