The Audi TT entered its third generation for 2016 and is built upon Volkswagen’s MQB platform. At Launch it was available with the choice of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that delivered 230 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, or 310 horsepower and 280 pound-feet in TTS form. There was also a 2.0-liter TDI with 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet but, unlike the TFSI unit that could be equipped with Quattro all-wheel- drive, the TDI was only available in front-wheel drive. In terms of design, the third-gen model changed very little and looked quite similar to the second-gen model it replaced. It did get the updated Audi grille design to go with a restyled side profile and mildly redesign fascias. On the inside, the biggest news was the addition of Audi’s virtual cockpit as standard equipment, but aside from a few nips and tucks, that was it.

This isn’t the first time that Audi has given the TDI an all-wheel drive configuration. Back in 2008, the second-gen model got its own 2.0 TDI Quattro variant, but it wasn’t quite as powerful as the new third-gen TDI Quattro model. But, it’s not all gravy when it comes to the TDI Quattro. See, those who remember and fell in love with the second-gen TDI Quattro will tell you that it came standard with a six-speed manual transmission for that row-your-own goodness that is oh so fun. This model, however, is only available with the six-speed dual clutch transmission. Sure, the dual-clutch unit has been found to offer better performance and fuel economy, and there are paddle shifters, but it’s just not the same. If you really want the six-speed manual, you can still get it in the front-wheel-drive TT TDI, but who really wants front-wheel drive when you can have Quattro?

Regardless of being stuck with the six-speed dual clutch, the third-gen TT TDI has finally gotten the Quattro drive system it deserves, so let’s dive on in and talk a little more about it.

Continue reading to learn more about the Audi TT 2.0 TDI Quattro.

What makes the Audi TT 2.0 TDI Quattro special

On the outside, there is nothing special about the TT TDI Quattro. It rocks the same revised Audi grille and has the wide appearance afforded by its unique symmetry and horizontal feel. Despite being so similar to the second-gen model, the new TT is quite pleasing to look at thanks to all of the carefully placed body lines, LED strips and trim inserts. They all really do emphasize a sense of width, don’t they? All told, the only thing that sets the TDI Quattro apart from any of the other models will be the TDI and Quattro badging.

Inside, there’s nothing to speak of either, but the TDI Quattro does get the same pleasing cabin. It gets the Audi virtual cockpit as standard equipment, and the flat bottom steering wheel does give the cabin a sporty feel. The circular HVAC vents do kind of stick out a bit but in a weird kind of way they seem to match the round digital cages in the instrument cluster, the gear shifter knob, and the funky cup holder in the center console. Unlike the exterior, the cabin does get some luxurious and purposely placed curvatures that really gives the feeling of openness on the inside.

The real news here is what is happening under the hood. The 2.0-liter TDI delivers a total of 184 horsepower and 280.3 pound-feet for torque. That torque is available between 1,750 rpm and 3,250 rpm. The engine itself uses a common-rail injection system that runs at up to 2000 bar or 29,007 psi. Yes, you read that conversion right, 29,007 psi through eight tiny nozzles. Audi says this kind of pressure makes for a finer atomization of fuel which improves efficiency and fuel economy. Also, the turbo’s intercooler is located inside the intake manifold module, making for spontaneous response, high efficiency, and an overall compact design. So, with this kind of engine technology on hand, the TDI Quattro can hit the 62-mph sprint in 6.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 145.4 mph. In Roadster form, it can make the same sprint in seven seconds and can manage to hit 142.9 mph – not that bad of a difference for a car with no roof. The coupe is said to achieve around 45.2 mph on the NEDC scale while the roadster achieves a fair 43.6 mph. Again, not bad for a sports car that’s fairly quick.

All told, it’s nice to see that Audi finally decided to give its TT TDI a Quattro badge, but I would love to see the Quattro system with a six-speed manual. The six-speed dual-clutch unit is great for what it is, but there’s just something about rowing your own that’s so much better than flicking a set of paddles on the back of the steering wheel. Of course, I’d rather have a TDI with Quattro with a dual clutch than a TDI without Quattro, so there’s that. The Coupe will start out at €41,250 while the Roadster will command at least €43,650. That computes to $43,539.38 and $46,072.58, respectively.