By Sala Masindane

Rumour has it that the Audi TT may be on its way out and will likely be replaced by an electric model. If this true and if you have one, then hold on to it. This may also be a good time to get into one. Why you may ask? Recently, we spent time with the current TT S range topper (before the TT RS arrives, if it will arrive). The little car from Ingolstadt proved to be immensely loveable and easy to live with every day. Budget allowing, we would have kept it.

Exterior Looks

If the TTS Coupe is in front of you, the changes may not be visible at first glance. However, the front end does now feature a new three-dimensional single frame grille with honeycomb inserts, large side air inlets, and a sharp design line down the side of the body. Still on the visual front, you do get standard LED headlights and dynamic turn signals. Matrix LED technology is optionally available. The side is rounded off by a TT logo on the cap flank situated on the rear shoulder. Drivers can insert the fuel pump nozzle directly into the open in sports car like fashion. At the rear, there’s little change with improved horizontal lines that underscore the breadth of the updated Audi TT. There are also more options in terms of the body colour paint finishes. They include cosmos blue, pulse orange and turbo blue (S-line models only).

Interior

Inside there is an updated infotainment system which now comes with a driver-positioned virtual cockpit. The system can be fully controlled on the multifunctional steering wheel and the sound is blasted through the Bang & Olufsen system. It also incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The driver-positioned virtual cockpit ensures that there’s minimal disturbance to the when toggling across the menu on the infotainment. Overall, the system is intuitive and easy to live with. The interior is actually one of the best we have seen in a while – the quality is excellent and it is very, very good to look at.

Engine and drive

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 228kW and 380Nm. It is paired with a six-speed S Tronic transmission. The TTS Coupe will do the 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 4.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250km/h. While the TTS may not be fast and furious, but it is fun to drive. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine packs a punch on the road and offers adequate engagement to the driver. Flick it to the dynamic mode and you have monster that sounds the part too. The six-speed S Tronic transmission compliments the engine well, it is slick and changes at the right time.

After spending more time with the TT S, you come to appreciate all its charms. The interior is beautiful, and easy to live with daily. It has (small) rear seats for bags, jackets, and golf clubs. There’s decent headroom inside and even a useful 316-litre boot that can house two medium sized travel bags. The driver-positioned virtual cockpit ensures that there’s minimal disturbance to the when toggling across the menu on the infotainment.

If you buy a sports coupe for what it can do for you rather than just what it can do on a track, the TT S merits serious consideration.

The Audi TTS quattro S Tronic is priced from R782,000. The price includes the Audi (Maintenance) Freeway Plan (five-year/100,000 km).