Firstly, I would like to thank fellow contributors on this forum - has been totally enlightening to say the least!!

INTRODUCTION:-

It begins February 1999, I saw the review of a TT in a local car magazine. I immediately called the one and only Audi dealer in Hong Kong to make initial enquiries. The reply was no delivery dates and expected price was anticipated to being HK$500,000(approx. US$64,000). I left my telephone number and forgot about the matter.

September 1999 and still no call from Audi so just out of curiosity, I called them. A shipment of 12 180FWD TTs' were arriving, but no firm dates as yet, earliest October 1999- latest March 2000. Price, I enquired- HK$390,000(approx. US$50,000)- YES WE PAY A HEAVY PREMIUM FOR CARS IN HONG KONG.

Anyway within an hour, I was at the dealers and had paid the deposit for a Silver/Ebony 180FWD TT. Now the wait.

The car actually arrived at the end of October 1999 but I didnt take delivery til 1st February 2000, due to losing my drivers licence which was British and having to apply for a duplicate- the HASSLE!!!! Anyway it took five months which included losing my passport in the process.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:-

What a small car! Beautiful fit and finish. Great detailing in the interior and a great use of contrasting materials. Everything was perfect, nothing to complain to the salesman at all. Freebies included a video user manual, a TT folder, leather key pouch and a bottle of red wine.

Start up was instantaneous, sounded quite nice and off I went. Initially had the seat adjusted at its highest tilt setting (you know new car- wanted to see the bonnet- hahaha) didnt touch the steering wheel setting. Clutch was ultra light, brakes ultra sensitive...hmmmmmm. Steering totally dead.

After a few days' driving, I re-adjusted my driving position as confidence and familarity sets in. Seat at the lowest setting, pulled the steering wheel out about half way...improvements on the steering feel. I tend to sit quite close and upright in shift stick cars, due to the traffic here in Hong Kong, dont want to burn out the clutch after 10,000km, arms are half bent at 9 to 3. My schedule for the run in period was 1,500km- 3,500rpm upto 800km and then utilising an extra 500rpm per 100km.

AFTER 5000km:-

I must say that reliabilty has been first class and would wholeheartedly recommend anyone who only needs two seats to use the car as a runaround. Quality exudes everytime one gets behind the wheels.

The suspension has improved somewhat being more compliant and controlled as the miles has build, but still way too much bump steer. The 1st gear ratio is too short. The engine has loosened up very nicely and revs freely, but runs out of steam at around 5500/5800rpm. I must congratulate Audi on making what must be one of the most tractable turbo engines on the market.

The TT, IMHO has tremendous roadholding but terrible handling. It tramlines and bumpsteers way too much. Its an extremely easy car to drive upto 70% but great concentration and driver's ability is needed to obtaining the last 10%. Have I been at the last 10%, yes on a few occasions but through driver provocations rather than emergency situations. One can feel, at the limit, the weight transfer to the back through the seat of the pants, but the limit is reached with a violent snap out over-steer. The only consolation is that the steering, for a road car is very fast and that the oversteer can be converted into a fourwheel drift provided one has the nerves to keep their right foot firmly planted on the accelerator pedal and obviously a wide enough road.

Performance wise, the TT is average. Will have a good run with the hot hatches, BMW 3 series but its no Evo 6, Imprezia et al.

CONCLUSION:-

Taking previous cars that I have owned into consideration:- Fiat X-19, Golf GTI, BMW 325i, Porsche 911sc Sport, 911 Convertible, BMW 540 in the UK and a 993 in Hong Kong.

My current car along with the TT is a Mercedes S320 and I will be taking delivery of a Ferrari 550Maranello in August.

I think the TT is a 6.5/10 car. It is hugely stylish and beautifully built. I think the people on the forum who are going for after market modifications, chipping/suspensions, are probably on the right track to making the car even better. The suspension really needs working on!!

All in all, the TT is a great little car that exudes style, along with the reliability and build quality that ultimately will make it a classic.


Gavin

Silver/Ebony Audi 180FWD TT
Silver/Anthracite Mercedes S320
Red/Black Ferrari 550Maranello (Aug)