Exterior styling
The TT is a hardcore fashion statement
Interior styling
Super styled even after 9 years on the market. The fact that small supercar makers actually utilize TT interior pieces tells the whole story.
Materials & workmanship
Real aluminum door knobs, A/C vents, shifter surround, radio cover, dash trim; Alcantera wrapped steering wheel; Napa leather seats, woven headliner, velveteen cargo compartment, loop pile carpets throughout. Nothing like it in this price.
Fuel economy
The VW 1.8 turbo motor is very efficient when not bombing along under boost. Maintains 32mpg hwy consistently here in flat Florida.
Powertrain performance
When running right, it is a very satisfying powertrain once past the initial turbo lag, but driver must rev match (yes, even the tiptronic) to get smoothest down shifts, up shifts are always smooth.
Rear seat room & comfort
Funny graphic on hatch warns of head smashing danger when closing the hatch. Enough said. Also, legroom only for amputees.
Reliability & durability
Too much to list, but how can any modern day car eat $1000 water pumps every 40k miles, burn through camshaft seals every 30k miles and batteries every 18months like clockwork.
Ride smoothness
Suspension is not at all sophisticated, and the price is paid in the ride smoothness. Also, being a fashion car, it is equipped with wheel diameters too big for its own good, to the further detriment of the ride.
Quietness
The alignment specified by Audi makes certain that tires are chewed up every 12k miles. It makes the tires so loud that the whole interior resonates and booms along.
Price or payments
Whan all is said and done, this is an overpriced VW GTI with a better warranty.