Although the 2013 Audi TTS Coupeis the middle child to the TT and TT RS, it is without a doubt the most popular in the family. It does use the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder as what comes in TT, but revised engine components increase output significantly. TTS generates 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is quite impressive considering TT only enjoys 211 horsepower. This coupe gets a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual that shifts brilliantly whether using automatic or manual mode. It also is equipped with Audi quattro® all-wheel drive, which enhances performance and responds to changing weather and road conditions with confidence. Fuel economy is quite impressive at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These numbers are barely changed from the TT with significantly less power. Unlike TT that offers uninspiring handling, TTS literally devours winding mountain roads. It is incredibly agile, but steering is nowhere near as communicative as some rivals.
• Audio - The base audio system includes nine speakers, auxiliary jack, and satellite radio, but no iPod interface, which makes it pretty dated. A Bose® sound system is available with 12 speakers and includes AutoPilot® noise compensation.
• Navigation - The navigation system will help you find your way with crisp maps and turn-by-turn directions, but as mentioned, it is awkward to use.
• HomeLink - Program up to three garage doors, home alarms, or community gates to this one transmitter.
• Bluetooth® - Never take your hands off the wheel to end, send, and receive calls with Bluetooth®.
Audi vehicles typically offer a few advanced features available to add on individually or as part of a package. Audi side assist, night vision assist, and cornering cameras are a few examples. However, these are not available in TTS and crash tests have not been performed. When braking was tested, TTS stopped in 113 feet, an average but respectable length. A few safety features include:
• Brake drying
• Self-leveling headlights
• Post-collision safety system
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Emergency interior trunk release
• Turn signal mirrors
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Dusk sensing headlights
• Engine immobilizer
• Remote anti-theft alarm
• Daytime running lights
• Traction control
• Electronic stability control
Audi TTS is definitely a coupe that turns heads on the road. At first glance you notice its aerodynamic styling and Singleframe® grille with the iconic four rings. Then you realize that the exterior has graceful lines that turn into soft curves and flared wheel wells. As if the 19-inch five-spoke wheels are not showy enough, Audi offers 19-inch 15-spoke wheels in the Black Optic package, which also includes glossy black grille and carbon fiber mirror housings.
Audi is known for making quite a first impression with its interiors; the TTS is no exception. It is tastefully designed and drenched in rich materials. To distinguish this coupe from that which is in the TT, Audi has given this one two-tone color schemes in red, silver, and orange. The front seats are comfortable and roomy, but the rear seat in the coupe might as well not even exist. Convertible models are two-seaters only. The biggest flaw with the interior is the navigation system. Not only is it less intuitive than what you get in rivals, it is awkward to operate due to its dash-mounted placement.
At 13 cubic feet, trunk space is ample. You can even fold the rear seats down to enjoy 24 cubes. Convertibles get 8.8 cubes.