2006 AUDI TT Coupe Photos, engines & full specs

The second-generation Audi TT model was assembled on a platform featuring a combination of aluminum and steel components. After the radical styling of the original Audi TT, this second generation, or the Mk2, might look more sporty and stylish.

As said before, most of the car's chassis and bodywork is aluminum (69 to 31 percent, respectively), making it lighter than the previous model. The Mk2 TT it's bigger and has slightly more room inside. This weight loss gives the TT amazing agility, and, combined with the perky engine options, it's very fast in a straight line and grippy around the corners.

The interior tends to premium car design. Aluminum and leather are dominant inside the cabin design blending retro and modern elements into one alluring package. A standard power glass wind blocker ensures that chilly nights along the beach are pleasant for roadster owners. The trunk capacity is 13.8 cubes in front-drive coupes, which is not very much, but it might be enough if we think it is more of a two-person car.

Gone was the common 1.8 turbo petrol engine from the Mk1, and came with the 2.0L turbocharged TFSI engine delivering 200 hp or a 250-hp naturally aspired 3.2L V6, both equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The more popular 2.0 TFSI unit, also found on the contemporary Volkswagen Golf GTI, managed 0-60mph in just 6.4 seconds.

The first unit came with a front-wheel-drive, while the V6 was available with a standard all-wheel-drive, the well-known QUATTRO. Other new features on the Audi TT Coupe include a redesigned sport-oriented suspension, a larger track (due to the introduction of wider wheels), and an optional high-tech Audi magnetic ride damper system.

Audi's new active suspension, called Audi Magnetic Ride, is based on BWI Group's technology, which uses magnetorheological dampers, meaning that an electronic control unit for the suspension will automatically adjust damping properties depending on the road conditions and driving style.

In 2008, Audi challenged the sport-compact coupe segment by introducing the 2.0 TDI engine in the TT, delivering a power of 170 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb.-ft) of torque. It was available only in an all-wheel-drive Quattro version.

In 2010 Audi showed up a facelift of the 2006 model. The LED daytime running lights became standard for S-Line models, while the 2.0 TFSI was given a power boost to achieve 212hp. An optional 'Sport' button for all non-RS models was also added at that time.

The 2006 and the 2010 TT models come with four-wheel antilock disc brakes and electronic stability control. Side and head airbags are standard, and Audi contends that the protection level of the roadster in a rollover is equal to that of the sports coupe. In government side-impact crash testing, the 2006 Audi TT received a perfect five stars for the protection of front occupants.

Owners are generally satisfied with their cars, and there are few reported faults. The TT of this generation seems to be bulletproof so far. Reported problems are few, although it should be noted that the previous model got a below-average overall score for reliability.

The TT may disappoint if you seek the ultimate performance sports coupe or roadster. But if you're willing to give up a little performance and get a stylish coupe, the 2006 Audi TT still remains a head-turner after all these years.