The First Audi TT Is Underrated and Beautiful, Says Doug DeMuro

Audi sold a lot of these sports cars, despite what the critics had to say about it. However, it probably would have done better if it arrived at a more opportune time. You see, the TT was simple, made with advanced construction methods but on a platform pulled from the VW Golf.

Thus, it was front-wheel-drive in an era where the German automakers produced the popular Mercedes SLK and BMW Z3 roadsters. There were other rivals too, such as the Honda S2000 or the Mazda RX-8, both of which had engines deemed more exciting and thus suited for sports cars.

The base TT had a 1.8-liter turbo engine with 180 horsepower and a manual gearbox. While that might not strike some as exciting, there were other versions too. The TT was among the first cars with a DSG gearbox. It had a VR6 option in some markets, and the quattro AWD was pretty swanky too. Still, we think the small turbo was interesting, especially in the 225 hp configuration.

This sports car was more influential in the design and technology department than outright performance or on-the-limit handling, as Doug DeMuro explains in his review. For example, the Range Rover Evoque copied the round wheel arches that stick out, while the way Audi did its bumpers changed the industry as a whole.

Aluminum trim is now a pretty common way to make interiors look classy and upmarket. The TT was one of the first models to do this. Obviously, you don't need to have tanned baseball glove seats, but it is a unique touch.

Of course, you can't talk about the original TT without mentioning the rear spoiler. Designers created such a clean body that at high speeds, it didn't have enough downforce, which in combination with the short wheelbase made it deadly.