Audi TT RS 340 CV, test drive (Exterior design, interior and finishes)

We continue focusing our attention on the Audi TT RS Coupé with 340 hp. A few weeks ago this sporty and fun vehicle passed through our hands. Everything about the engine, performance and handling we covered in the first part of the test, a behavior that stands out for two words: sportiness and control.

But a car is not just an engine, and here we don’t only analyze that, so we now move on and keep analyzing to talk about the exterior design, which is different from a conventional Audi TT, to talk about the interior (with two seats in practice) or to talk about the quality of the finishes (with the Audi Exclusive interior trim).

Exterior design

Sportiness but without excess. When I look at the exterior of the Audi TT RS, I’m reminded of the disproportionately large spoiler of the Subaru STI that passed through our test team. There we have a clear example of sportiness that really draws attention.

The TT RS, however, has an exterior design with a much more measured sporty touch, larger front bumpers (it has no fog lights), RS logos on the front and rear, as well as a larger rear bumper and double exhaust outlets.

We also can’t forget the spoiler, which deploys automatically above 120 km/h, but we can also activate it from an interior button if we want to show off in the city or at speeds below 120 km/h.

On the wheels, something else catches our attention again: 19-inch alloy wheels and powerful ventilated front brake discs with the RS logo. We also can’t forget the carbon fibre mirror caps, an ideal addition for our small sports car.

The tyres had considerable dimensions, 255/35/R19. With such a low profile you had to be careful with deeper potholes, because otherwise the rims could suffer quite a lot. On the other hand, these 19-inch wheels are optional; the standard fitment is 18-inch.

The lights were bi-xenon with excellent illumination, plus indicators and automatic high beam function. Of course, part of this equipment is also optional.

Interior design, space and quality of finishes

Inside, the first thing that stands out is the combination Audi Exclusive of red and black. Red leather finishes blended with the TT RS’s overall black trim; both the steering wheel and the centre console or gear lever in red are strikingly eye-catching.

The dashboard design is simple, the navigation system sits in the middle of the dashboard, while below it are the climate control controls and on the centre console the gear lever. Everything is within reach, materials are correct but not outstanding; that is, the dashboard trim is soft plastic, and even with the Audi Exclusive finish it is not covered in leather, something that on a car close to 80,000 euros could come as standard.

But to repeat what I said, the finishes are more than correct and there is no poor fit, everything is in its place. It must be said that with this interior trim it gains even more quality, with elements such as the red stitching or the red leather centre console.

The front seats are in line with the car: they are sporty leather seats and offer perfect body support. Above all they stand out for comfort, and at the same time they hold you very well laterally, which is appreciated when you decide to drive a bit more dynamically on roads with bends. Even on the motorway they are quite comfortable; over 1,200 km we felt at ease in them.

Getting into the vehicle is a tricky task, the low driving position and the low roof arch mean that if we have to seat an elderly person in the passenger seat it will be difficult, and even for us getting in and out of the car is not very easy, but that is the trade-off of these seats and of the very low roof.

Access to the rear seats is impossible, or rather, seating an adult in them is. Since access is difficult, you have to move the front seat because only the backrest folds down; moreover the headroom is very limited by the curvature of the roof, and it is even dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or accident.

That said, for an emergency or to leave our things on the rear seats those two seats can be useful, but not much more.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage space, it is a coupé, and it shows. It has no large storage spaces to leave things, but at least it has two central cup holders and normal door pockets. However, don’t try to fit anything large because it simply won’t go in.

The boot is generous in capacity with its 290 litres, enough to carry the luggage of two people or even store the shopping from the supermarket.

In the third part of the test we will focus on equipment, also covering safety features, as well as our overall verdict on the car and the price.

Photos | David Taboada and test team