2009 Audi TT Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Audi TT overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 TT, and includes Audi TT safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Just one year after a complete redesign, Audi makes several significant changes to its sleek TT sport coupe and roadster. The 2.0T model is now available with Quattro all-wheel drive, allowing buyers interested in foul-weather traction to combine it with the more fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder. Audi also adds a new TTS model to the lineup, equipped with a massaged 265-horsepower version of the standard 2.0-liter turbo. TTS models also include bigger wheels and tires, sportier styling and interior details, and a variable magnetic ride control suspension. The TT 3.2 isn’t left out, gaining active bi-Xenon headlights that swivel to help see around dark corners. All 2009 Audi TT models get an auxiliary audio input jack, satellite radio, multi-function steering wheel, and Hill Hold Assist. Finally, a new Prestige Package is available on all models that combines navigation, Bose premium audio, rear parking sensors, and LED interior lighting.

With the debut of the new Audi TTS, the 2009 TT is available in a choice between three levels of trim applied to four-seat coupe or two-seat convertible body styles.

Standard equipment on the TT 2.0T includes leather/Alcantara seats, a tilt and telescopic flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, aluminum cabin trim, automatic climate control, and a stereo with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, and an auxiliary audio input jack. Power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power heated side mirrors, floor mats, cruise control, and a trip computer. The 2.0T also has 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated windshield washer nozzles, folding rear seats (Coupe), and a fabric manual-folding top (Convertible).

The new Audi TTS is a performance-tuned version of the TT 2.0T. It adds a more powerful engine, unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires, a magnetic ride control suspension that automatically adjusts damping rates, sportier exterior styling, and upgraded interior trim.

Next up in the lineup is the TT 3.2. Starting with 2.0T equipment, the 3.2 model adds active curving bi-Xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and 10-way power heated front seats. Other features included with the TT 3.2 are a CD changer, a HomeLink universal remote control, a compass, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The TT 3.2 Convertible also gets a power convertible top.

Additional features are available separately or in option packages. A Premium Plus Package can be added to the 2.0T and TTS models, boosting them to the same specification as the TT 3.2. The new Prestige Package combines navigation, Bose premium audio, rear parking sensors, and LED interior lighting. The S-line Package provides 19-inch wheels with performance tires and sportier styling inside and out.

The TT can also be equipped with premium Baseball Optic or two-tone leather treatments, an extended leather option, a navigation system, Bluetooth, an iPod adaptor, rear park assist, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, an automatic-damping magnetic-ride suspension, special paint, and upgraded wheel-and-tire choices.

For 2009, there are three engines available in the Audi TT. The 2.0T model has a direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque across a wide rev range beginning at 1,800 rpm. The engine drives the TT’s front wheels through an automated manual transmission called S-tronic, which works just like an automatic but is actually a manual transmission. According to the EPA, the TT 2.0T gets 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway in the coupe and 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway in the convertible.

New this year is a 265-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo four. Installed in the TTS, peak power arrives at 6,000 rpm, and this engine also makes a healthy 258 lb-ft of torque beginning at 2,500 rpm. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard with this powerplant, paired to the S-tronic transmission. Fuel economy estimates are 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for both the coupe and the convertible models.

A V6 engine is also available in the 2009 TT, a 3.2-liter unit making 250 hp at 6,300 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. Quattro is standard with the V6, and the TT 3.2 is the only model offered with a six-speed manual transmission. The S-tronic transmission is optional, equipped with shift paddles mounted to the steering wheel. Fuel economy is 17 city/25 highway with the manual transmission and 18 city/24 highway with S-tronic.

Standard safety equipment for the 2009 Audi TT includes dual front impact airbags, dual side impact airbags, and dual knee airbags for front seat occupants. Additionally, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and a traction and stability control system, are included. Rain-sensing wipers and active bi-Xenon headlights that help illuminate around curves at night are standard on the TT 3.2 and optional on the 2.0T and TTS. All models can be equipped with rear park assist.

Neither the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have performed crash tests on the 2009 Audi TT. This is not surprising, as both organizations tend to focus on generating data for more popular models.

In terms of reliability, J.D. Power and Associates predicts that long-term dependability will be average. Consumer Reports is more favorable, estimating that reliability will be better than average.

Blending boutique design and entertaining performance, the irresistibly attractive 2009 Audi TT even provides a bit of practicality in coupe format thanks to folding rear seats and a rear hatch that opens to reveal a maximum of 24.7 cubic-feet of cargo room. Fun to drive and fuel-efficient in 2.0T trim, the Audi TT also offers the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive, a two-seat roadster for sunny weather, room for kids in the TT Coupe, and the added performance of the new TTS model. Thanks to an improvement in the predicted reliability of the 2009 model, Vehix recommends the rare and unusual 2009 Audi TT.

By Christian Wardlaw