IT’S a double celebration for fans of fast Audis in 2019. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the gorgeous TT arriving in the UK and 25 years since the iconic RS badge was first attached to the rump of an Audi.
So the latest TT RS brings the two famous monikers together in one glorious package, which the German marque invited us to put through its paces in the Cairngorms.
For anyone who doubts just how special the TT RS is, take a peek under the bonnet, where you’ll find the turbocharged five-cylinder engine. This 2.5-litre motor makes 400hp and slingshots the RS from rest to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds for the £53,905 Coupe model.
If you prefer your thrills al fresco, the £1750 dearer Roadster takes 3.9 seconds and both versions hit the buffers at 155mph. However, you can also opt for the top speed to be raised to a staggering 174mph as an optional extra.
The throbbing five-cylinder engine is at the heart of the TT RS, just as it was in the first model to bear this badge, the RS2.
Like the model that started the whole RS dynasty, the latest TT comes with Quattro four-wheel drive to keep all of that power in check. It’s uncanny how a car of this pace and power can be driven with complete confidence even on wet, slithery, Scottish country roads.
Much of this is down to how the all-wheel-drive system divides power between the individual wheels to maximise traction.
It’s also helped by suspension that never feels too hard or harsh in the way some of the TT’s rivals are because they think you have to feel every ripple through your spine to tell you how quick the car is.
Instead, the Audi uses suppleness and subtlety to make swift progress along any stretch of Tarmac. You can leave the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox in automatic mode to sit back and let the car do the work.
When you need to overtake, just press on the throttle and the engine’s deep reserves pull you past briskly and safely.
Or you can knock the gearbox in to its sportier setting and use the steering wheel paddle shifters to really bring the RS alive. Driven like this, few cars are more capable or sure-footed for real-world driving.
There’s also the option of Audi’s magnetic dampers for the suspension that can be firmed up or softened off to suit the conditions. All the time, the driving experience is underpinned by the distinctive warble that 2.5-litre engine.
This goes all the way back to Audi’s rallying heritage with the Quattro coupe, so the TT has some impressive DNA in its pedigree. It also has some notable new technology and the engine now meets the strictest new emissions standards.
There’s an average fuel economy of 30.7mpg, which we found to be spot on during our time with the TT RS Coupe. The Roadster trails slightly on 29.7mpg.
Both the open and closed versions of the TT RS offer sumptuous cabins with seats covered in stitched leather. You also now get wireless phone charging and electric folding door mirrors.
Outside, the RS gains a mildly restyled front bumper, back wing and rear diffuser. These are minor updates to the exterior and interior of the TT RS.
It’s what lurks beneath the surface, though, that truly marks out this car in an important anniversary year for Audi. Faster, more frugal and even bigger fun, the TT RS is a heck of way to celebrate.
