2016 Audi TTS Review: The Perfect Blend of Tech, Style, and Performance

A New Era for the Compact Sports Coupe

When Audi first introduced the TT in the late 1990s, it shook the automotive world with its Bauhaus-inspired, ultra-minimalist design. However, while it was a triumph of styling, early generations struggled to convince hardcore driving enthusiasts that it was a serious sports car rather than a stylish cruiser built on a front-wheel-drive platform. With the arrival of the third-generation (Type 8S) 2016 Audi TTS, those doubts were decisively laid to rest. Built on the highly versatile MQB platform, the 2016 TTS represents a high-water mark for compact luxury sports cars, balancing daily usability with razor-sharp performance.

Exterior Design: Sharper, Meaner, and More Athletic

The 2016 Audi TTS sheds the rounded, bubbly silhouette of its predecessors in favor of a much more aggressive, angular aesthetic. Audi’s designers drew inspiration from the R8 supercar, giving the TTS a low-slung stance and sharp creases that run the length of the body. The front end is dominated by a wide, platinum-gray Singleframe grille flanked by standard, highly distinct LED headlights with a sharp, geometric signature.

As the high-performance variant, the TTS distinguishes itself from the standard TT through several key design elements. These include standard 19-inch alloy wheels, silver-painted aluminum-look side mirror housings, more aggressive side sills, and a unique rear bumper that houses a quad exhaust system. At speeds above 75 mph, an active rear spoiler automatically deploys from the tailgate to increase downforce, retracting when the speed drops below 50 mph. The result is a cohesive, modern design that commands attention without looking overly showy.

The Cabin: A Masterclass in Minimalist Technology

Step inside the 2016 Audi TTS, and you are greeted by what is arguably one of the finest automotive interiors of its decade. Audi took a revolutionary approach to cabin design by prioritizing driver focus and eliminating clutter. The most significant innovation is the Audi Virtual Cockpit. Rather than utilizing a traditional center-mounted infotainment screen, the TTS consolidates all navigation, media, and vehicle settings onto a brilliant 12.3-inch high-resolution display situated directly in front of the driver, where the instrument cluster normally sits.

This layout allows the dashboard to remain incredibly clean and sweeping. In another stroke of design genius, the climate controls—including seat heating, air conditioning intensity, and air distribution—are integrated directly into the centers of the turbine-style air vents. The materials used throughout the cabin are top-tier, featuring standard S-embossed sport seats wrapped in fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the TTS offers surprisingly comfortable front seating, though the rear seats are best reserved for luggage or small children.

Powertrain and Performance: Turbocharged Precision

Under the hood of the 2016 Audi TTS lies a heavily revised version of the Volkswagen Group’s acclaimed 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged inline-four engine. In the TTS, this powerplant has been strengthened with a reinforced cylinder block, new pistons, and a larger turbocharger to produce an impressive 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

This power is sent to all four wheels via a lightning-fast six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Launch control comes standard, allowing the TTS to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The dual-clutch gearbox swaps gears with satisfying, instantaneous efficiency, accompanied by a sporty growl and exhaust crackles on upshifts.

Driving Dynamics: Magnetic Ride and Quattro Grip

While straight-line speed is impressive, the real magic of the 2016 Audi TTS lies in how it handles corners. The vehicle features standard Audi magnetic ride suspension, which utilizes dampers filled with synthetic oil containing tiny magnetic particles. By applying an electromagnetic field, the system can adjust the damper stiffness in milliseconds, adapting to changing road conditions or driver inputs.

Through the Audi Drive Select system, drivers can choose between Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual modes. In Dynamic mode, the steering weights up, the throttle response sharpens, the magnetic ride stiffens, and the Quattro system sends more power to the rear wheels to help rotate the car through corners. The grip limits of the TTS are incredibly high, offering confidence-inspiring traction in all weather conditions. While some purists may note that the steering lacks the tactile feedback of a hydraulic rack, its precision and speed make the TTS an incredibly rewarding car to hustle down a winding canyon road.

Daily Usability and Practicality

Unlike many mid-engine sports cars in its class, the 2016 Audi TTS does not require you to sacrifice daily usability. The rear hatchback design opens up to reveal a respectable 12.0 cubic feet of cargo space, which can be expanded significantly by folding down the 50/50 split-folding rear seats. This makes the TTS fully capable of handling weekly grocery runs or weekend road trip luggage. Additionally, the standard Quattro all-wheel drive ensures that the TTS is a true four-season sports car, capable of tackling snowy commutes with ease when fitted with proper winter tires.

Verdict: A Modern Classic in the Making

The 2016 Audi TTS represents the pinnacle of what a modern, everyday sports coupe should be. It successfully bridges the gap between pure sports cars like the Porsche Cayman and comfortable daily drivers like the BMW M235i. With its combination of striking exterior styling, a revolutionary and highly intuitive cabin, and blistering all-weather performance, the 2016 TTS remains a highly compelling choice for anyone seeking an engaging, tech-forward driving experience.