For those pleading that Audi’s TT two-door coupe and roadster powered by the 2.0-liter TDI engine would get the known quattro all-drive drive technology, it seems that the German premium carmaker has heard your prayers. Yes, an Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro is now available.
However, there is a twist to this. Audi’s all-wheel drive technology could only be fitted into a 2.0 TDI engine-powered 2017 TT coupe or roadster if the S tronic six-speed dual-clutch transmission is availed. The resulting variant would be the 2017 Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic, which boasts of all-wheel drive agility and excellent diesel economy. Of course, the 2017 Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI with six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD) remains available to order.
With this development, the 2017 Audi TT coupe – both coupe and roadster -- is now available in seven engine/transmission variants: 1.8L TFSI/six-speed manual (FWD); 1.8L TFSI/six-speed S Tronic (FWD); 2.0L TFSI/six-speed manual (FWD); 2.0L TFSI/six-speed S Tronic (FWD);2.0L TFSI/six-speed S Tronic (quattro);2.0L TDI/six-speed manual (FWD); and 2.0L TDI/six-speed S Tronic (quattro).
Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive technology employs an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch to send torque to the wheels in both the front and rear axles. Normally, quattro is front-axle biased, which means power is distributed to the front wheels. However, when the system senses that the level of traction on the front wheels has decreased, the electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch would redirect the torque to the rear axle within a few milliseconds. Since quattro works closely with wheel-selective torque control of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), an Audi vehicle with this element is ensured of more fluid and more stable handling.
The power behind the 2017 Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic still comes from a refined four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 135 kW (184 hp) of max output and 380 Nm (280.3 lb-ft) of peak torque available between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm, which are good for a top speed of 230 km/h. In terms of acceleration, the Audi TT coupe TDI quattro model could sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, which is around 0.4 seconds quicker that the TT coupe TDI FWD version. Audi TT roadster TDI quattro model, meanwhile, could accelerate from nil to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds. Moreover, the quattro version is more stable and easier to handle in any road surface or condition.
However, there is a big difference in terms of fuel efficiency. The 2017 Audi TT 2.0 TDI FWD coupe and roadster consume 4.6 liters and 4.7 liters diesel per 100 km and emit 122 grams and 124 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, respectively. On the other hand, the 2017 Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro coupe and roadster use up 5.2 liters and 5.4 liters of diesel per 100 km and let out 137 grams and 142 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, respectively.