REBIRTH OF A CLASSIC The highly anticipated third-generation Audi TT Coupé has been causing quite a stir among motoring enthusiasts. Apple Sharma put it to the test to see what the hype’s all about! FEATURE | motoring Now, let me explain what takes this beauty from a purring kitten to a roaring lion. The new Audi TT family offers two versions of the 2.0 TFSI model. The two-litre engine produces 230hp in the Audi TT 45 TFSI and 286hp in the TTS. In the Audi TT, the 45 TFSI produces a constant 370Nm of torque between 1,600 and 4,300rpm. With the six-speed S tronic transmission and front-wheel drive, the coupé accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h – oh yes, it’s rapid! You can also choose whether the accelerator, sound actuator and steering boost should be active in options from comfort to efficiency mode, at the push of a button. If an MMI navigation system is on board, a fifth individual mode is added. All versions come with a generous list of standard equipment, including electrically adjustable sport seats with integrated head restraints, six airbags, deluxe automatic air conditioning and interior lighting package, park assist system, convenience key, 18-inch lightweight wheels, MMI radio and the list goes on… My verdict - the first date was a success and there is a definite potential for romance there! The all-new Audi TT Coupé is available at Audi Centre Bahrain in Sitra with a starting price of BD18,990. Call 17 459-933. 58 June 2015 www.womanthismonth.com Driving a powerful sports car always fills me with an adrenaline rush, so when I was asked to test the new Audi TT Coupé, I was both excited and a tad nervous at the same time. Anticipation gave me butterflies in my stomach; it felt like going on a first date and a blind one at that! First impressions are very important and one look at this compact little beauty had my heart fluttering, I couldn’t wait to see how my date would unfold. When the first TT made its debut in the mid-1990s, it made a statement with its design elements and precision engineering. The second-generation TT showed improvements but this third-generation TT ticks all the boxes. Imagine meeting your first love after years and being swept off your feet again. This all-new Audi TT Coupé is lighter, more powerful, stylish and prettier than its predecessor. One of the first things I noticed was the seating. It’s slightly higher than your typical sports car, making it easier to step in and out modestly in a dress. It also gives you better visibility, no craning your neck like a giraffe in a tight spot. The boot space is ample for a small trolley bag and folding down the back seats will make enough space for your monthly grocery shopping. However, the rear seats might get a little claustrophobic for your travelling companions unless they’re vertically challenged (making it perfect for small children) – well, it is a sports car, after all! I was even more impressed with the interior, which is elegant yet sporty. Every element is clearly structured and the round air vents, a TT characteristic, look like jet engines, bringing back memories of my flying days. There’s no clutter on the dashboard, no central display, with everything simplified and literally at the tip of your fingers. Pretty much anything that needs a display is handled by the uber-cool Audi virtual cockpit – a digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch, high-resolution screen producing brilliantly sharp images and displaying information, from navigation arrows and dynamic animations to the graphics for the assistance systems. Another fantastic feature is the new Multi Media Interface (MMI) system of which the touch-pad interface was one of my favourites and can also be operated from the steering wheel. It’s intelligent, easy-to-use and designed to be distraction-free as nearly all frequently used functions can be reached with just a few clicks, right in front of you. I have a confession to make - I like driving fast so I put my foot down and let the car do the talking! It handles beautifully and the power steering is very comfortable to use. It took me a little while to get used to the power (all of two minutes, if that) but as I sped along, my confidence grew in listening to my ‘chill’ radio station (blaring from the Bang & Olufsen speakers) at high speed with an occasional phone call (on Bluetooth, of course), whilst being in complete control. This takes multi-tasking to whole different level.
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