KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 ― Audi Malaysia officially launched the all-new, third generation Audi TT here today. Audi Malaysia first began operations as the brand principals here in Malaysia in the last quarter of 2014, and the Audi TT is its very first model launch. We also met Immo Buschmann, the Managing Director of Audi Malaysia, a man who has spent all of his working life in Audi, and an Audi TT lover himself.

The third generation Audi TT has grown wider and longer than its predecessors, and is based on the MQB platform that is used for Volkswagens, although Audi call it by another name. As an aside, Audi is part of the Volkswagen Group, and the VW technologies are shared by all the brands in the group.

Interestingly, Audi gets the ‘better’ stuff, being more ‘premium’ than the VW brand.

Immo Buschmann shared some insights about his experience with the Audi TT, and from this, we glean that the owners of the first generation Audi TT will love this new generation, because, as he points out, the new generation Audi has a longer wheelbase, which makes it easier to handle than a car with a short wheelbase. Interestingly, the new Audi TT has a wheelbase of 2505mm, which is close to that 100-inch magical figure as an ideal wheelbase that car designers used to talk about even from way back in the 1970s.

nside, the TT boasts of what the Audi people call the ‘Audi Virtual cockpit’ ― all the instruments are virtual images, and can be set up according to one’s fancies.

The new Audi TT comes equipped with a 4-cylinder 2.0 litre TFSI engine, featuring direct injection and turbocharging. This is basically the same engine as in the Golf GTi, but horsepower rating is up 10 horses at 230hp. Torque numbers are also up at 370Nm, available in full from 1,600 to 4,300 rpm.

For fuel emission and carbon emission reasons, this engine also features MPI (multi-point injection), which injects fuel through the inlet ports ― this helps to clean the valves, at high speeds, and improve fuel consumption.

Transmission is a 6-speed DSG, with drive transmitted to the front wheels. For car buffs, the Audi TT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 250 km/h (this speed is electronically limited, the result of an agreement amongst some of the European manufacturers many years ago to limit car speeds in the interests of safety). Rated fuel consumption is 6.3 litres per 100 km (combined cycle, NEDC). Wheels are 18-inch alloys, 8.5 inches wide, with 245/40 R 18 tyres.

Exterior-wise, the Audi TT is of course a very attractive, eye-catching two-door coupe like it has always been, and the new one looks better than ever. Features to note are LED daytime running lights, and Xenons for night time vision. At the rear, there is an automatic spoiler that self-retracts at below 80 km/h, and extends itself above that speed. Headlight washers are also standard issue.

Inside, the TT boasts of what the Audi people call the ‘Audi Virtual cockpit’ ― all the instruments are virtual images, and can be set up according to one’s fancies. The front seats are sports type, covered with Alcantara leather, electrically adjustable, with lumbar support. Parking brake is electro-mechanical, air-conditioning is automatic, with cruise control.

In terms of safety features, there are 6-airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (ASR), ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist (BA). For the sports enthusiast, it would be interesting to know that there is also an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) which will make a difference when push gets to shove. For convenience, there is Hold Assist (for prevention of backward slip on an uphill start), a parking aid, tyre pressure warning light. For families with kids, there is an ISOFIX child seat anchor for the passenger seat (which means mum will have to squeeze into the back?)

The front seats are sports type, covered with Alcantara leather, electrically adjustable, with lumbar support. Parking brake is electro-mechanical, air-conditioning is automatic, with cruise control.

The clincher at the end would be the price ― for private registration, the new Audi TT is offered at a very attractive price of RM284,900 (on-the-road without insurance). Yes, it is not a cheap car, but the last time I looked at the Audi TT price, which was a good many years ago, it was more like RM366,000 or thereabouts, so this is something to cheer about.

I have always been a fan of the Audi TT, ever since I test drove the second generation Audi TT, many years back. At that time, I remember it as a great car, with very neutral handling. I can’t wait to get my hands on the new one. Stay tuned!

At the rear, there is an automatic spoiler that self-retracts at below 80 km/h, and extends itself above that speed. Headlight washers are also standard issue.