Summary
The Audi TT RS was a performance-enhanced version of the regular TT coupé and convertible range, equipped with a more powerful 400hp petrol engine, additional exterior flair, and four-wheel drive as standard.
Both coupé and convertible ‘roadster’ models received largely positive review scores from the British motoring media – described by Honest John as a “compelling all-rounder”, which the Carwow team said is “capable of fantastic point-to-point pace without asking too much of the driver skill-wise.”
Reviewers highlighted the TT RS for its four-wheel drive traction that keeps the car composed in high-speed corners, as well as its engine’s performance and soundtrack, which Alex Robbins of The Telegraph called a “glorious noise”.
However, while the TT RS was certainly a competent performance car, a number of reviewers concluded that rivals like the Alpine A110, Porsche 718 Cayman and BMW M2 are sharper and more rewarding on the road. It’s “both swift and efficient”, the Top Gear team said, “but does it have to be so joyless?”
Other criticisms were directed at the car’s price tag and options list, which were both expensive, and the car’s low fuel efficiency, which meant high running costs. Some enthusiast-focused outlets also expressed their disappointment at the lack of a manual gearbox option – the TT RS was only available with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
But, if you are looking for a high-octane sports car with the interior quality to match, Autocar‘s Lawrence Allan concluded that the TT RS should be on your shortlist. “The low-set driving position is superb, the ergonomics largely faultless and the driver-focused cabin is impeccably finished.”
As of October 2024, the Audi TT RS holds a Used Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 52%. This is several points lower than the regular TT range upon which it’s based, and largely reflects its very high running costs and fairly average media review scores.
TT RS highlights
- Serious performance
- Well-built upmarket interior
- Surprisingly practical
- Alluring looks and soundtrack
TT RS lowlights
- Expensive to buy
- High running costs
- No manual versions
- Rivals have more responsive handling
Key specifications
Body style: Two-door coupé and convertible
Engines: petrol
Price: From £57,890 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2016
Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Iconic Edition (2023)
Score: 7 / 10
“Audi’s TT RS Iconic Edition is extraordinarily expensive, but for the 11 customers that will take the plunge here in the UK, its significance as the ultimate TT – bolstered by its long list of dramatic styling additions – will be more than enough to compensate.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The RS journey has now reached the latest TT models, and the result is a sports car whose blistering performance and relative value might make you think twice about buying an Audi R8 supercar.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“The changes to the revised Audi TT RS have been minimal, which means it remains an excellent sports coupe in a market full of highly competent rivals. It’s very fast and very well-made, and a glorious engine and all-wheel drive traction make it an appealing alternative to rivals.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Sport Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The low-set driving position is superb, the ergonomics largely faultless and the driver-focused cabin is impeccably finished.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi Sport drops a sub-4.0sec-to-60mph bomb into Porsche Cayman territory.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“With huge performance, loads of grip and a gorgeous interior, the Audi TT RS is a supremely quick car that’s usable every day.”
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Model reviewed: TT RS Roadster
Score: 7.8 / 10
“If you want to go as fast as possible with the roof down, there aren’t many better options than the TT RS Roadster.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Roadster
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi TT RS Roadster is the fastest version of the TT convertible with monumental performance courtesy of a 400hp five-cylinder engine powering all four wheels. It rivals other fast roadsters such as the Porsche 718 Boxster, Ford Mustang GT Convertible, and the Mercedes-AMG SLC43.”
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Model reviewed: Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“If you think the regular TT is a little staid and the TTS is quick, but not quite quick enough, Audi has an answer – it’s called the TT RS, and with 395hp, it’s a rival for BMW’s smallest M car – the M2 – and the Porsche 718 Cayman S.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: TT RS Roadster
Score: 8 / 10
“While the Boxster S remains the more rewarding steer, the new TT RS Roadster will at least raise a smile on a twisting road and with so much straight-line performance the Audi will keep pace with much more expensive machinery.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Still has that great five-cylinder soundtrack and a wonderful interior.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Hugely fast, and capable the TT RS isn’t short of pace, but it’s not got the polished, engaging chassis of its key rivals to make it a genuinely appealing driver’s car.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“It might be bettered by some for outright agility and driver engagement, but there’s no denying that the the TT RS is a compelling all-rounder.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
“It looks fantastically aggressive on the outside and feels like a supercar on the inside, the cues it takes from the R8 are inspired and give the TT RS a feeling of something very special.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: TT RS coupé
Score: 6 / 10
“That fabulous five-cylinder engine really is all with the Audi TT RS, delivering sledgehammer performance and a glorious noise, and allied to incredible four-wheel-drive traction. But sadly, as competent as it is, the rest of the car lacks that frisson of delight and excitement you’ll find in all of its best rivals.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Though fifty grand for a TT might smack you in the chops, for the performance you’re getting it’s extraordinary value. The RS will demolish any hatchback you care to mention and on point-to-point pace, run with supercars costing three or four times as much.”
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Model reviewed: TT RS Roadster
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s a very nice object, with a stunning cabin, slick roof and some neat, thoughtful features. It’s a sensible size, a sensible price; it is, on paper, both swift and efficient. But does it have to be so joyless?”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman have a better chassis set-up, but their coarse four-cylinder engines sound poor next to the TT RS’s wonderful five-pot motor. Those looking for the purest driving experience for this money should try the sweet-handling Alpine A110 instead.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: February 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 81%
Child protection: 68%
Vulnerable road users: 82%
Safety assist: 64%
As of January 2024, the Audi TT RS has not been specifically crash tested by Euro NCAP. The standard Audi TT was crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015 and awarded a four-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2021 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of May 2024, the Audi TT RS has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 211
Average repair cost: £354.81
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Audi TT range has an average reliability score of 76% which is above average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partner MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation TT and previous (pre-2014) models, as well as RS variants.
The two main problems with the TT – accounting for close to half of all reported issues – are engine and suspension problems. Compared to many other vehicles, the engine repairs are not that expensive at around £500, while other repair bills for gearbox, brakes, electrics and fuel systems are also not as dear as you might expect.
If you’re looking at a used Audi TT RS, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi TT
Date: August 2023
Recall number: R/2023/258
Model types: All TT models
Build dates: 02/2023 to 05/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 580
Defect: It is possible the guide channel for the front passenger’s airbag may not have been welded to the dash panel according to specifications.
Remedy: Check the serial number of the dash panel and replace if required.
Date: February 2023
Recall number: R/2023/054
Model types: All TT models
Build dates: 07/2015 to 06/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 6
Defect: If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.
Remedy: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit on the driver side.
Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2022/073
Model types: All TT models
Build dates: 11/2020 to 03/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 1,762
Defect: The design trim on the power unit can become detached from its retainers.
Remedy: The design trim on the power unit must be removed on the affected vehicles.
Date: October 2020
Recall number: R/2020/304
Model types: All TT models
Build dates: 02/2020 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 3
Defect: A curtain airbag which cannot be guaranteed to provide the intended protection in the event of an accident.
Remedy: The curtain airbag must be checked on the vehicles affected and replaced if necessary.
Date: March 2020
Recall number: R/2020/087
Model types: All TT models
Build dates: 04/2014 to 05/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 11,950
Defect: The fuel tank could be damaged and leak in the event of an accident.
Remedy: A component protector must be fitted to a bracket on the body of the vehicles affected.
As of October 2024, there have been five DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi TT range, including the TT RS, addressing various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used TT RS, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 31 mpg | E | 31 – 32 mpg | E – E |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 205 g/km | D | 201 – 209 g/km | D – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 45 | D | 43 – 46 | D – D |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £521 | D |
| Year 2 | £1,239 | D |
| Year 3 | £2,000 | D |
| Year 4 | £2,284 | D |
| Year 5 | £3,114 | D |
| Overall | £9,158 | D |
The running costs for the Audi TT RS can get quite expensive, according to full-life costings provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption is poor and insurance costs can get quite expensive. Finally, scheduled servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years are predicted to be more expensive than the average car.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi TT RS, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Abarth 124 Spider | Alfa Romeo 4C | Alpine A110 | BMW M2 | BMW Z4 | Jaguar F-Type | Lotus Elise | Mercedes-AMG SLC 55 | Porsche 718 Cayman | Toyota GR Supra
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