More test drives

[Tom Nas]

After yesterday's S3 drive, two more today: the modified TT (spoiler, 
suspension, ESP) as a 225 hp coupe quattro and a FWD A3 1.9TDI 130hp.
The TT felt a lot more stable than the unmodified car I drove a year ago. 
Although I didn't drive it quite as fast as last year, the nervous, twitchy 
back end was gone completely. Compared to the S3 (which was supposedly 15 
hp more powerful) it felt slower. The S3's power came in earlier (smaller 
turbo?) and power delivery was smoother than the TT's.
Somehow the S3's seats felt better, too, and the interior was (naturally) a 
lot more spacious with a usable back seat and trunk. The TT's shape doesn't 
allow for much glass area and especially rear three-quarter visibility is 
almost non-existent. The mirrors (though beautiful in shape) aren't too 
large either, so visibility suffers a lot compared to the S3.
As the S3 was on Pirelli P7000s and the TT on Conti SportContacts you 
couldn't really compare the two. The limits of adhesion and braking 
behaviour were much better on the S3, both IMO due to the tyres. I'm no big 
fan of Conti and this experience hasn't given me any reason to change my 
opinion.

The A3 TDI is incredibly fast, and my respect for the TDI engine has grown 
with the 130 hp version. Power delivery is incredibly smooth and booting 
the accelerator in any gear gives you instant speed. Though FWD it didn't 
feel like the front wheels couldn't handle it (it was running on 17" TT 
alloys with 225 Michelin Pilots). The engine barely makes itself heard at 
constant speeds and the car is really relaxing to drive fast. I'm a fan of 
the A3 dash layout, and the beige interior made this car feel roomy and airy.
It might be a Golf in drag, but the driving experience and presence of this 
car are 100% Audi. The 130 hp version is the best TDI yet, and definitely 
the engine to go for if you do lots of long-distance driving.

Tom