Last year I drove the last ever Audi TT RS, the Iconic Edition, and I wrote then about having a soft spot for the TT. Early on, it gained a bit of a reputation as a ‘lightweight’ on account of its so-so dynamics, although that was slightly unfair. The first examples were far from dull, and more ‘so what the **** happened?’ with their tendency to turn upside down. But still, that was eventually sorted and the Mk1 carried on looking amazing. By the time the current one came along, both its looks and handling had become much, much sharper.
The TT RS Iconic Edition was priced at an exorbitant £87,000, but that didn’t stop all 100 that came to the UK selling out within weeks. If you missed your chance on that front - or simply couldn’t bring yourself to part with that much cash for a car with no mechanical upgrades - then Audi UK has just announced the TT Final Edition. It goes on sale in March, there’s no suggestion of a specific build quota, and it’s priced from £41,910. That’s still a big hike from the current lowest list price of £35,990 for a TT 40 TFSI Sport, but two things are worth noting.
Firstly, there won’t be a Sport going forward. The TT’s range is being slimmed down as production draws to a close, and the entry-level Sport is being scraped. From March (I presume, because the Sport is still on the configurator) the line-up for both Coupé and Roadster will be: S Line, Black Edition, Final Edition and TTS Final Edition, along with the TT RS and TT RS Sport Edition.
Secondly, the Final Edition promises ‘exclusive design touches and enhanced customer value,’ which means more frilly bits and kit, basically. That's the inevitable blacked-out look, which includes the badges, mirror casings, exhaust pipes, and the fixed rear spoiler it comes with. The Coupé also has privacy glass, while the Roadster has its roll hoops and wind deflector finished in black. And on top of that, there are 20-inch black wheels with diamond cut faces, red brake calipers and three paint finishes: Tango Red, Glacier White and Chronos Grey.
Inside, there’s an extended leather pack that adds hide to the door armrests, door handles and centre console, plus red stitching on the seats and an Alcantara steering wheel with red 12 o’clock marker. The Coupé also gets Tango red inserts on the seats, air vents and centre console.
There’s also more kit. The Technology Pack is fitted as standard, which includes MMI Navigation Plus and a 36-month subscription to Audi Connect Infotainment Services – that gives you an internet connection that downloads local fuel prices and the weather forecast. The TTS Final Edition also adds the Comfort & Sound Pack with the Bang & Olufsen sound system, keyless entry, a reversing camera and all-round parking sensors. The TTS Final Edition Roadster is the most expensive version, by the way, and comes in at £56,435. Expect delivery in April. And then that's more or less it for one of the defining performance cars of the 21st century. So if you've ever been even half tempted to see what all the fuss is about, now is definitely the time...
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