Meet the sporty but sensible Audi TT

As recently as a decade ago the idea of a diesel sports car would have been dismissed as laughable by enthusiast drivers, writes motoring editor Peter Carroll.

Even today certain Top Gear presenters still refer to diesel as ‘the fuel of Satan’.

But the advances in diesel engine technology have been so great in recent years that Audi is today able to present an oil-burning version of its TT coupe as an entirely credible alternative to the petrol version.

And with recessionary times looming over the country, a sports car which can do 50mpg suddenly starts to look an attractive option.

The diesel TT comes with the same sleek looks, excellent cabin quality and dynamic handling ability of its petrol-powered counterpart. The mark two version of the popular TT benefits from stiffer, more lightweight construction than the old car and has a wider track and lower centre of gravity, making it sportier to drive.

It’s more of a two plus two than a proper four-seater, and adults wouldn’t want to spend a great deal of time in the back.

Boot space is reasonable and with the back seats folded down, a very useable 700 litres of storage space opens up.

Power comes from a VAG two-litre diesel TDI engine which develops 170PS - and you also get the stability and security of quattro four-wheel drive.

I A/B tested the diesel and a 2.0 petrol TT on the same route and found the diesel to be approximately 50 per cent more fuel-efficient. It should return at least 40mpg in real world driving and over 50mpg on a run if you take things steady in sixth gear at low revs.

Emissions are a paltry 139g/km, meaning this flash sports car sits in the humble C band for tax purposes.

It’s not quite as sharp as the petrol model on the road but a 0-62 time of seven and a half seconds should be quick enough for most.

The car has plenty of mid-range grunt and gets most overtaking jobs done with minimum of fuss.

What it does lack, however, is character. Hand on heart, it’s not as thrilling to drive as the 2.0 litre petrol, which loves to rev and sounds great.

Ride quality is firm but acceptable and the car is refined apart from some slight diesel clatter at start up. The steering is light and quick and the car has huge levels of grip, even in the wet.

Prices start at just over £25,000 and you’ll have to factor in extra cash for items like parking sensors, mobile phone preparation and leather upholstery.

Audi has every right to feel confident that its diesel TT can win over new converts -Êparticularly among those unwilling to let their heart rule their head when it comes to choosing a car.

There’s not much direct competition to this vehicle, but I guess if you’re sensible enough to want a diesel sports car, you might also be sensible enough to save yourself five grand and opt for a new oil-burning Scirocco instead.

Who said diesels couldn’t be sporty?

By Peter Carroll