2020 Audi TT RS

The 2020 Audi TT RS comes in one and only trim labeled as ‘TT RS’. despite being such a compact and performance-based vehicle, TT RS still offers a decent list of features that keeps it far from looking like a barebones vehicle. The exterior features such as 19-inch wheels, electronic rear spoiler, LED taillights, and few others are available. The inside of the vehicle is loaded with a digital gauge cluster, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, simulated suede-trimmed steering wheel, illuminated locking glove box, full cloth headliner, cargo area lights, and heated as well as power-adjustable front seats. Blind-spot monitoring is also available and two different packages are available i.e. Technology package and the Dynamic package.

Which trim should you buy?

Going for Audi TT RS shouldn’t confuse anyone as having one and only trim level simplifies things. Sure, at $67,600 the price tag might scare some at first but once you get inside and take it for a spin the perspective will change instantly. Powered by a unique turbocharged engine and loaded with adaptive dampers, TT RS boasts exceptional performance on the road. For additional features, we would suggest going for the Technology package which loads Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, as well as a premium audio system. On the other hand, if you want to make it even sportier, then go for the Dynamic package that adds sports exhausts and 20-inch wheels, along with wider tires.

Just when you think it’s enough, the turbocharged inline-5 cylinder engine inside TT RS surprises you again. It gets harder to believe how this vehicle can offer pretty good fuel economy. Because powerful engines often come with poor fuel economy. It seems Audi poured its heart and soul into making this unique machine and this is why it offers a rating of 19 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highways, and 23 mpg combined. These numbers are very good for its class and the 14.5-gallon fuel tank capacity is also decent enough. So combine these and TT RS offers a decent driving range varying from 275 to 420 miles. 

From the above table, it is easy to see that Toyota GR Supra takes the top spot by offering superior fuel efficiency, followed by Audi TT RS. Even the fuel tank capacity Audi offers is only second to Cayman S which is why Audi TT RS offers a lesser driving range. Again, this range is very good which makes it one of the best of the vehicles in its class that you can take it for local usage. But also won’t have to think twice before taking it on long route trips. 

Step inside the 2020 Audi TT RS, and you won’t even have to fire up the engine to know that it is a performance-based vehicle. The aesthetics alone give it away as everything is very sporty but attractive nonetheless. The whole design is loaded with excellent material quality and aluminum accents. As for the dashboard, just like its engine, a very unique design is available which might confuse some; especially the center console with three vents that resembles little turbines. The tilt and telescopic steering wheel are leather and simulated suede-trimmed. 

The digital gauge cluster is also known in Audi parlance as the virtual cockpit lights up like a Christmas tree. As for the occupants, heated and power-adjustable leather seats are available at the front and a 50/50 split-folding bench seat at the rear. However, we must confess that only the front seats are comfortable and wide enough. The rear seats are only best for kids because of the sloping roofline. The 12 cubic feet cargo capacity is decent for its class but the inside of the cabin does not offer much in the name of storage.

Despite being a four-seater, when compared to its others, the 2020 Audi TT RS only offers ample room for its two front occupants. The BMW M2 on the other hand offers better room for rear-row occupants. As for the cargo capacity, Audi offers lesser volume than the BMW M2 and Cayman S. But one can increase the volume by folding down the rear seats. Standout interior features in the 2020 Audi TT RS are:

• Heated and power-adjustable front seats
• Leather and simulated suede-trimmed steering wheel
• Automatic climate control
• 2 cupholders
• Digital gauge cluster
• Push-button start

What’s there to keep you entertained?

When you get inside for the first time, the first thing you would notice is the center console. Yes, the design is pretty good but it’s the ‘where is the infotainment display?’ question that comes up pretty fast. This is where TT RS knows how to surprise everyone. Instead of a traditional display on the center console, the digital driver display behind the wheel can act as an infotainment display. The display is wide and clear but certainly has its pros and cons. Such as behind the wheel means no touchscreen, but offers a better experience while driving because one won’t have to look away. 

There is also an infotainment screen, the display is controlled via knob and buttons on the console and a voice command system is available which is pretty good. As usual, the Audi MMI system is available with various features such as SiriusXM, auxiliary input jack, USB ports, and Bluetooth audio streaming. The Technology package brings a premium audio system, 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Standout infotainment features in the 2020 Audi TT RS are:

• Premium Bang and Olufsen sound system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
• Audi MMI infotainment system
• SiriusXM
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 4G LTE Wifi hotspot

We don't know about the others but we cherish the exterior design of the 2020 Audi TT RS. Yes, it is the same as last year’s model with minor changes including the addition of the all-new color ‘Pulse orange’ to the list. As for the design, you will find a wide grille flanked by sharp projector-beam headlamps with daytime running lights. These alone should be enough to get attention. Below, wide air vents and lower rocker panels on the front bumper look spectacular. 

The side design is as sporty as it gets with carbon fiber power heated auto-dimming side mirrors and 19-inch 5-spoke design sport wheels. Behind, you will find LED tail lights below the rear spoiler. All in all, the whole vehicle looks amazing but to take it one step further, Audi offers a Dynamic package that loads sports exhausts, 20-inch wheels with wider tires.

When compared to its rivals, the 2020 Audi TT RS is a bit heavier than the Cayman S but it sure is lighter than the others. It is also pretty compact in terms of its overall dimensions, This is advantageous while driving such a compact vehicle as it stays nimble on its feet and handles perfectly. Keep in mind though, that the Cayman S would have been smaller than the Audi if it wasn’t wider on the road. Standout exterior features in the 2020 Audi TT RS are:

• 20-inch 5-spoke design Audi sport wheels
• Wider summer performance tires
• LED taillights
• Fixed sport suspension
• Power heated auto-dimming side mirrors
• Rear spoiler
• Sport exhausts

When it comes to the safety of the Audi TT RS, it must be clear that this is a performance-based vehicle that was made to drive fast. The 2020 TT RS or previous year models haven't been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Still seeing how its siblings perform it gets easier to believe that TT RS should be safe enough on the road like the others. As for the features, you are not going to find advanced active safety features. 

As standard, you will find electronic stability, driveline traction control, dual-stage airbags mounted at various key positions, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a backup camera. A blind-spot monitoring system and an Audi parking system with front and rear parking sensors are the only advanced features we could find. Standout safety features in the 2020 Audi TT RS include:

• Blind-spot monitoring system
• Audi parking system with front and rear sensors
• Back up camera
• Dual-stage airbags
• Driveline traction control
• Tire pressure monitoring system

2020 Audi TT RS vs 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman S

When compared to the Porsche 718 Cayman S, 2020 Audi TT RS comes out with an engine that is both faster on the road and offers impressive fuel economy. As for the cabin, the quality is top tier and the front row seats offer an excellent level of comfort. The Porsche on the other hand is much lighter on its toes which is why it offers superior braking performance. Lastly, the cargo capacity it offers is better than the TT RS.

2020 Audi TT RS vs 2020 BMW M2 Competition

Going against the BMW M2 Competition should be easy for TT RS. Because the BMW M2 only offers more room for the occupants and cargo. The Audi on the other hand comes with a powerful engine that is equally efficient. The compact body, combined with a competent braking system results in better stopping power, and the level of technology it holds is clearly better.

2020 Audi TT RS vs 2020 Toyota GR Supra

The Audi TT RS going against the Toyota GR Supra should be interesting as both are very unique in their own ways. The GR Supra’s performance comes closer to the TT RS on the road but when it comes to fuel economy it easily dominates the Audi. Even the braking performance it offers is superior. The Audi on the other hand is simply faster on the road and offers better cargo capacity.

The new Audi TT RS is one of those unique machines that remind us why we love powerful vehicles that are both fast and fun to drive. But going fast is not the only thing that it does nicely, the fuel economy it offers is praiseworthy as well. Yes, it looks stunning both from the outside and inside, but the cabin is oozing with top-tier quality and offers an excellent level of comfort for the front row occupants. On the other hand, the rear row seats are redundant and we would have them removed on the first day. So if you can get over that, then yes, you should definitely go for the 2020 Audi TT RS.