Until recently, the idea that a sports car could ran on diesel would have been laughed out of the R&D department. No longer does this automotive apartheid exist. Turbocharged diesel injection (TDI) has totally transformed the vehicle market. For the most part, people are starting to understand that a diesel performance car does not drive worse than a generic petrol rival, and nor does it drive better. They are just different.

If you don’t believe your humble correspondent, you need look no further than the new Audi TT 2.0 TDI Quattro, which has been available in Australia’s market since late last year. The TT 2.0 packs 350Nm of peak torque from 1750-2250rpm, a coat of varnish away from the equivalent specs on the V6 Commodore, but gunning off two fewer cylinders than Holden’s pride. Furthermore, the Audi weighs in approximately 400kg lighter than the Commodore, making it a lightweight, but nonetheless powerful vehicle. The new model boasts a noteworthy tyre contact patch, with the logical consequence that the ‘grip’ and ‘go’ quadrants are handily covered.

With respect to the fuel economy, the Audi consumes 5.3 litres to the 100, equating to about 54mpg in laymen’s terms. It certainly beats the Commodore right out of the water, skewered by an LSD-tipped trident for good measure. You can expect a peak power of around 125kW, which is decent but not remarkably profound all the less. The upshot of this is that, while the car slams along like a slick of mercury over undulating hilly terrain, it cuts out a little when all you want to do is power forward towards the horizon with maximum thrift. With 0-100 taking 7.5 seconds, it won’t exactly jump into hyperspace for you.

Priced at around $71,000, the TDI TT home with you can handle the same territory boasted by the manufacturers of the Nissan 370Z, the 135i Sport BMW or even the V6 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition to these capacities, the Audi is an immaculately well-groomed vehicle. Its flowing curves, the embossed gleam of the hood and modern aesthetic characterise the luxurious overall appearance. Arguably, the Audi TDI TT is the best in its price range, with features and style comparable to that of the Porsche 911 and Benz SL – both of which are in higher price brackets.

Internally the Audi incorporates a similar sense of understated elegance. With its soft spoken interior and logical, but operable controls, the vehicle resounds practical luxury. The speedometer integrates a helpful non-linear metric enabling the driver to keep a tentative monitor of the speed, whilst not being distracted from the road. Other clever technological features include keyless entry and keyless ignition on a retractable fob. Unfortunately the seat adjustment is manual, unlike other Japanese models (which are more expensive). The seats are profoundly comfortable though. Unfortunately the legroom for passengers in the rear seats is somewhat limited.

In terms of the dynamics, the TT 2.0 is ahead of its forerunner. It is tighter, sharper and more balanced than the original model and the steering is also improved. Arguably, some consumers have had issues with the gear changes – which is perhaps a given with this model since it comes with no automatic option. However, many others have described the six-speed transmission as “liquid joy”, in more or less words. Perhaps then, it comes down to personal preference.

With most diesel vehicles, low-down torque is their bread and butter, not peak power. However, according to some the trick is to short-shift. If your dial is pulling up close to 4000rpm, you’ve gone too far; instead, pull up at about 3500rpm, and you’ll see the cleanest results. A nice, dull purr that rolls around for a couple of seconds will let you know you’re doing it right. At the other end, don’t even think about shifting back until you hit 2000rpm – peak torque extends all the way down to 1750rpm, the attentive reader will doubtless recall. If you’re going to go diesel – and on this evidence it is at least a switch worth considering – you may have to slightly adapt the way you drive according to the timbre of the Audi TT’s optimum driving experience. By allowing the upswing of this process, the vehicle will flourish.

Specifications:

• Engine: 1,968cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
• Power: 125kW @ 4,200rpm
• Torque: 350Nm @ 1,750rpm
• Induction: Common Rail & Turbocharged
• Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
• Driven Wheels: All
• Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
• Top Speed: 226km/h (Claimed)
• 0-100km/h: 7.5 seconds
• CO2 Emissions:139g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 5.3L/100km (ADR)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 60L
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• ANCAP Rating: TBC
• Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
• Safety: ESC with Traction Control
• Spare Wheel: Sealant Type
• Suspension: Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)
• Cargo Capacity: 290L
• Tow Capacity: N/A
• Turning Circle: 10.9m
• Warranty: Three-Year / Unlimited kilometre
• Weight: 1,413kg (Tare)
• Wheels: Alloy 17 x 8.5-inch