Audi TTS and Roadster arriving shortly

The third-generation Audi TT has gone on sale in Australia with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, manual or dual-clutch transmissions and Sport or S line specifications… but only one engine option.

True, the 169kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol donk is enough to propel the Coupe to 100km/h in less than six seconds, but in Europe there remains a frugal diesel option that is overlooked for this market due to slow sales in the previous generation.

Rumours also persist around a cheaper 1.8 TFSI being announced in the near future, which would be considered by Audi Australia should it become available.

Speaking at the Audi TT local launch, Audi Australia product planning manager John Roberts confirmed that the range would be bolstered by the arrival of the TT Roadster mid-year, but those wanting a different engine option will need to wait for the 228kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TTS Coupe, which will arrive in the third quarter 2015.

On the back of recent publicity surrounding the upcoming 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Audi RS 3, motoring.com.au raised the question of the new TT RS, which is likely to be powered by the same engine.

“That vehicle is yet to be officially confirmed for this market,” he said.

Despite the TT being more of a halo car in the Australian market, Roberts suggested that the third-generation car could shift off the showroom at the rate of around 50 per month.

“That includes Roadster and S variants,” he added.

As previously detailed, the last-gen TT found just 125 Australian buyers last year, but Audi has already taken more than 300 confirmed orders for the new car.