Between making fun of James May and random statements about Argentina, Jeremy Clarkson had time to make one very interesting statement this weekend. On Twitter, the Top Gear host said he things the new Audi TT is "very very good", admitting fans of the show may think he's gone crazy.
Clarkson and indeed the whole Top Gear TV team, have been very critical of the 2+2 coupe from Ingolstadt. The first generation was compared to a hairdresser's car and, when the Cool Wall was still around, was considered "Seriously Uncool".
You can watch the original Top Gear review of the Mk1 TT. To a point, the Brits were on to something. In the early 2000s, they uncovered a major handling problem with the TT Roadster. At high speed, the back end was extremely light and fidgety, resulting in numerous crashes. Eventually, the Germans had to recall the whole roster.
If we remember correctly, the second-generation TT was only praised by Richard Hammond. In a 3-way shootout with the Mazda RX-8 and Alfa Romeo Brera, it was described as somewhat boring but more competent than its predecessor.
Of course, ever since they launched it at last year's Geneva Motor Show, we know the third TT is great. It's built on the MQB platform, so it's light; it comes with engines that are more economical and powerful; it has class-leading tech and it looks decent.
Some have gone to say that it's the best small coupe on sale at the moment. When you factor in the fact that entry-level models are just €35,000 and they're unlikely to depreciate like Japanese rivals… well they may be on to something.
You can watch the original Top Gear review of the Mk1 TT. To a point, the Brits were on to something. In the early 2000s, they uncovered a major handling problem with the TT Roadster. At high speed, the back end was extremely light and fidgety, resulting in numerous crashes. Eventually, the Germans had to recall the whole roster.
If we remember correctly, the second-generation TT was only praised by Richard Hammond. In a 3-way shootout with the Mazda RX-8 and Alfa Romeo Brera, it was described as somewhat boring but more competent than its predecessor.
I know you're all going to think I've gone mad but the new Audi TT is very very good.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) January 17, 2015
Of course, ever since they launched it at last year's Geneva Motor Show, we know the third TT is great. It's built on the MQB platform, so it's light; it comes with engines that are more economical and powerful; it has class-leading tech and it looks decent.
Some have gone to say that it's the best small coupe on sale at the moment. When you factor in the fact that entry-level models are just €35,000 and they're unlikely to depreciate like Japanese rivals… well they may be on to something.