Fraser Macleod's Audi TT
At Changing Lanes, we're keen to uncover motoring stories from around the world. This week we travel (virtually!) to Northern Ireland to meet Fraser Macleod, a car enthusiast and an owner of the latest generation of the Audi TT Coupé. In Turbo Blue!
The Audi TT is a modern design icon with a silhouette that is instantly recognisable and arguably as influential as the Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche 911. Fraser describes how he felt when he saw the first generation of the car unveiled back in 1998. It left a lasting impression on him, so much so that 21 years later, he bought a Mark 3 TT with the memory and the influence of that encounter with the Mark 1 on his mind. Great cars have that effect on people. Like great people, they leave impressions that last a lifetime.
Journalists laud the Audi TT for its driver focused cabin, exemplary quality, engaging drive and every day usability for a sports car. But what about the TT from the owner's perspective? What's it actually like to live with?
In this new feature, Fraser Macleod tells us what it means to be an Audi TT owner.
1. Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?
I’m Fraser Macleod, a 48 year old Scotsman, married and living in Northern Ireland. I’ve lived and worked all over the world with my previous career and I’m a total car fanatic.
2. What car do you drive?
I drive a 2019 Mk3 Audi TT Turbo Blue 40 TFSI Black Edition. It’s fitted with a tuning box that takes my power from 194 BHP to 243 BHP.
3. Why did you buy this car?
I’ve always loved the TT ever since it first came out. I managed to see a brand new Mk1 in Germany just after launch and was extremely impressed. At that point I was totally hooked, therefore I have always wanted to own one. I love how it has evolved, how different it looks and that you can have a unique looking sports car that’s still practical. I’ve never had a chance to own a Mk1 or 2 but maybe some day I’ll own a Mk1 as well.
4. What do you like about it?
I like to have a car that is different, so I love that my TT stands out. I really like the colour and combination of the gloss black and the styling - the 20” alloys, fixed rear wing (I love seeing it in the rear-view mirror) and the more aggressive front end. I love the interior and how minimalist it is. The super sport seats in leather and alcantara are fantastic. For me, the driving experience is amazing and the smile it gives me is wonderful. I get a lot of people stop and ask about it or look when I drive by.
5. Is there anything you would change about it?
I would love to have sat nav installed and/or Apple Car Play. Unfortunately the sat nav is an expensive addition and Apple Car Play was only fitted to the TT Vorsprung Edition. It’s a shame as the Virtual Cockpit is fantastic and these would have been an excellent addition. I have to use my phone for sat nav, not ideal but the smile I get from driving my TT outweighs these issues.
6. What’s in the glovebox?
I have the user handbook, a pen, leather care wipes, hand wipes (there’s limited eating in the car lol), Autoglym bird dropping wipes and a wee bag with some Euros in it for paying the tolls when my wife and I are visiting the South of Ireland.
7. Favourite memory of the car?
It would have to be collection day at Belfast Audi. It was really overwhelming seeing the car sitting in the handover bay and the reality that it was my new car. I was so happy, and the drive home was very special. It was a long one as I didn’t want it to end. This car constantly makes me smile.
8. Three words to describe your car?
Thrilling. Striking. Blue.
Thank you to Fraser for taking part in this interview! You can follow Fraser and his Audi TT on Instagram here.
At Changing Lanes we did manage to spend some time with the sporty Audi back in early 2017. We drove a Audi TT 1.8 TFSI S Line and this is still a popular review on our site.
