I’ve been a fan of the Audi brand, specifically the Audi TT coupe, since its introduction in the late 90s. I’ve personally owned the MKI TT Coupe and I’m currently enjoying the second generation TT-RS. Current number of Audi TT scale models sits at seven, so obviously I jumped on the chance to add the Minichamps Dealer Edition MKIII TT.

The Mark III Audi TT brings slight redesign for the exterior and a host of firsts for the brand, once again trail blazing with innovation and engineering. Audi Virtual Cockpit, LED Matrix Headlights, and integrated Climate Controls are just some. The North American version of TT and TT-S will be powered by a 220-hp, 2.0-liter version of the VW Group’s EA888 turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine. The mid-level TT-S will receive motivation from another turbo four serving up 300 horsepower.   There are no plans for the Mark III TT-RS today, but I suspect the critically-acclaimed 5 cylinder 2.5L will once again motivate with 380+ horses!

So how did Minichamps do? Damn good I say, so please read on…  The exterior of the model is beautifully cast; subtle body lines are captured well and mimic the original very nicely. Silver paint is top notch, smooth and rich as one would expect. Access to the interior, motor, and rear storage are here. Shutlines and panel gaps are excellent throughout. My complaints are usually the same with the Minichamps brand, front grill, and lower ducts are solid pieces of plastic, I would prefer perforated bits. Detail on the headlights is there, but I think a little more definition is required. Same goes for the rear taillights.

Wheels are nicely executed a long side the mated brake and rotor, though I would have preferred a different wheel style.

Motor detail is surprisingly above average. The addition of colour, badges and textured bits creates a layered effect, which in turn elevates the realism. Minichamps even added the sound-deadening under the bonnet cover as highlighted.

Rear storage area is accessible. The biggest highlight here is that it is flocked! Nice.

Moving to the inside you’ll understand why I went with the Silver exterior instead of the Red. I just fell in love with the lush two-tone black and brown interior, while the red featured all black. Once again I was very surprised at the detail here! Dash and centre console are highly defined as the photos will show – you can see a glimpse of the Audi Virtual Cockpit and MMI too. Attention to finer detail can also be found on the door cards and handles. Also, the interior is completely flocked in black carpet. All this adds up to a really solid and above average effort!

The undercarriage is highlighted with exhaust and rear muffler, chrome tips completing the package. Some attention was given to the suspension components, as you can see the front and rear bits are nicely defined.

This being my eighth Audi TT scale model, I can confidently say this is the best of the bunch! It may not have the visual impact or mass appeal of the TT-RS VLN Presentation car, but what it produces is a near perfect example of an Audi TT Mark III, and all this for around $115 CND. If you’re a fan of the car, I highly recommend the model. As mentioned, you can currently enjoy this piece in Silver and Red, both are dealer editions. Enjoy the pics!