Audi TT Roadster Review 2015

Audi TT Roadster Review 2015.

For – fast, high quality, high-tech, handsome.
Against – pricey, small.
****

The new Audi TT roadster oozes quality and is packed with hi-tech gizmos and state of the art connectivity. It goes like stink too.

You can have a so-called “virtual cockpit” with a 12.3 inch display which can flip between a digital representation or the classic analog speedometer and rev-counter incorporating the sat-nav screen and music lists. The new TT uses much aluminium and steel hybrid construction to cut around 110 pounds of weight compared with the old model. The hood is made of fabric, which also saves weight. It is the same length as the old one, but the wheel base is bigger, allowing a slightly “larger” boot; larger, being a relative term. Golfers need not apply. The new, third-generation design is similar to the last one, with a few touches to remind buyers of the pricey R8 supercar.

But this is a sports car, so the performance data will be crucial. There’s a choice of two engines at launch with, either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, – a 4-cylinder, 2.0 litre petrol turbocharged motor producing 220 hp, and a 181 hp 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder diesel. There will be a hot TTS version, on sale in June with 292 hp priced at £41,085. The 2.0 litre S line version I drove was fully loaded, which brought the price to an eye-watering £54,180. It had 4-wheel drive, and stuff like Matrix LED headlights (£945), Comfort and Sound Package (£1,590), Technology Package featuring Audi Connect (£1,795) electric front seats (£995) and Open-Top Driving Package £1,000).

Slightly quicker automatic
The 220 hp motor will propel the car from rest to 60 mph in around six seconds; the TTS does this in under five seconds. In both cases the automatic gearbox is slightly quicker. If you go through the gears aggressively, the car is programmed to give off little rasping, burbling noises from the exhaust. If you were in Germany, the land of unlimited speeds on some highways, the computer would stop you going faster than 155 mph. The diesel version runs out of puff at 147 mph. You can opt for four-wheel drive too.

Prices start at £31,955, but accelerate pretty quickly if you are tempted by all those high-tech gizmos. Deliveries start next month. There are two specification groups – Sport and S line. Both include fully automatic three-layer hood, digital virtual cockpit, MMI touch, xenon or LED headlights, Music Interface, Alcantara/leather sports seats, and keyless operation. The two electric motors powering the soft-top complete the opening and closing process in 10 seconds, and can do so at speeds of up to 30 mph. While opening, the top forms a Z shape as it folds flat into its aluminium tray, which doesn’t encroach on the 280 litre “larger” luggage compartment.

Touch pad
Sport models also come equipped with the Multi Media Interface with the MMI touch pad for fingertip data entry, Audi Music Interface and Bluetooth connectivity, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system and keyless go. More comfort oriented standard features include Alcantara and leather combination upholstery for the sports seats and manual air conditioning with controls positioned within the air vents themselves for space efficiency and convenience. Outside the cabin, 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights all also feature as standard.

The TT Roadster S line upgrades to larger 19-inch alloy wheels, all-weather LED headlights and LED tail lights. Fitted to all models, a spoiler is electrically extended from the luggage compartment lid at speeds of 75 mph to provide additional down-force on the rear axle. Just the right point for patrolling police cars to see you’ve indicted yourself.

The TT’s main competitors are the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK or Porsche Boxster in this gradually shrinking compact sports car sector. It must be nice to have the kind of money that would mean you could choose one of these. Don’t make me say which one I’d go for. You won’t take no for answer? OK. I’ll take the Boxster.

(Audi provided hotel)

	Audi TT Roadster TFSI S line
Engine:	2.0 litre, 4-cylinder
Power:	277 hp @ 4,500-6,200
Torque:	370 Nm @ 1,600-4,300
Gearbox:	6-speed automatic
Drive:	all-wheels
Acceleration:	0-62 mph-100 km/h 6.1 seconds
Top Speed:	155 mph-250 km/h
Fuel Consumption:	claimed combined 43.5 mpg-6.5 l/kms
CO2:	151 g/km
Emissions class:	EU6
Length:	4,177 mm
Width:	1,832
Height:	1,355
Weight:	1,350 kg
Wheel-base:	2,505
Suspension:	McPherson-four link
Service Intervals:	19,000 miles or 2 years
Warranty:	3 years-60,000 miles
Boot capacity:	280 litres
Competition:	BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster
Rating:	****
Price:	£54,180.00
For:	fast, high quality, handsome
Against:	pricey, small

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