Since 2000 the Audi TT's superb build quality, overall performance and striking appearance has led to its domination of the local luxury sportscar market. Up until now, though, the convertible version of the TT - the Roadster - has only been offered in $92,500 quattro form; needless to say, the majority of TT owners have had to settle on the more affordable Coupe versions.
But now open-top TT-ing is a whole lot more affordable in the newly released front-drive 132kW Tiptronic model!
Not only is the new entry-level Roadster cheaper, it also brings a brilliant new 6-speed tiptronic transmission; one of the most sophisticated geartrains in the world. The presence of the 6-speed 'box is obvious within the first few hundred metres of driving - accelerate away to 70 km/h and the tranny is busy making five gearchanges before settling in top gear. Even so, the rate of acceleration is very smooth and lurch-free - testament to a lot of R&D. Of course, the primary reason for having so many gears is to keep the engine running on-song in its optimal rev range; certainly, the TT's 1.8-litre motor provides a strong punch whenever it is asked.
Like all TTs, the Tiptronic Roadster is powered by a 1.8-litre, DOHC, 20-valve transverse four with a single turbocharger and air-to-air intercooler. Using Motronic management, an electronically controlled throttle, hydraulic tappets and a 9.5:1 static compression ratio, the little slugger is rated at 132kW at 5500 rpm and 235Nm spread from just 1950 to 5000 rpm. It is no wonder the TT is so responsive to accelerator prods through traffic - it always has the torque on-hand to zip you past that lane-blocking taxi. But the engine is not perfect. Unlike a larger capacity atmo engine (and despite having electronic throttle control) there isn't razor sharp throttle response backed by instant torque - it's more a case of good initial tractability, a pause, then a solid plateau of torque. It seems that the turbocharger used on the 132kW TT engine is quite small - it can be faintly heard spooling up from barely 1500 rpm, but torque drops off toward the 6600 rpm redline. This isn't such a problem, though, because you can use any of the six available gear ratios to keep the engine spinning between 2000 and 6000 rpm for optimum performance.
While the TT can be regarded as something of an automotive 'toy' it tips the scale quite seriously at 1380 kilograms. As a result - despite having a strong spread of torque and a great trannie - the TT Tiptronic struggles to give performance any more than "brisk". Standing starts to 100 km/h are achieved in a claimed 8.5-seconds (a couple of tenths slower in our test car) and top speed is listed at 220 km/h. Fuel consumption, meanwhile, is fairly average with around 9 and 11-litres per 100km recorded in country and urban road conditions. Premium unleaded fuel is required to keep the turbomotor happy.
Oh and, just out of interest, the ultimate version of the Audi TT - the 165kW Roadster quattro manual - is said to hit 100 km/h in 6.9-seconds and run to a top speed of 237 km/h. With the addition of all-wheel-drive, however, it weighs some 1515 kilograms.
The fact that the whole 165kW caboodle is available only in the quattro model points to the limitations of the more basic front-wheel-drive TT chassis. This shortcoming is barely apparent in the Tiptronic Roadster, though. The 235Nm/132kW serving is channelled through the front wheels quite proficiently with just a moment of wheelspin off the line when launched hard on a dry road - the standard electronic diff lock does its thing quite effectively.
Poised on front MacPherson struts with lower wishbones and rear torsion beam suspension, the Tiptronic Roadster negotiates tight corners with relative ease. So long as the ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Program) remains active, there are no problems with power understeer or lift-off oversteer. The absolute level of grip provided by the 205/55 Michelin Pilots - mounted on 16-inch cast alloy wheels - is well up to expectation. What really surprised us was the total lack of suspension harshness. The TT Roadster Tiptronic's ride is remarkably supple for a sports convertible and at absolutely no time does it crash or thump over sharp irregularities. There is also very minimal scuttle shake - Audi's extensive body bracing certainly does the trick.
When you're exploiting the car's open-road handling the Tiptronic transmission can be bumped over to its sequential sports mode to provide greater driver control. There is also a pair of up/down gear selector buttons on the steering wheel, but we found these a little fiddly to operate when you're concentrating on other things....
Audi has got the power assisted rack-and-pinion steering set-up about spot-on for this sort of car. There's enough indirectness at straight-ahead to wave to pedestrians out the top without running up a gutter, yet you rarely find yourself correcting steering angles through bends.
The ABS and EBD controlled ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes perform strongly and consistently. The brake assist function also aids in emergency braking situations.
Like other cars in its class, boarding the TT is a slightly physical exercise - the seating position is quite low. Once aboard, though, the level of comfort consistently impressed us - there's good leg, width and headroom and the quality leather seats are supremely comfortable. Interior noise is also kept to a minimum, though the exhaust does have a slight note with the occasional resonance (which, to be fair, is only really noticeable with the roof down).
The biggest criticism can be directed at diagonal support bars adjoining the dashboard to the centre console; if you sit relatively close to the steering wheel and adopt a slightly knees-out position, your left leg will rub on the driver's side support bar. Given the bar is fitted with a padded sleeve, however, we're not sure if this bar is intended to be a leg rest or not - regardless, we found it uncomfortable. Oh, and - another gripe - access to the power window switches is awkward.
Audi's Driver Information System (DIS) comes as standard on all TT models and functions as a trip computer, and displays ambient temperature, radio/CD selection, gear position and more. Equipped with the optional Bose speaker upgrade - comprising simply door splits and a small sub-woofer between the seats - the Audi Concert audio system offers excellent imaging and can tolerate very high SPLs without distortion.
Other niceties include two front and side airbags, digital climate control (which is reasonably easy to operate), heated side mirrors and side windows that dip momentarily when opening/closing the door or raising the roof. As you'd expect you also get all the usual fruit - tilt and reach adjustable steering column, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and a security system with an interior movement sensor. The lack of power seat adjustment is not a high point, however. As mentioned, the seats are clad in quality leather, as is the grippy steering wheel and gear selector. The whole interior package is attractive with its aluminium highlights and has a very high quality feel.
The TT Roadster's electric roof mechanism is also up to a high standard - it is rattle-free and incorporates a glass rear window (more durable than a plastic one). Going topless is easy. There is only one lock to release in the centre of the windscreen header rail and the next step is to push a button at the rear of the console. The roof takes around five seconds to fully retract and, once down, you can electrically raise a glass windbreak behind your head. With the windbreak and side windows up, you feel only a light breeze across the top of your head when motoring, while lowering either the side windows and/or glass windbreak increases turbulence - though not to the point of being uncomfortable.
While the compartment that accommodates the folded back roof goggles up a fair amount of space, a decent size (220-litre) boot remains out back. A weather cover for when the roof is retracted is simply thrown in the boot.
The only interior options available for the TT Tiptronic are satellite navigation and - as fitted to our test car - a Bose speaker upgrade, cruise control and heated seats. Believe us, when you crank up those 6-setting adjustable front seat heaters you can really grille your cheeks!
From the outside the TT has a drop-dead sexy look quite different to anything else on the market.
The body has a tastefully rounded form and is unspoilt by just a small rear spoiler and thoroughly integrated fog lights. And not only are those panels beautiful, they're also fully galvanised to ensure durability. Other trick features include twin rear rollover bars, an LED brake light bar, aluminium fuel filler and a large single chrome tailpipe. Panel margins and paint quality are top-notch.
Keen Audi fans will pick 2003 updates from our photos - there's a revised grille, restyled 16-inch rims and the availability of additional interior and exterior colours. Xenon headlights are also available at extra cost, but even the standard headlights - with their adjustable beam angle - performed brilliantly on our test vehicle.
Crunch time.
With seating for only two, fairly limited practicality and a RRP starting from $80,900 the TT Roadster Tiptronic cannot be assessed like a conventional everyday conveyance; don't compare to, say, an $80,000 HSV. The TT is an indulgent 2-seater weekend toy that should be compared only with other such vehicles - vehicles like the BMW Z3, Merc SLK200K, Honda S2000, Saab 9-3 Turbo and Porsche Boxster. From this list, the nearest competitor must surely be the BMW Z3 with its double VANOS 2.2-litre straight six.
Which would we prefer? Hmmm, now that's a very tough call - we'd need to make a side-by-side comparison to pick a winner. Certainly, if you're in the market for a car like this we'd advise taking both for a lengthy test drive to see which better suits your requirements; you won't want to hand either back!
|
Why You Would...
- The cheapest ragtop TT on the market
- Extremely comfortable
- Relatively practical - for a 2-seater sportscar
- Excellent overall build quality
- Very predictable to drive - even with ESLI switched off
Why You Wouldn't...
- Not particularly quick when wound out
- Doesn't have the instant throttle response of a larger atmo engine
- Lack of power adjustable seats
- Tyres could be larger
|
|
The Audi TT Roadster Tiptronic was provided for this test by Audi Australia.
www.audi.com.au
|
|