Audi TT 2006 review
The lid's been lifted on Audi's legendary TT - and Auto Express has already been for a spin!
Looks are everything in the drop-top market – and the new TT Roadster doesn’t want for style.It lacks cabin space and a folding metal roof, but the improved fabric hood works brilliantly. The driving experience is as sharp as the Coupé’s, and there’s plenty of pace from the 2.0-litre turbo. There’s no longer a cheap entry-level variant, but with residual values likely to be very strong, the Roadster is a winner.
This is the Roadster, a convertible that's sure to be a hit with style-conscious sun-seekers.
However, the newcomer certainly has its work cut out. Current competition is strong from Mercedes' SLK, Nissan's 350Z Roadster and BMW's Z4. And what's more, the TT will also have to face Alfa's Brera Spider and BMW's new 3-Series Convertible when sales start next March. So, has it got what it takes?
As with the Coupé, Audi's designers have evolved the Roadster's shape from that of the original. It remains instantly recognisable with all the traditional styling cues, such as the chrome rollover hoops, intact. Sticking with a fabric roof - rather than a complex folding metal one as on the 3-Series and C70 - has also allowed the flat rear deck and short overhang to remain. Together with the subtly reshaped front end, simple flanks and curved tail, it looks great.
And while cloth does not have the headline-grabbing kudos of metal, Audi has made big leaps in the roof's operation and construction. It is now electrically powered on both the 3.2 V6 range-topper and the base 2.0T FSI driven here (putting the Roadster's price up slightly). The unit requires no manual locking to the screen, either.
Operation is also quick - the top can be raised or lowered in 12 seconds, at up to 30mph. Further additions include a powered wind deflector and an extra layer of soundproofing to improve refinement. Thanks to the fabric roof and mainly aluminium body, the Audi weighs a mere 1,295kg - only 15kg more than its equivalent 2.0T FSI hard-top brother.
And that's despite strengthening of the windscreen and A-pillars, plus reinforced sills. As a result, there's barely any difference in performance from the Coupé. With a slick S Tronic six-ratio semi-auto (£1,400 over the standard manual box), the smooth 2.0 turbo pulls strongly, sprinting from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and hitting 147mph.
The two-seat layout is extremely cosy, and the high-quality dashboard, low driving position and flat-bottomed steering wheel all combine to give the car a sporty feel. There is plenty of equipment on offer, too, with leather upholstery, climate control and an MP3-compatible stereo standard.
When travelling at high speed, the raised wind deflector reduces buffeting effectively, while with the roof in place the additional sound insulation makes the Roadster extremely refined. There's little or no body shake, and the soft-top turns into bends just as sharply as its Coupé brother.
The front-wheel-drive 2.0T model is clearly the pick of the range, feeling more agile than the heavier 3.2 V6 quattro, and riding well, too. So, are there any negative points? Well, although boot space is sound, there isn't much storage inside the cabin - but buyers have always loved the TT for its looks and not its practicality. This version will be no different.
Add in the fact that the newcomer is much better to drive than the outgoing car, and Audi has another undoubted success on its hands.
