Audi TT roadster road test
by Stephen Walker
15th October, 2012
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The Audi TT is a well known and highly regarded sports car that has been
with us for some years now. Earlier this year Audi realigned the TT line-up. The changes saw a 1.8 TFSI version of both
the coupe and roadster introduced onto the Australian market.
Test Car
Our Audi TT 1.8 TFSI S tronic Roadster was finished in an attractive shade of red, known as Misano Red. The hood (a
multi-layer fabric soft top) was black, as was the interior trim.
The starting price for this model is $72,400*. The fitment of options can increase this price considerably. The test
car was fitted with numerous options which increased the price to $87,065*. Options fitted to the test car included Audi
parking system (acoustic parking sensors at rear) $850, Hill-start assist $165, Pearl Effect paint $1,300, Navigation
Plus DVD-based system (includes glove box-mounted CD changer) $4,600, S line sports package $5,950, Xenon Plus headlights
and LED daytime running lights $1,800. As you can see, it is easy to add nearly $15,000 worth of options!
Audi, like the other prestige brands from Germany, make it easy to 'load' a car with options. Buyers need to be
cautious because, as can be seen with our TT, the base price can soon build up to an extravagant exercise.
Notwithstanding that, the package, as presented by Audi, provided quite an enjoyable experience.
Model background
The second iteration of the Audi TT roadster has been on the market in Australia since mid-2007. During its showroom
'career' it has had numerous variants come and go. Interestingly, the 2007 TT roadster was priced at $77,500* for the
2.0 TFSI version.
The Audi TT coupe first appeared in 1998.
Driving and living with the Audi TT roadster
The low-slung light-weight Audi TT is an absolute joy to drive. With the top up it has an effective means of beating
adverse weather conditions. With the top down, typical soft-top driving enjoyment is evident. The TT handles quite nicely.
The dynamics, such as steering and braking, are fitting for both a sports car and for an Audi. There are no complaints
from us with the driving aspects of the TT roadster. Even the "small" 1.8 litre engine is an effective piece of
equipment in this car.
Despite the low height, entry and egress was easy enough. But be aware, as you need to be with all two-door cars, that
a wider parking space is required than a traditional 4-door. The TT's doors are wide and, as such, getting in and out
inside a narrow garage will be a neat trick in body and joint flexibility.
Personal comfort is a 'given'. We were happy with each of our drives in the TT.
Specifications
The front mounted four-cylinder engine has a displacement of 1,798 cc. Power is rated at 118 kW (4,500-6,200), whilst
the torque is 250 Nm (1,500-4,500). The dual-clutch S tronic automatic transmission has seven 'speeds'. The TT is
front-wheel drive in its standard trim.
A sports suspension is part of the TT roadster deal.
Safety
Front airbags for driver and passenger (featuring two stage deployment) are fitted, together with side airbags
(head/thorax) which are built into the front seat backrests.
Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) is standard. This important feature includes traction control (ASR),
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and
hydraulic Brake Assist.
Another safety feature is what is called Audi backguard. In the event of a rear-end collision, the seats are
designed to hold the occupant's upper body in place and support the head (in conjunction with the correct use of the seat
belt/s).
Performance
The factory indicate a zero to 100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. This may not set everyone's heart pumping but it is much
better than adequate for trendy urban travellers. We found less than flat out from the traffic lights was quite a
satisfying experience. Given that the compromise that the 1.8 litre engine offers with price and fuel consumption, I am
convinced that drivers will enjoy the suburban acceleration regardless of the traffic conditions.
Fuel and emissions
Our brief 128 kilometres of urban motoring averaged 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres, which we found quite pleasing given
that the 'combined cycle' fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 litres/100 kms using the standard testing procedures.
The fuel tank has a 55 litre capacity and 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (or higher) is required.
Emissions from the 1.8 litre petrol engine are 152 grammes of CO2 per kilometre. The 1.8 TFSI is Euro4 compliant.
Options
Being an Audi, you'll find there is an option list to keep you amused whilst you select your TT.
Equipment
The hood is electrically operated, as is the mesh-style wind deflector which is positioned just behind the seats. No
tonneau cover is required as the hood neatly folds into the bodywork.
A leather-covered multi-function steering wheel with a squared-off bottom and gearshift paddles mounted behind the
steering wheel are standard. So too is cruise control and automatic air conditioning. Bluetooth is fitted (but check the
compatibility of your device).
The seats move forward and backwards by manual adjustment. The steering wheel is, thankfully, four-way adjustable. It,
too, is manually operated. So too is the parking brake.
Variants
A variety of coupe and roadster models are available in Audi's successful sports car line-up.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 4,178 mm
Width: 1,842 mm (excluding side mirrors)
Height: 1,358 mm
Wheelbase: 2,468 mm
Boot capacity: 250 litres
After Sales
The TT comes with a 3 year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Roadside assistance is included for these 3 years too.
Conclusion
Although it has been quite some years since we at Next Car have driven an Audi TT, it must be stated that we
believe the little sports car has lost none of its appeal over those years. Whilst priced higher than many a buyer is
able to pay, the Audi TT roadster is an exceptionally worthy 2-seater that is bound to provide plenty of pleasing
motoring experiences.
Don't worry about the small engine. You can be assured that 100 km/h over a pleasant undulating country road is just
as fast in a smaller engined sports car as it is in a larger engined sports car!
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Any Luxury Car Tax (LCT) component is
effected when options are added to the car. Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to
change without notice, as are the specifications. E&OE.
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