Audi unveiled the TT Roadster to gasps of sheer amazement at the Frankfurt Motor show back in 1999. The car was finally launched into the UK November 1999 that also saw the beginning of the love affair the UK had with the Audi TT. In fact the UK has now become the largest market in the world for the TT Roadster and guess who is up there as new buyers. Yes us girlies.
Well its not surprising really is it. Just look at her exquisite bodylines now made of aluminium panels so she has lost loads of weight making her the lightest roadster in her class. The front styling has been redesigned to accentuate even more the devilish appeal of what is under her bonnet.
The grille is larger, light clusters more prominent with chrome surrounds and wheel arches bulgier to cope with the 19 inch 20 spoke alloy wheels that was an optional extra on my test car over and above the standard 18 inch 10 spoke. The rear says it all quite simply by the four Audi rings and the little TT badge to the side, darkened rear light clusters, while the more critical eye will also spot the twin exhausts either side just pepping out from under the bumper.
Now, I had kind of come to the conclusion that cloth roofs are rather old hat compared to the new coupe/cabriolets. But I had to eat my words here as somehow this cloth roof looked the business as well as maximising weight savings and even Suzanne and Trinny would agree, it was the prefect accessory for this outfit. Of course there is an even more ulterior motive for keeping a cloth roof, as it does not interfere with the luggage space, which is enormous, easily accommodating the getaway luggage with room to shop till you drop.
The hood then opens or closes in just 12 seconds and can be operated at low speeds that is so so useful in the UK’s ever changing weather conditions. The design features a new Z fold system which neatly stacks its rigid front section on top of the folding cloth portion to form a cover which sits completely flat and removes the need for a tonneau, with a power mesh wind deflector fitted as standard to minimise buffeting. So now the roof is down and the thrill of open top motoring hits you.
But before you get too excited just take a moment to look around this fabulous interior. The smell of leather wafts up your nostrils from the seats, handbrake, centre armrest pad and door panel highlight. You breathe a sigh of relief that the TT Roadster is only a two seater and certainly has no room for a MacDonald’s take away. Snuggling into the seriously comfortable and electrically adjustable seats you gaze in wonderment at the 3-spoke sports multifunction steering wheel home to lights, indicators, wipers, cruise control and remote controls for the 6 CD autochanger. My test car had the optional BOSE surround system, which was music to my ears, along with Satellite navigation and GSM mobile phone preparation, but as my antiquated mobile has no Bluetooth, it was an unnecessary option. I know I should update, but its baby pink and I love it. Chrome was the chosen accessory adorning the entire instrument dials, air vents, door handles, pedals and gear levers making a very tasteful contrast to the black background.
But enough of that! Lets get going and as the 3.2 litre roared into action the throaty noise was so deep and wanting. Do you know I am getting a bit worried about how the noise of an engine is affecting me. Am I turning into a petrol head? But the rumbling this engine gave out is so sexy; luckily the air conditioning calmed me down a bit. So this engine credentials are sadly a limited top speed of 155 mph, takes 5.9 seconds to reach 62 mph - affirmative, yet has a very impressive fuel consumption of 29.7 mpg on a combined cycle. CO2 emission is rather high at 227 and falls into tax band G.
The Audi TT Roadster has the innovative Audi magnetic ride as standard that delivers better driving dynamics, enhanced ride comfort, excellent car control and a choice of two basic ride settings. ‘Normal’ mode is for long journeys even though the suspension settings are firmer or ‘Sport’ for enthusiastic drivers like myself homing towards the county lanes and twisty roads as the settings are firmer and there is more direct feedback. Mate this with the electro mechanical speed sensitive power steering and you’re away with the fairies. My test car had another optimal extra that of the S Tronic dual clutch gearbox developed specially for the Audi Sport quattro world rally car. This gearbox combines the benefits of a conventional 6 speed manual gearbox with the qualities of a modern day automatic and actually gives better performance and fuel consumption than the manual equalivant. I love the option of either cruising in fully automatic mode, the car that is, not me, of intervening with the gear lever – not, but my favourite, the steering wheel paddles. You become so united with the car and its dynamics, its just wonderful. Once you have reached around 70 mph the retractable rear spoiler emerges from the rear and just look at the expressions on other driver’s faces when this comes up. Priceless.
Thankfully the Audi TT Roadster is packed full of active and passive features in case the driver gets a bit carried away and includes driver and passenger dual stage airbags, side airbags, collapsible steering wheel, belt tensioners and belt force limiters along with a far more rigid body shell than its outgoing models. The TT also comes with Electronic Differential Lock traction control and ESP.
So as I write my cheque out for £30, 710 for the standard 3.2 quattro, I promptly rip it up and write another to include all the optional extras I can and want with a car like this. Having said that, the Audi TT Roadster is extremely competiveley priced considering all the technology she adorns and all the safety features. But her asset is the drive she delivers oh and the wonderful looks of admiration from fellow motorists especially the women. I guess the men are too jealous. If you do one thing this summer, go for a test drive in this car.
FemaleFirst Jackie Violet
Audi unveiled the TT Roadster to gasps of sheer amazement at the Frankfurt Motor show back in 1999. The car was finally launched into the UK November 1999 that also saw the beginning of the love affair the UK had with the Audi TT. In fact the UK has now become the largest market in the world for the TT Roadster and guess who is up there as new buyers. Yes us girlies.
Well its not surprising really is it. Just look at her exquisite bodylines now made of aluminium panels so she has lost loads of weight making her the lightest roadster in her class. The front styling has been redesigned to accentuate even more the devilish appeal of what is under her bonnet.
The grille is larger, light clusters more prominent with chrome surrounds and wheel arches bulgier to cope with the 19 inch 20 spoke alloy wheels that was an optional extra on my test car over and above the standard 18 inch 10 spoke. The rear says it all quite simply by the four Audi rings and the little TT badge to the side, darkened rear light clusters, while the more critical eye will also spot the twin exhausts either side just pepping out from under the bumper.
Now, I had kind of come to the conclusion that cloth roofs are rather old hat compared to the new coupe/cabriolets. But I had to eat my words here as somehow this cloth roof looked the business as well as maximising weight savings and even Suzanne and Trinny would agree, it was the prefect accessory for this outfit. Of course there is an even more ulterior motive for keeping a cloth roof, as it does not interfere with the luggage space, which is enormous, easily accommodating the getaway luggage with room to shop till you drop.
The hood then opens or closes in just 12 seconds and can be operated at low speeds that is so so useful in the UK’s ever changing weather conditions. The design features a new Z fold system which neatly stacks its rigid front section on top of the folding cloth portion to form a cover which sits completely flat and removes the need for a tonneau, with a power mesh wind deflector fitted as standard to minimise buffeting. So now the roof is down and the thrill of open top motoring hits you.
But before you get too excited just take a moment to look around this fabulous interior. The smell of leather wafts up your nostrils from the seats, handbrake, centre armrest pad and door panel highlight. You breathe a sigh of relief that the TT Roadster is only a two seater and certainly has no room for a MacDonald’s take away. Snuggling into the seriously comfortable and electrically adjustable seats you gaze in wonderment at the 3-spoke sports multifunction steering wheel home to lights, indicators, wipers, cruise control and remote controls for the 6 CD autochanger. My test car had the optional BOSE surround system, which was music to my ears, along with Satellite navigation and GSM mobile phone preparation, but as my antiquated mobile has no Bluetooth, it was an unnecessary option. I know I should update, but its baby pink and I love it. Chrome was the chosen accessory adorning the entire instrument dials, air vents, door handles, pedals and gear levers making a very tasteful contrast to the black background.