SYDNEY: Audi’s all-new TT Roadster now on sale in two model grades and with Quattro AWD and a slick twin-clutch automatic as standard.
And while the entry-price has risen as a result (the previous-gen FWD TT Roadster went for $72,800), the new $81,500 TT quattro Sport Roadster costs the same as the superseded AWD automatic model – and adds $8000 of extra equipment.
It’s joined by the $89,000 TT quattro S line, which will be the flagship of the TT drop-top range until the TT S Roadster arrives.
Features
The 2015 TT Roadster’s five-layered fabric roof can be electronically raised or lowered at speeds up to 50km/h, and it takes just ten seconds to do so. An electrically-operated wind deflector can also be deployed to reduce wind buffet.
Stowed in its own compartment behind the cabin, it doesn’t eat up any of the Roadster’s 280 litres of luggage space either.
The rest of the cabin should feel familiar to anyone who’s sat in the TT Coupe, with Audi’s distinctive 12.3-inch LCD “Virtual Cockpit” instrument panel the highlight.
Audi’s MMI Touch infotainment system controls the screen, as well as the audio, navigation and phone. There’s also 10GB of music storage, an AM/FM/CD/DVD head unit, dual USB audio inputs and Bluetooth phone/audio integration.
Go for the Roadster S line, and you gain a nine-speaker, two-subwoofer premium audio system with a digital radio tuner and 680 watts of power.
Bi-xenon headlamps are standard on the Sport while the S Line gets LED headlamps as standard. Either model can be optioned up with Audi’s clever Matrix LED headlamps, which can automatically block sections of its beam to avoid dazzling oncoming cars.
Heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloys and Alcantara/leather trim are other standard features of the TT Roadster quattro Sport, along with stainless steel pedals, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry/ignition.
The S line adds a sportier bodykit, S sport front seats with pneumatic bolsters, 19-inch alloys, and the aforementioned LED headlamps, high-end audio system and digital radio tuner.
Options include blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, optional wheel designs ranging up the 20-inches in size, extended leather trim, two higher grades of leather and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.
Mechanical
Both the Roadster Sport and Roadster S line are powered by the same 169kW/370Nm 2.0 litre turbocharged inline four, and utilise the same six-speed dual-clutch automatic and quattro AWD driveline.
Peak power is delivered between 4500rpm and 6200rpm, with peak torque arriving at a low 1600rpm and available until 4300rpm. Compared against the old TT Roadster quattro, the new car has 14kW more power and 20Nm more torque.
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard for both models, while Audi’s Drive Select control can alter the engine, transmission and driveline behaviour according to driver preference.
In Dynamic mode with the stability control set to Sport the quattro AWD system takes more power to the rear axle, enhancing turn-in performance and reducing under steer.
On dry roads the torque split can vary from a front-biased distribution to an even 50:50 split, while greasy surfaces can see up to 100 percent of torque taken to the rear wheels.
The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design while the rear uses a multi-link configuration.
Built on the VW Group’s modular MQB platform (the same that underpins the Volkswagen Golf), the TT Roadster features extensive use of aluminium to keep weight to 1425kg.
Pricing
The TT Roadster range is available now, with pricing below:
TT quattro Roadster Sport: $81,500
TT quattro Roadster S line $89, 00
All prices do not include on-road costs
