2016 Audi TT Roadster VIDEO REVIEW

2016 Audi TT Roadster VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

Yes, it’s freezing out but with the neck warmer on full blast and the heated seats cranked to 3 bars Audi gives you the choice of going comfortably top down even when Mother Nature says otherwise. So get your play money out for your new weekend toy…this is the all-new TT Roadster.

In 1999, the original TT showcased the most groundbreaking design of its day. Now in its 3^rd generation, this 2016 TT strikes a familiar figure but Audi didn’t miss the opportunity for marked innovation. Notice what’s missing in here? There’s no center screen and no traditional climate controls. Introducing the virtual cockpit, where the driver is given full control of the car. You can still use the MMI Touch controller and adjacent switchgear to navigate, but I quickly found that the steering wheel switches are the way to go. The display is huge, configurable and highly defined with 3D graphics and the amazing clarity and easy input of Google Earth maps. It’s powered by a fast NVIDIA processor, includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and is the conduit for the optional 12-speaker, Bang & Olufsen 5.1 Surround Sound system – true sonic ear candy that can keep up when the top is down. And at $950, it’s relatively inexpensive. But it’s a bit disappointing that my last VW Jetta tester had Apple CarPlay but this doesn’t. Intimidating with sensory overload at first, I came around to the virtual cockpit pretty quickly though it seems more distracting when it’s right in front of you for some reason. It’s certainly driver focused much to the chagrin of the passenger who now is at the complete mercy of the driver’s music choices. As for the climate control settings, Audi has moved those into the center of the vents…very clever. LED lighting inside the cabin carries over to the full LED headlights and LED dynamic turn signals. The tech level is very high.

Keeping with the simpler, lighter soft top, the Roadster carries a $3,500 premium over the Coupe. It’s power operated and simply stows without fanfare behind the seats with no need to gerrymander the trunk. And the TT makes good use of its 7.5 cubic feet of luggage space, which is generous in this class.

Sharing architecture with the VW Golf and Audi A3, the TT feels familiar in its drivability. Power starts with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 making 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, is then geared through a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic known as S tronic and then powers all 4 wheels via the standard quattro all-wheel drive system working from front to rear until you toggle over to Dynamic mode which then gives this car a rear-drive bias. It’ll accept regular gas and returns 26mpg in combined driving. Stomp on the gas and after a brief hesitation, the TT takes off to 60mph in 5.6 seconds but this is certainly the case of a car feeling faster than its numbers and it has excellent responsiveness in the mid-ranges. I prefer using the paddle shifters on the back roads where the TT feels unflappable, taking corners with a hint of understeer and a glued to the road sensation that roadster drivers demand. And the shock tuning is such that you don’t get punished over rough stretches, making the TT a worthy weekend getaway car. Drive Select is just a flick away from taking you from comfort settings to a louder and more assertive Dynamic persona.

This car was originally spec’d with the optional 19” wheels with summer use rubber but thoughtful Audi sent this one up with 18”ers wrapped in Dunlop winter tires.

So you won’t find these RS wheels on the options menu, but I could imagine the TT chewing up the snow with a set of these. It’s loud in here with the top up but the TT has the tools to stretch the top down calendar. The neck warmer works brilliantly though a little loud and the heated seats toast the rest of the body. A wind screen further protects you so it’s a pleasant environment. A heated steering wheel though would be welcome addition.

Somewhere along the way it became cool for auto critics to dismiss convertibles but not me. My favorite car memories stem from top down driving, adding to the visceral nature. And this new TT would be such a joy for summer weekends. Its performance level is spot on, it feels light and energetic and the cabin is well insulated from unwanted intrusions. The steering has a super light and accurate touch and Drive Select is on hand to match your mood. I wasn’t sure at first about moving all the cars controls to the screen in front of the driver but the more I use it the more I like it.

The TT Roadster price starts at $47,325 and here with these sweet looking S Sport seats, 19” wheels not shown here, Tech Package and B&O Sound System goes out the door for $54,700. Another fine derivative off the company’s MQB platform, where the TT continues to push the envelope nearly 20 years after its debut.