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