The TTS Roadster's roadholding prowess is phenomenal. Nothing short of driving it with a concussion will unsettle it. That of course is a function of another big difference between this Roadster and the less expensive version: all-wheel-drive. Or as Audi says: quattro.
Like the TTS Coupe, the car sounds wonderful. Its soulful, bassy exhaust note is punctuated ever so often with deep- throated throttle-blipping when the car downshifts. It is almost unbelievable that a four-cylinder machine can sound so good.
And you know what? Flipping the canvas canopy brings the music so much closer to you. That, as well as the wind in your hair, is why the TTS Roadster is more engaging than the Coupe.
Its automatic roof is a one-touch affair and goes up and down in 12 seconds flat. More impressively, it operates smoothly and noiselessly.
| AUDI TTS ROADSTER 2.0 QUATTRO |
Engine: 1,984cc 16-valve inline-4 turbo
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with paddle shift
Power: 272bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque:350Nm at 2,500-5,000rpm
0-100 kmh: 5.4 seconds
Top speed: 250kmh (electronically limited)
Fuel consumption: 8 litres/100km (city-highway)
Price: $230,000 with COE
Distributor: Premium Automobiles
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The other nice thing about the Roadster is its upholstery. The tan nappa leather with saddle seam pattern goes well with the fabric roof and the outdoorsy feel of the car.
Admittedly, with the TTS Roadster, you can't quite have your cake and eat it. But who can think of confectionery when you are having such a blast?
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 8, 2008.
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