There's nothing better than being out in the elements while still being in a car - the wind in your hair, the sun on your face and the smell of nature.
That's also why a convertible owner or enthusiast will look for opportunities or excuses to drive. After all, a beautiful day can be amplified and a bad day can be converted into a good one with a nice drive in a drop-top.
First introduced in 1999, the Audi TT Roadster became an instant style icon. Two generations later, the third iteration of the popular roadster is back to refine that impressive formula.
Exterior
Measuring 4,177mm long, 1,832mm wide and 1,355mm tall, the new TT Roadster is 10mm narrower and 21mm lower as compared to its predecessor, allowing the former to have a more powerful on-road stance.
This said stance is made more aggressive with a redesigned sheet metal that is slightly more chiselled and angular with the four rings moved to the hood (R8-style) - allowing the car to look more macho than the first two generations of the TT.
Unlike most of its rivals, Audi has retained the use of a fabric roof rather than a complex folding hard-top. The three-layered soft hood is neater than ever. While the Roadster looks smart with the top up, it takes on a whole new look with it folded. The large roll-over hoops give the appearance some extra flamboyance.
The rear of the TT Roadster looks wider now, thanks to the third brake light spanning the entire width of the vehicle, connecting the tail lamps that feature Audi's cool dynamic turn signal lights.
Interior
Unlike most of the Audi models, there is no centrally mounted screen inside the TT Roadster. Instead, the dashboard is slanted towards the pilot. Just aft of the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch high-contrast TFT display also known as the Audi virtual cockpit - first seen in the TT Coupe.
What is so cool about this virtual cockpit is that it boasts impressive luminous intensity of 800 candelas. More relevantly, the challenge of reflections is also addressed by tilting the upper edge of the virtual cockpit towards the driver.
Unlike most of the Audi models, there is no centrally mounted screen inside the TT Roadster. Instead, the dashboard is slanted towards the pilot. Just aft of the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch high-contrast TFT display also known as the Audi virtual cockpit - first seen in the TT Coupe.
What is so cool about this virtual cockpit is that it boasts impressive luminous intensity of 800 candelas. More relevantly, the challenge of reflections is also addressed by tilting the upper edge of the virtual cockpit towards the driver.
In addition, its powerful Nvidia graphics processor allows the sweeping movement of the digital needles across the speedometer and tachometer to look as natural as a traditional analogue movement.
With an increased wheelbase of 37mm over its predecessor, the TT Roadster offers more flexibility and space for occupants to conveniently adjust the slim S sports seats that hold them snugly.
The Drive
Under the bonnet of the TT Roadster is a 2.0-litre TFSI engine that supplies 230bhp and 370Nm of torque. Although we detected a little bit of turbo lag, the engine is strong even from low revs and delivers power in an impressively linear fashion, thanks to smooth gear cogs supplied by the clever six-speed S-tronic transmission.
As a result, the wonderful pair accelerates the car from standstill to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, just 0.3 seconds slower than its coupe equivalent. But more importantly, the effortless responses to any input from the driver either on or off the highway are very much commendable.
We drove the TT Roadster on some scenic but challenging roads in Mallorca and that meant that the car was allowed to showcase its newfound sports car credentials.
The level of engagement is enhanced by a sharp and talkative steering, incredibly tight body control and accurate controls that give the driver enough confidence to throw the car from corner to corner. Over bumps and ruts, the Audi delivers a level of composure that its occupants will definitely enjoy.
Under the bonnet of the TT Roadster is a 2.0-litre TFSI engine that supplies 230bhp and 370Nm of torque. Although we detected a little bit of turbo lag, the engine is strong even from low revs and delivers power in an impressively linear fashion, thanks to smooth gear cogs supplied by the clever six-speed S-tronic transmission.
As a result, the wonderful pair accelerates the car from standstill to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, just 0.3 seconds slower than its coupe equivalent. But more importantly, the effortless responses to any input from the driver either on or off the highway are very much commendable.
We drove the TT Roadster on some scenic but challenging roads in Mallorca and that meant that the car was allowed to showcase its newfound sports car credentials.
The level of engagement is enhanced by a sharp and talkative steering, incredibly tight body control and accurate controls that give the driver enough confidence to throw the car from corner to corner. Over bumps and ruts, the Audi delivers a level of composure that its occupants will definitely enjoy.
More notably, the car's compact dimensions and great driving position make it as unintimidating to drive as a hatchback, which is perfect for an urbanised landscape like Singapore.
Where the roadster really excels, though, is more of the grown-up stuff. With the roof up, the refinement is decent and better than its predecessor. Vice versa, the sounds of nature as well as the well-tuned purposeful exhaust note come standard with open-top driving that can be done in 10 seconds and at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Conclusion
Slated to arrive in the third quarter of this year, the new Audi TT Roadster is great to look at, a pleasure to travel in and better to drive than its predecessors. Its zesty drivetrain and fluid responses will provide the fun when needed and be easy going the rest of the time.
Now if you would excuse us, we would like to go for another round in the car.
