UK Drive: A refresh brings zest to the Audi TT S Roadster
The TT S is one of the more potent models in the line-up of Audi roadsters, but what does it drive like? Jack Evans finds out
What is it?
We’ve already tested the TT in basic form, but now we’re getting behind the wheel of the more powerful, sharpened TT S version. This third-generation car has been pitched against the mighty Porsche 718 Cayman, a car which, despite criticism for its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, has been famed for its driver involvement and excellent balance.
But can it take on one of Stuttgart’s finest, and can it be worthy of a sizeable £45,000 base price?
What’s new?
The TT S sits in the middle of the range, above the base car but underneath the more powerful TT RS. It means it gets plenty of on-board equipment, and this TT S Roadster also gets a convertible top for exploiting all of Britain’s traditionally excellent weather. A smattering of TT S badges help to separate this from ‘regular’ models, as does a three-dimensional diffuser sat in the middle of four chromed exhaust pipes.
Newly designed 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels are a new addition to the car too, though our test vehicle road on far larger 20-inch versions.
What’s under the bonnet?
The TT S uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine sending drive to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro system. It produces 302bhp and a hefty 400Nm of torque, meaning it’ll hit 60mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, before cracking a 155mph top speed. Despite this impressive turn of pace, Audi claims that it’ll still return up to 34.4mpg combined, while emitting a respectable 165g/km CO2.
It’s a boatload amount of performance from what is still a relatively compact engine, and that all-wheel-drive layout endows the TT S will plenty of traction, in conditions which would happily upset a rear-driven sports car. Plus, the smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox gives the TT S better credentials when it comes to longer, cross-country jaunts.
What’s it like to drive?
The TT S feels much like any other TT to drive initially; remarkably easy. The steering is light, and the engine note doesn’t give too much of an indication as to the performance on offer, either. The low-speed ride sits on the too-firm side of things, and you find yourself bracing whenever a pothole is about to go under the front wheels. There’s definitely cause to soften the suspension off here.
However, you can’t deny how quick it is. The throttle response is sharp once you’re up and running (it can be a touch hesitant at lower speeds), and there’s a deep well of torque at your disposal at nearly every opportunity. The exhaust does crackle into life, but it’s not the most characterful around.
How does it look?
The TT S’ variety of styling tweaks over the standard car help it to look even more dynamic out on the road. It still sits quite square – with the wheels pushed right out to the corners – but this gives it a squat, purposeful look. The large grille up front is hard to miss, too.
Though the 20-inch wheels do bulk up the car’s looks, we be hard pressed to recommend them – dropping a size would arguably do wonders for the ride and would certainly improve the car’s low-speed ride.
Our test car also came with optional Matrix LED headlights — costing £945 extra — which, as well as providing better illumination, do give the front end of the car even more presence on the road.
What’s it like inside?
The interior of the TT S is classically Audi; well-built, well-finished and, well, a touch sterile. Everything is located just where you’d want it, and the level of fit-and-finish throughout the cabin is top-notch – it just isn’t all that exciting.
However, given the TT S’ drop-top nature, it is very well accomplished at keeping the interior warm, therefore allowing you to recline the roof more often – particularly in the UK. The heated seats are a welcome touch (and a standard one), while the optional head-level heating vents which waft warm air down both the driver and passenger’s backs are excellent and worth the £450 extra. The wind deflector fitted to our car – another £450 option – also meant that the cabin was far less blustery than you’d expect.
What’s the spec like?
The TT S gets plenty of equipment fitted as standard, which means you shouldn’t have to go too wild with the optional extras to make it well equipped. There are only two spec options – regular TT S and Black Edition – with the latter providing a range of black-coloured elements and a ‘look at me’ fixed rear wing. In truth, we’d stick to the standard car – it’s got more than enough equipment for most people.
Audi’s full Virtual Cockpit system is a standard-fit feature, and it’s one of the best in the business. Clear, easy to read and simple to control, it does mean that you don’t miss having a central display.
A full navigation system comes included too, and its high-detail mapping is really rather good. Apple CarPlay is included as well, and though it is helpful to have the full integration of a smartphone available it isn’t easy to control – it’s a system far better suited to a touchscreen rather than a rotary-dial controlled display.
Verdict
The TT S will appeal to those who like the idea of a standard TT but fancied something with a little more punch to go with it. It’s fast, make no mistake about that, but the firm ride and relatively lifeless steering do mean you don’t feel as integrated with it as you do in rival offerings.
Excellent build quality and plenty of standard equipment do help its appeal further, while the drop-top will no doubt play those who want a wind-in-your-hair experience – and the excellent in-car heating means it can be used more of the time, too.
