2008 Audi TT Bottom Line

By  Marty Padgett, Executive Editor

For the original Audi TT coupe and roadster, which made their debut for 2000, their upside-down-bathtub profile, which brought unique Bauhaus and Art Deco-inspired styling, stole the show from the driving experience itself, which was respectable but not class-leading, and the Roadster version looked a little odd in profile with its roof up. For 2008, Audi gives the TT a new look, with more crisply styled sheetmetal for a more masculine outer stance (including the Roadster), a redesigned interior, and dialed-up performance that no longer takes second stage to its fashion statement.

The new TT coupe and roadster come in two different models: a turbocharged four-cylinder model with front-wheel drive, and a V-6 model with quattro all-wheel drive. Between the two, TheCarConnection.com gives our nod to the 2.0T (four-cylinder) model, which has plenty of power for a peppy roadster feel; the V-6 is just a little bit faster and a lot more expensive. Those trapped in traffic-clogged commutes will love the S tronic gearbox that's available with either engine; it functions fine as an automatic, or on a sporty drive, it revs the engine for improved control on downshifts. An available magnetic ride suspension is recommended for driving enthusiasts, as it helps provide even sharper handling responses without sacrificing the ride. Great fuel efficiency is another bonus of the four-cylinder, with figures of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. As is true across the Audi lineup, the interior upstages most of the competition, with a subdued but very upscale feel. An excellent navigation system is available; some might think, however, that Audi's MMI (MultiMedia Interface) screen-driven interface detracts from the back-to-basics feel that many shoppers look for in a roadster.

While many four-seat convertibles and some two-seat roadsters are instead offering retractable hardtop arrangements, the TT remains a soft top. The top used in the Audi TT Roadster is exceptionally tight and shuts out most road and wind noise, and a new wind deflector helps curb turbulence at speed with the top down. Also, the top doesn't cut into trunk space as much as most folding hardtops.

The 2008 Audi TT has not yet been tested by the federal government or by the insurance industry, but the TT comes with anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, plus roll hoops behind the front seats and side airbags that include head-protection extensions.

Taller drivers might find the TT--especially the roadster--tight in headroom, though it's not as pinched as the 350Z's close quarters. Compared with the TT, the 350Z is noisier and rides harder but may provide more of a sportscar feel for enthusiasts. The SLK has a more conservative style, but inside it rivals the TT for comfort, with features such as Airscarf--a boon for top-down driving. The TT Roadster's well-adorned but understated interior trumps all of the competition in appearance, though. The availability of all-wheel drive may also attract those who want more all-weather tractability in a roadster. The Z4 also comes in a high-powered M version, while the SLK has a hot SLK55 AMG variant; both are worth considering if you want more exclusivity and straight-line performance. But for enthusiasts who really enjoy driving above all else, it's hard to cross the Boxster off the list.