Audi TT Roadster arrives

Audi's all-new, third-generation TT Roadster has arrived in dealerships nationally today, priced from $81,500, representing a rise of $8700 over the previous entry-level model.

Audi says the deletion of the previous manual 1.8-litre variant and the adoption of quattro all-wheel drive on all models -- not to mention more standard equipment -- delivers up to $8000 in added value. The importer argues that while the price of admission has increased, it's in response to customer desires.

Two models are available now, the TT Roadster Sport ($81,500 plus on-road costs) and S line ($89,000 plus ORCs), and are fitted as standard with a high-output turbo-petrol engine, six-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic transmission, quattro AWD, power-adjustable leather and Alcantara-clad heated sports seats, a multifunction sports steering wheel and an electrically folding cloth roof.

The roof takes just 10 seconds to open or close fully and can be operated while moving (at speed of up to 50km/h).

Other standard features include a power retractable wind deflector, the latest 'virtual cockpit' instrument panel that displays all infotainment directly in front of the driver, keyless entry and push-button engine starting and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Front and rear parking sensors are also fitted to all models, as are Xenon headlights, LED driving and brake lights, Audi Drive Select, automatic climate-control with in-vent controls, stainless steel pedals, aluminium cabin trim, plus automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.

An eight-speaker, 100-Watt stereo with 10GB of storage, twin SD card slots and a USB port are also included, as is Bluetooth connectivity and electric windows and mirrors. Four airbags and stability control are also in there.

Fork over the extra $7500 for the S line model and larger 19-inch alloy wheels are added, along with sportier front-end design, rear diffuser, side skirts and S line badges. Xenons are swapped for full LED headlights while S sport seats with electro-pneumatic adjustable backrest and side bolsters are fitted.

The steering wheel and gear knob get the S line treatment, plus the stereo is upgraded to a beefier nine-speaker, twin-subwoofer unit with a digital radio tuner.

Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle conceded that sales for the new TT Roadster won't be huge. It's expected to account for around a quarter of TT registrations in this country, but "…the importance of this car can't be underestimated for the brand".

The new TT coupe has sold comparatively strongly in the first six months of 2015 -- up more than 200 per cent to 312 units, or around 50 vehicles per month. That would put the TT Roadster at around 12 to 15 sales per month.

The $80K to $90K price range sees the TT Roadster command a $3550 premium over the coupe, which is a "quite a low surcharge for a convertible," says Peter Strudwicke, Audi Australia's product planner.

Some of the options available on the 2015 TT Roadster include neck-level heaters ($800), various alloy wheels up to 20-inches in diameter, metallic paint ($1400), Matrix LED headlights ($1900 to $4400) and Nappa leather trim ($1400).

There's also a Bang & Olufsen audio package ($1200) that loads a 12-speaker stereo system with LED accent lighting and 680 Watts of acoustic power. Lastly there's an assistance package ($2200) that adds side assist, active lane assist, automatic parking, high beam assist and auto dimming and folding wing mirrors.

The two-seat convertible is offered with just one engine at present -- an upgraded version of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powerplant that delivers more power while using less fuel than before.

With 14kW and 20Nm more herbs, the 2.0 TFSI engine bumps power and torque to 169kW and 370Nm. Launch control is also standard on both variants and helps propel the car to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds – down fom the previous model's 5.9.

Fuel efficiency has also been reduced, from 7.4L/100km to 6.7L/100km.

Despite measuring 21mm shorter than its predecessor, at 4177mm, interior space has been increased for both occupants and luggage, thanks to an extra 37mm between the front and rear axles. Boot space has increased by 30 litres to 280 litres, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed.

The 1320kg Roadster is roughly 90kg heavier than the Coupe but as we discovered in our first local drive of the vehicle, it's a thoroughly engaging sports car.

The iconic TT Roadster is one of the German brand's sportiest drop-tops, sitting above roofless versions of the Audi A3 and A5 and being topped only by the $300,000-plus Audi R8 Cabriolet supercar. It was first revealed at the 2014 Paris motor show in September and the standard TT Roadster will be followed on sale by the higher-output TT S Roadster by October.