Vehicle: 2009 Audi TT-S Roadster
Price as tested: CDN$61900

Performance: Unlike regular TT with S-Line sports package, the TT-S received a modified version of Audi’s award-winning 2.0 liter turbocharged DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. The upgrades of all the cams, exhaust and ECU have upgraded the base powertrain’s 200 to 265 ponies in the S. This 265hp TT-S has to be the most powerful TT currently available, until the amazing 350hp TT-RS arrives. The addition of 65 over the standard 2.0T and 15 over 3.2 really have made a whole world of difference in TT’s world. Both the acceleration and throttle response are much more tactile to driver’s input. What’s the most impressive aspect of the upgraded motors, unlike some other upgraded turbocharged engines, is the lack of turbo lag. The turbo spools up instantly at 2000rpm. That means this turbo-4 has the performance of a V6 without sacificing the fuel economy benefit of a typical 4 banger. Both the mid and top ranges are equally impressive when pushed up the rpm, thanks to the variable valve timing on the cams assist the engine breathing. Audi’s renowed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox is the only transmission standard on the TT-S. This has to be the world’s fastest response gearbox ever. As it automatically engages the next gear whenever the driver starts to shift. Not only does it have proper paddle shifters on the steering wheel, it also have both regular “D” for normal cruising and “S” for enthuisastic driving. “S” would make upshift at higher rpm for more spirited drive. Best of all, driver can override both “D” and “S” from the paddle shifters whenever there is an urge to up and downshifts. This is the driver’s gearbox in a proper driver’s car. If there is only drawback, however, its the turbo-4 still sounds like a turbo-4. Whenever it has the performance of a 6, it doesn’t have the aura engine note of any of TT-S peers’ 6 bangers. What a pity.

Handling: The current iteration of TT already handled very much like a sports car even in base form. Take the rock-solid chassis with recalibrated suspension and Audi magentic ride, the result is the best handling TT ever. The TT-S is equally capable on the track as it is on the road. On the track, despite some understeer exhibited when pushed hard due to Haldex Quattro’s front-wheel-drive bias setting. The rest of the dynamic package is simply a delight. The cornering is flat and controllable. The Haldex Quattro AWD, despite of its front-wheel-drive bias which won’t activate the AWD until it detects slippage, actually works exceptionally well with ESP. It allows for a higher cornering limits before the elctronic nannies start to get into driver’s way. It acts as a first level of safety bracket before ESP steps in. On the other hand, the recalibrated suspension and Audi magentic ride have provided a supple yet compliant ride, without losing all the sporty driving characteristics of Audi’s S-Series. Steering, as expected, is both sharp and provide excellent feedback. On our roadster tester, its completely free of anything called cowl shakes, which is so commonly known in convertible’s world if the body structure flex and crack.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, TT-S’s braking prowess certainly match with the rest of the dynamic package. The stopping distance is short, while pedal feel is both solid and easily modulated. The real bonus is ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Unlike so many of TT-S’s hardtop competitions, it actually got decent amount of trunk space with the roof down. There are more than enough space for 2 persons on a weekend getaway, with shopping spree to boot, when coming home. This is really refreshing from what have become an annoying norm in the industry.

The rest of the interior is typical Audi TT. That means artistic interior design with class-leading use of leather and plastic materials. Everything else from the dashboard and door panels are covered in superb plastic. The sports seats are simply excellent, with great thigh and back support.

Conclusion: If you love the original TT, you can certainly be sure you will love this TT-S even more. It got top-notch performance, despite the lack of a 6 cylinder, it handles exceptionally well, all wrap up in an iconic exterior. The bottom line? This is the best TT ever!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Audi TT-S Roadster
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5