2018 Audi TT

Audi TT Roadster has come a long way from being considered the least engaging convertible to one of the most fun to drive. It competes with the likes of the BMW 230i convertible, Jaguar F-type convertible, and the Mercedes-Benz C300 convertible.

2018 Audi TT roadster has only one trim to offer that retails at $47,450. It is powered by 2.0-Liter TFSI 4-cylinder engine that makes 220 horses and delivers 258-pound feet of torque from 1,750 rpm. Transmission is a 6-speed dual clutch S tronic which offers the best of both worlds, the manual and automatic.

Trim	TT Roadster
MSRP	$47,450
Key Features	Summer performance tires LED headlights Heated auto-dimming mirrors Front and rear parking sensors Automatic wipers Power-deployed rear spoiler Keyless ignition and entry Selectable drive modes and adaptive steering Automatic climate control Virtual instrument panel Leather and simulated suede upholstery Power-adjustable front seats with heating  Folding rear seats Audi's MMI infotainment system

Audi TT comes standard features such as 12.3-inch Audi Virtual cockpit, MMI touch with handwriting recognition, HD Radio technology, Bluetooth, rear view camera, parking system plus, heated front leather seats, automatic climate control, ambient LED interior lighting and many more.

Some of the optional packages that are available with the stylish roadster are technology pack which includes MMI navigation plus, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bang & Olufsen Sound system. Then, you have S Line competition that gets you all sporty trims of the S model.

Our recommendation

The only trim available is this 2.0L TFSI engine with Quattro technology. It is fun to drive and looks fantastic. Buy it and experience the thrill of this piece of Audi history!

"The 2018 Audi TT isn't a pure driver's car, but all-wheel drive, fun-to-drive dynamics, and decent fuel economy make it a practical choice for sporty fun"- The Car Connection

Engine and Transmission

2018 Audi TT Roadster is powered by 2.0-Liter Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) 4-cylinder engine that makes 220 horses and delivers 258-pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm. Transmission is a 6-speed dual clutch S tronic which has quick response while changing gears and offers the comfort of an automatic and also allows you to drive in manual.

Models	Audi TT Roadster	BMW 230I Convertible	Jaguar F-Type Convertible	Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Cabriolet
MSRP	$47,450	$40,750	$63,850	$53,200
Engine	2.0 TFSI 4 Cylinder	2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder	2.0L i4 Turbocharged	2.0L Intercooled Turbo I-4
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	9-speed automatic
Horsepower	220 hp	248 hp	296 hp	241hp @ 5,550 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	295 lb-ft	273 lb.-ft. @ 1,300 rpm

In comparison, all of the rivals have 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder engines but their power and torque figures are completely different. Jaguar F-type generates 296 horses and 295-pound feet of torque which is the highest. BMW 230i comes in second with 248 horses but in torque figures, Mercedes is better at 273-pound feet of torque. Audi TT has the least power but comparable torque to the BMW. In terms of transmission, Mercedes with 9 gears is better than Audi, BMW and Jaguar. Price is another different story, BMW 230i is the cheapest of the lot at $40,750 while Jaguar is the most expensive at $63,850. Audi and Mercedes fall in between these two at $47,450 and $53,200 respectively.

Acceleration

Audi TT Roadster is super quick when it comes to acceleration. It is not that powerful, but the delivery is pretty insane. It does 0-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds and clears the quarter mile in 13.9 seconds.

Models	Audi TT Roadster	BMW 230I Convertible	Jaguar F-Type Convertible	Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Cabriolet
0-60 MPH	5.6 sec	5.6	5.4 sec	6.3 sec
Quarter mile	13.9 sec	14.6 sec	14.1 sec	14.6 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission   (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.8	6.6	6.8	7.1

In comparison, Jaguar is faster by 0.2 seconds from Audi and BMW at 5.4 seconds and 0.9 seconds than Mercedes which clocks in at 6.3 second. Audi is the quickest in the quarter mile, Jaguar comes in second at 14.1 seconds, BMW and Mercedes tie with the time of 14.6 seconds.

Handling and Steering

2018 Audi TT Roadster is a little heavy than coupe counterpart. It is not the sharpest driving convertibles on the market, but it still does better. The steering feels responsive whenever you throw it in the corners and the amount of grip that it offers makes the drive truly entertaining.

The ride is on the comfort side and not too harsh but when you get the optional S line package, it does make a difference to the car. Body movement is well contained and the quattro all-wheel drive system offers stability, traction and precise driving.

Braking

2018 Audi TT roadster comes standard with 12.3-inch front ventilated discs and 11.8-inch disc at the rear. The weight of the convertible is 3373 pounds and does a really good job in stopping from 60-0MPH in 103 feet.

Model	Audi TT Roadster	BMW 230I Convertible	Jaguar F-Type Convertible	Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Cabriolet
Brake Front (in.)	12.3	12.3	14.0	13
Brake Rear (in.)	11.8	11.4	12.8	11.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3373	3680	3405	3957
60-0 MPH (ft.)	103	106	112	109

In comparison, Jaguar has bigger disc by sizes ie; 14 inches in the front and 12.8 inches. Mercedes has 13-inch front discs which are better than Audi and BMW. In terms of weight, Mercedes is the heaviest at 3957 pounds, BMW comes in second at 3680 pounds and Jaguar is third at 3405 pounds. In terms of stopping distance, Audi is the best at 103 feet because of the lightweight design. Jaguar is the last in stopping distance at 112 feet despite having the biggest brakes in comparison.

2018 Audi TT roadster has a 2.0-Liter engine that delivers great performance combined with good fuel economy. It gives 23 MPG in city driving cycle, 30 MPG in highway driving and 26 MPG in both cycles combined thanks to its dual clutch 6-speed transmission.

Model	Audi TT Roadster	BMW 230I Convertible	Jaguar F-Type Convertible	Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Cabriolet
MPG (city)	23	23	23	22
MPG (highway)	30	34	30	29
MPG (combined)	26	27	26	25

In comparison, BMW 230i offers the best fuel economy. 23 MPG in city, 34 MPG on the highway and 27 MPG in combined driving cycles. This is all achieved via the 8-speed automatic transmission. Jaguar and Audi are equal in terms of fuel economy figures which is surprising as Jaguar has 8 gears and Audi has 6. Mercedes is not that fuel efficient thanks to its heavy weight.

"Audi's Virtual Cockpit combines the infotainment screen and gauge cluster into one screen in front of the driver. While this occupies the main stage, the climate controls complete the modern interior look, integrating seamlessly into the air vent bezels on the center of the dash"- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The fabric roof has led to the removable of unusable rear seats. There is plenty of space in the front for the driver and passenger. You get 36.6 inches of Headroom, 53.6 inches of shoulder room and 41.1 inches legroom.

Model	Audi TT Roadster	BMW 230I Convertible	Jaguar F-Type Convertible	Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Cabriolet
Passenger capacity	2	4	2	4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.6/53.6/41.1	40.5/54.5/41.5	37.0/56.5/42.8	38.8/54.8/42
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	N/A	37/42.2/31.8	N/A	35.6/51.7/32

In comparison, Jaguar has better shoulder room and legroom in the front at 56.5 inches and 42.8 inches respectively. BMW has the best front headroom to offer at 40.5 inches. At the back however, BMW offers really good headroom of 37 inches but Mercedes has better shoulder room of 51.7 inches.

Infotainment

Audi TT roadster gets a large 12.3-inch digital display that is called Virtual cockpit in which the driver can swap traditional dials and multimedia display by the press of one button. It not helps in concentrating the on the roads more than on the console but also removes the excess buttons from the dashboard. Upgrading to the optional technology pack gives you navigation plus feature which translates your virtual cockpit into an all-out map page.

Cargo Space

Convertibles are the most least practical cars on the market to buy but still they have some space. Audi TT roadster has 7.5 cu ft of volume. It does have less space than the coupe counterpart but due to folding roof, it has large floor space.

Model	Audi TT Roadster	BMW 230I Convertible	Jaguar F-Type Convertible	Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Cabriolet
Trunk Volume (ft.3)	7.5	11.8	7.3	8.8

Against the competition, Audi TT doesn't fare that well. Jaguar has the least space at 7.3 cu ft. BMW 230i however, has the best boot space at 11.8 cu ft. Mercedes Benz offers 8.8 cu ft of space which is a bit of a surprise because it has the largest wheelbase which should add to practicality, but it doesn't.

"The original Audi TT from the late 1990s sported an iconic Bauhaus design, but Audi has avoided the trap of trying to retain the look of the original. The TT has evolved, and it still looks appropriately sporty and handsome" TheCar Connection

2018 Audi TT roadster is a stylish sports car and it shouldn't be put off by the fact that it has a reputation of being driven by people who work in a certain profession (mainly women) but it looks sharper and is more masculine. When you look at it, it does have that IT factor to it.

It sorts of looks angry from the front but the wide grin on the front bumper makes it look devilish. It's low centre gravity is good, which actually aid in handling and cuts through the wind like a precision blade. At the back, it's pretty neatly designed, and the black rooftop complements with whichever colour you buy.

Dimensions and Weight

2018 Audi TT Roadster is 164.7 inches in length and 72.1 inches in width with side mirrors retracted. Ground clearance is 5.4 inches which is good at clearing road undulations. Wheelbase is 98.6 inches Height is low at 53.2 that gives it the sports stance to throw into corners and glide your way out of it.

Model	Audi TT Roadster	BMW 230I Convertible	Jaguar F-Type Convertible	Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Cabriolet
Curb weight (lbs.)	3373	3680	3405	3,957
Length(in)	164.7	174.7	176.5	184.5
Width(in)	72.1	69.8	75.7	71.3
Height(in)	53.2	55.6	51.3	55.3
Ground clearance (in)	5.4	5.5	4.0	5.1
Wheelbase (in)	98.6	105.9	103.2	111.8
Track width (in) F/R	61.9/61.1	59.9/61.1	62.9/64.9	61.5/60.9

In comparison, Mercedes Benz is longest at 184.5 inches, Jaguar is the widest at 75.7 inches and BMW is the tallest at 55.6 inches. Ground clearance in BMW and Audi is the best at 5.5 inches and 5.1 inches respectively. Jaguar, on the other hand, has a very low ground clearance of 4 inches. Wheelbase is pretty good in Mercedes Benz at 111.8 inches which helps the rear passengers to breathe in space. Others, however, are predominantly 2 seaters.

Exterior Features

• Full LED headlights
• LED taillights with dynamic turn signals
• Dual exhaust outlets
• Adaptive rear spoiler

Audi TT roadster has an extensive list of safety features such as: -

• Driver adaptive and front-passenger dual-stage airbags
• Driver and front-passenger head/thorax side airbags
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)
• Safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger
• Electromechanical parking brake
• Active rollover protection system

NHTSA and IIHS ratings is not available for Audi TT Roadster.

BMW 230i Convertible vs Audi TT Roadster

It is definitely a tough fight between these two as they both are stylish inside out. But 230i also adds 2 specific things that Audi TT lacks; a large boot space and better fuel economy. These 2 things and the added benefit that it costs less than Audi makes it even a stronger proposition when looking at the two. Also, BMW gives you the driving enjoyment and the outright performance that Audi doesn't give.

Mercedes Benz C300 4MATIC Cabriolet vs Audi TT Roadster

C300 cabriolet is a stylish drop-top that's very comfortable, offers an immense amount of luxury in the interior and comes with an exhaustive list of safety equipment. But all this comes at a price and it's $6000 dearer than the Audi TT roadster. The looks are absolutely stunning thanks to Mercedes Benz new design language. The interior is also posh when compared to the Audi. It has more power and has more space inside the cabin than TT but price might make you think twice about it. Overall, really a good bet.

Jaguar F-Type Convertible vs Audi TT Roadster

F-type is one the best looking and performance sports cars that Jaguar has to offer. But when compared, in the performance it's a complete winner but on the other fronts like space, practicality, price etc. it does feel an expensive kit to buy. Easily one of the very good performance sports cars with a 4-cylinder engine but too expensive against the rivals.

Audi TT roadster puts a strong fight against the other rivals in the segment. If you take out practicality out of the way, there is very little that you can criticize about this sports car. It looks fantastic and is super fun to drive. The optional packages make it look even more premium and the infotainment is really a gem. You don't buy this kind of car for its space, you buy it for it exterior appeal, quality craftsmanship, and the performance and this is where it ticks all the boxes.