Convertible creates its own place in the sun

Forget the rain; forget the cold. Join DAVID LINKLATER as he tests the glow created by the Audi TT.

It is not exactly the right time to launch an open-top car in New Zealand. And especially not in Auckland, where the Kiwi version of monsoon season has electrically operated hood mechanisms working overtime.

Perhaps local Audi importer European Motor Distributors expects a small ray of sunshine to follow its new TT roadster around the city.

Truth is, the TT has been basking in a rather warm glow since it appeared as a motor show concept in 1995.

It has since become one of the most desirable coupes in the world.

And now, one of the most desirable convertibles.

The TT roadster has been launched in New Zealand with the two engines from the coupe range at a $5000 premium over the tin-top versions.

The $82,900 front-wheel-drive TT roadster produces 132kW from its 1.8-litre, 20-valve turbo four, while the $99,900 quattro model packs a 165kW version of the same engine.

The front-drive car rushes to 100km/h from standstill in 7.7 seconds, while the quattro completes the sprint in just 6.7 seconds.

The TT roadster uses a five-speed manual gearbox, while the quattro version has a six-speed unit driving through a sophisticated Haldex electronic-hydraulic clutch. The same drive system is used in the forthcoming Volkswagen Golf 4Motion.

Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and an electronic differential lock system. The front-drive roadster is also fitted with traction control.

Less is more in the roadster world.

Despite the extra cost, the open-top TT loses the coupe's modest rear seats; the extra room is required to store the electrically operated hood.

The interior has the same high-tech feel as the coupe, with judicious use of aluminium and stainless steel.

The roadster also has storage compartments in a panel behind the seats and the windbreak can be lowered or raised electrically. A more powerful sound system is fitted to the roadster - up from the coupe's 175 watts to 225 watts.

Leather upholstery is standard, but the roadster can also be specified with the "authentic" trim package, which includes thick stitching for the leather seats similar to that used on softball gloves.

The unusual trim was previewed on the concept roadster in 1995 - which was then called TTS - and has gone into production because of popular demand.

Front and side airbags are standard on both models.

Seldom is a convertible as rigid or strong as its hard-top equivalent, but Audi has minimised the gap between TT coupe and roadster by adding extra strength into the door sills, a structural member under the dashboard which connects to the stronger windscreen frame, extra diagonal beams in the front subframe, and a brace between the struts of the MacPherson suspension up front. The twin rollover hoops are also an integral part of the car's structure.

The basic suspension set-up is the same as the TT coupe, although the dampers are 10 per cent softer in the open-top car - ostensibly because roadster buyers are not expected to drive as hard as those choosing the coupe, but also to compensate for the loss in body rigidity compared with the hard-top.