2021 Audi TT Roadster Review: Pleasure-Honed
You may think that a weaker 228-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a compromised structure thanks to its drop-top roof would hurt the 2021 Audi TT Roadster's character as a premium sports car, but you'd be mistaken. It's actually a very fun car to drive, even though it leans more towards being a leisurely top-down cruiser. This third-generation TT is as beautiful, if not more so, than any of the previous generations. And, as with the TT Coupe, the Roadster also boasts an exquisite and contemporary cabin that's loaded with cool tech and upscale materials. The BMW Z4 Roadster is a more proficient and authoritative roadster, but as you'll see from this review, the 2021 Audi TT Roadster has its own unique agenda, and it pulls it off perfectly.
TT Roadster Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 165.0 in | 98.6 in | 53.4 in | 72.1 in | 61.9 in | 61.1 in | 3,395.0 lbs |
TT Roadster Performance
Engine and Transmission
While the TT Coupe is put forward with numerous powertrain options that vary in performance, the TT Roadster is offered with just the one unit that Audi deems suitable to its serene and premium drop-top character. It's a 228-hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gas engine that works with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission to power the quattro all-wheel drive system.
Its 5.5-second 0 to 60 mph sprint time does mean that it's slower than the Coupe variant and the BMW Z4, but the TT Roadster isn't just about speed. Acceleration is still lively from off-the-line but responses get really punchy through the mid-range, which is where the TT's true talents as a luxury cruiser shine through. It's fairly fuel-efficient for a sporty convertible.
TT Roadster Interior
TT Roadster Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Audi TT Roadster A Good car?
The Audi TT Roadster is a genuinely stunning vehicle that bears a lot of the aesthetics that made its predecessors design icons. However, it does don a slightly more contemporary guise than some feel makes it look even more beautiful. The 2-door sports car layout and soft-top only added to its character as a premium, everyday pleasure-mobile. Though the Coupe is offered with stronger powertrains and benefits from a more rigid chassis, the TT isn't meant to be purely performance-focused or competitive. In fact, the 228-hp four-pot actually feels perfect for the Roadster as , in general, it feels like more of a sophisticated and luxurious car rather than a track demon. Its cabin definitely reflects this philosophy with modern design cues, plenty of comfort features, and more space than you'd expect from a drop-top. We do feel that Audi could have thrown in a few more driver assists, though. Even with its $53,900 price tag, the 2021 Audi TT Roadster is very much worth the money.
What Audi TT Roadster Model Should I Buy?
Audi presents the 2021 TT Roadster as a standalone model in the USA, so the only choice you really get is which optional packages you'd like. In this regard, we'd recommend the S-Line Competition package which equips the TT with black roll bars, Alcantara/leather seat upholstery with contrast diamond stitching, an S-Line sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, and a blacked-out exhaust outlet. This upgrade endows the TT Roadster with some serious street cred but it does come at the drawback of a slightly firmer ride.