Haute shots: 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Roadster

The second version of this Bauhaus beauty is finally a real driver

Jay Binneweg | The New Mexican

7/9/2008 - 7/10/08

The original TT was a design tour de force that rocketed Audi onto buyers' radars by the strength of its strikingly pure lines — which foreshadowed the brand's sleek new look. Technically, it wasn't much of a sports car: Relatively heavy and numb, it preferred downtown cruising over backroad strafing.

No matter, it was a hit. But when it came time for a new version, Audi chose to lightly evolve the styling and focus its efforts under the skin, where the TT is still based on bits from Volkswagen's mass-market Golf, though now on the latest generation. The result loses some of the original's adorably perfect sculpting inside and out but gains real presence when you decide to lash out at the road in anger.

The TT is still front-drive when you choose the turbocharged 200-horsepower 2.0-liter four, but quattro all-wheel drive helps translate the power from the snarling optional 250-horse 3.2-liter V-6 to the road. How I do just love the idea of an AWD roadster — style and confidence available all year round. And I'd choose the 3.2-liter car if only to get the option of forgoing VW's revolutionary DSG sequential-automatic gearbox, which Audi calls S tronic and comes standard with the four-cylinder.

Now, don't get my wrong, this system is wonderful — immediate shifts through the console lever or paddles mounted to the steering wheel — and its action when left in Drive is beautifully smooth around town and, actually, in most driving situations. But it is slow off the line, leaving you waiting for the inevitable rush and the glorious grumble the six makes at full wail, and that lack of commitment dulls the engine's exciting edge.

With a good stick, I bet I'd would have more fun in the TT, though weighing occasional fun over everyday ease is a choice you'll have to make for yourself.

Inside there's good room for two — even for larger people — and the trunk is surprisingly spacious for such a small roadster. Controls are universally simple and straight-forward, and design and materials are typical of the well-tailored Audi experience.

So the TT has grown up, trading some of its once-in-a-lifetime perfect looks for a more mature ability to relate to the road. Add in unassuming comfort and AWD confidence, and the TT is ready to take on all comers. As with the best of beauties, age and experience have taught the TT it doesn't have to survive on looks alone.

Then again, for what the TT costs — $51,225 as tested — I can't help but think I'd have a heck of a lot more fun in one of Pontiac's turbocharged Solstice GXPs, trunk or no trunk.