Audi TT.(Roadsters - Road Test)(Evaluation)

The TT is an artfully designed car with a well-crafted interior. It accelerates quickly and handles securely, and is the only car of the group to offer all-wheel drive. However, its ride is stiff and the least comfortable of these five cars, and there is a lot of cabin noise. Priced at about $42,000, the TT is one of the least-expensive cars here.

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The TT handles neatly most of the time, but the body leans in hard turns. The steering is quick and well weighted. All-wheel drive helps traction on slick surfaces. Driven fast at our track, the TT proved predictable and secure, but not as sporty as the Corvette or Boxster. When pressed beyond its limits, it tended to plow--lose grip at the front wheels--a bit earlier than the others. But the TT acquitted itself well in our avoidance-maneuver test.

Ride comfort is compromised by the stiff suspension, which makes the car jiggly and nervous on smooth roads and almost jarring on rough pavement. Road, wind, and engine noise are loud enough to drown out conversation.

The 225-hp, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers lively performance. Expect 22 mpg in mixed driving on premium fuel. The six-speed manual transmission has well-chosen ratios but has a shifter that feels vague. An automatic is not offered. The base trim level has a 180-hp version of the 1.8-liter Four coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. Braking performance was excellent overall.

INSIDE THE CABIN

Our tall drivers felt cramped, while our five-footer felt she was sitting too low for comfort. Long clutch-pedal travel forced some drivers to sit closer to the wheel than they liked. With the top up, visibility is poor, with large blind spots. However, the glass rear window provides clearer visibility than the Boxster's plastic window. The seat is firm and well shaped, but getting in and out of the car takes dexterity.