I could have nicknamed the metallic Tango Red-painted Audi TT Roadster that recently appeared in my driveway "Ma petite cerise," or, "My little cherry."
But the automotive bon-bon has grown up too much since its last incarnation to go by such a silly name.
Redesigned for 2016, the TT is no longer soft and round, and instead has a strong, taut profile that renders it safe for those of us with Y chromosomes.
Up front, a large grille and sharply drawn LED lighting give the vehicle the aura of an upscale street fighter, albeit one who prefers Armani to Under Armour. Like the best convertibles, the Roadster looks as handsome with its top up as with it folded. And, interestingly, the forward portion of the roof has an underlying hard surface, transforming the top when folded into a hard tonneau cover. It folds quickly, is completely automatic and is fully lined.
But the impeccable design doesn't stop at the expertly drawn exterior.
Inside, where those driving TT competitors would face a bewildering number of screens, Audi has expertly combined the instrument cluster and infotainment screen into a single, reconfigurable 12.3-inch display in front of the driver. This makes changing the radio station and using the navigation particularly easy. And since Audi's navigation system incorporates Google Earth photos, getting lost seems a lot less likely.
A large knob in the center console controls the screen. The surface of the knob is also capable of recognizing handwriting, so entering an address into the navigation system doesn't take a lifetime. Shortcut buttons flank the knob, making accessing the audio system or navigation quick and easy while driving.
All of this cleans up the center of the cabin, but the thoughtful design doesn't stop there.
The climate controls are integrated into the three large center vents atop the middle of the instrument panel. This not only tidies the cabin but also lends it an elegant simplicity noticeably lacking in too many interiors. Audi has long been known for its state of the art interior design, and this interior advances the state of the art once again. Bravo.
Both the TT Coupe and Roadster get their power from Volkswagen Group's ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder workhorse, rated at 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That's good for a zero-to-60 mph run of 5.3 seconds in the Coupe and 5.6 seconds in the Roadster. Opting for the TTS Coupe ups those numbers to 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while dropping zero-to-60 times to 4.6 seconds.
All models come equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
When getting going, there is a very brief moment of hesitation before the TT starts to haul. But opting for Dynamic or Sport mode gives the driver more aggressive responses, both off the line and at speed. Power comes on quickly as the transmission shifts with lightning speed, whether manually or in automatic mode, as the engine makes the right noises. The steering is quick and perfectly weighted. When combined with Quattro all-wheel drive, this little cherry's grip is impressive. This not only makes for a great sports car; it makes the TT an ideal four-season car for those in northern climes.
That said, while the car remains flat in corners, there's a price to pay. There's little compliance over poor road surfaces, even for a sporting machine. It's noticeably harsher than the previous model. Amazingly, the TT doesn't use run-flats, which would make the ride worse.
This also means trunk space is meager, as the spare tire gobbles up valuable luggage space. What's left is a vertical slot, so pack lightly for that weekend getaway. Even worse is the lack of storage space behind the seats, so women will have a hard time stashing their purses with both seats occupied. These problems disappear in the Coupe. It has 12 cubic feet of storage space, but alas, the top doesn't go down.
Sometimes, you have to pay a price for fashion.
Opting for a hardtop TT means parting with $43,500. Add an S to the end of its name, and that number jumps to $52,500. Going topless in your TT falls somewhere between the two at $47,000. The test car, which included the optional Technology Package, S Sport Seat Package, 19-inch wheels and Bang & Olufsen sound system totaled $54,700.
Through its updating Audi has made the TT a more seriously sporting machine. While it's no Porsche 718 Boxster, it does seriously challenge the Mercedes-Benz SLC and BMW 228i convertible.
This may be a little cherry, but when it comes to beating its prime competition, the 2016 Audi TT Roadster is no virgin. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
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