DRIVEN: Audi's All-New TT RS Roadster Makes A STRONG Case Against The Porsche Boxster S — But Does It SEAL The Deal?

What’s it like to drive?

Firstly, it should be noted that the quality of the cabin is very good indeed with a modern, attractive and minimalist design. Our test car was fitted with the £2600 Dynamic Pack Plus, and at lower speeds there is just enough give in the suspension to give a cushioned and settled ride quality on the optional 20-inch wheels. Without adaptive dampers, however, the RS’s ride can feel quite choppy on the UK’s bumpier roads...

...Unlike both generations of R8 the new TT RS Roadster does more or less read from the very well thumbed Audi dynamic textbook – huge grip and traction, plenty of body control and lots of stability, but gentle understeer beyond the limit and not much by way of excitement – but it does so while feeling lighter on its toes and more agile than ever before.

While the Boxster S remains the more rewarding steer, the new TT RS Roadster will at least raise a smile on a twisting road and with so much straight-line performance the Audi will keep pace with much more expensive machinery.

focal - 11/9/2016 11:26:59 AM

+4 Boost

Now many people drive on a track and not many develop real driving skills. Smash the accelerator and brag about the numbers (price spent and speed).

The "feel" of driving, the skill of driving, the feedback of driving and the enjoyment of driving have changed for most consumers. Give it to me quick, easy and in some near future, have the car autonomous so I can text/tweet and post my latest Instagram while getting to work.

I am a relic when it comes to driving. I'll cling onto my old school cars as long as possible.

Agent00R - 11/9/2016 11:47:49 AM

+6 Boost

Well said, Focal. Personally, I prefer the feel and the engagement but I know that I am a rarity in the millennial segment.

TheSteve - 11/9/2016 12:04:27 PM

+1 Boost

Focal: +1

Admittedly, I'm not a track driver nor a street racer, so track numbers don't mean anything to me. I appreciate beauty, a great "feel," comfort, brisk acceleration (when called upon), great ergonomics, sportiness, reliability, and "reasonable" fuel economy.

Put the TT beside a Boxster, and I'll take the Boxster for it's pure, classic, non-trendy styling.

In my view, if the TT had a VW badge, I'd be saying "Nicely done... for a VW!" But for a car that's in the luxury segment, that styling doesn't say luxury to me.

cidflekken - 11/9/2016 3:21:03 PM

+3 Boost

The Boxster S may be marginally slower than the RS, but I'd easily chose the Boxster S. The TT is just another example of Audi going backwards in their styling execution, both interior and exterior. The minimalist interiors, while adorned with high quality materials, borders on sterile. The exteriors continue to represent overly conservative lines and conflicting curves and angles. From a performance standpoint, the Porsche is just more rewarding to drive.

PUGPROUD - 11/9/2016 7:22:32 PM

0 Boost

No.

MDarringer - 11/9/2016 10:17:27 PM

+2 Boost

I cannot get my head around spending this much money on what is largely a Golf-derived vehicle. I'd prefer the Porsche or a Stingray for the $66K price of admission.