AUDI HAS the knack of doing things in instalments in Hong Kong. First, dealers Premium Motors introduced the amazing manual version of the TT. Then, it presented the automatic, which readers voted the South China Morning Post Performance Car of the Year, ahead of Mazda's RX-8. Now, it's brought out a convertible version for the summer. And while several of the marque's fans have experimented with the 3.2-litre TT's new DRG box along Gloucester Road, many Hong Kong enthusiasts could opt for the smaller 1.8-litre soft top as a more affordable quality open-top drive alternative to Mercedes-Benz' new SLKs, Porsche's Boxster or BMW's Z4.
With a seamless turbo and a six-speed tiptronic shift, and costing $433,000, the Audi TT convertible is a match for its rivals. Its smooth-lined exterior is a blend of hi-tech and sports car tradition. Its roof is unbelievably low, yet I find its headroom is adequate - and I'm pretty tall. The cabrio's front quarters are reminiscent of the Bentley GT Coupe, while those in the rear are faintly New Beetle.
Yet, the TT soft top's design is beautiful and sleek, and well within the parameters of a sportscar. The top comes down at the press of a button in 20 seconds, which seems the industry norm these days and fine for Hong Kong. The car's interior is all luxury and comfort superimposed on performance equipment. The driver's seat is super-recaro, with separate sections for each leg muscle, it seems.
There are yards of fine leather, studded with alloy bits to make the drive seem hi-tech, and bare-metal pedals hint of the marque's rallying tradition. The steering wheel is small and frames a clear instrument panel with a prominent speedometer and a tachometer with a redline at 7,000rpm. And what a hot little machine it is, too. With 180 brake-horsepower in a compact, lightweight body, this car packs a serious punch. The Z4 and SLK have a serious rival! Indeed, the more you drive this car, the more level-headed you need to be, as the accelerator is extremely tempting. As we twist and turn through the New Territories, this car is proving an exhilarating drive.
So, we seek new heights, up Fei Ngo Shan. I'm impressed with the feeling of security as we wind up the wet, crumbling track, taking the slope's corners quite fast but in total control. Heading down the other end of Jats Incline, I use the wonderful six-speed tiptronic - for engine braking. If you haven't shifted like this before, it's easier than braking. All you do is touch the buttons on the steering wheel.
Heavy lorry traffic puts me off Anderson Road, so I return to Sai Kung. At a deserted traffic circle, I swing the convertible around several times and note about 10mm of body roll. I then embark on a totally unleashed ride on my personal 'Highway to Heaven', a few kilometres of road that the Highways Department put its heart into - a perfect country road that leads nowhere.
The TT charges into the sweeping turns, surges over cambered hills. Now and then, a house flicks past, but there's no traffic. I hold the steering wheel firmly, my thumbs gently working the tiptronic's twin buttons - shifting to '2' for curves, '3' for straights, and now and then a '4' when three curves could be seen. This drive is heaven. I'm so excited I nearly forget to breathe. After a power turn in the cul-de-sac, I take the convertible back along the deserted again. Isn't love more bliss the second time around?