Audi TTS is an executive go-kart

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The TTS is, as it name implies, the white-hot S version of Ingolstadt's finest and you can take your pick between a normal hard-top or a fold-down canvas model.

Our test car was the soft topper that turns into a blue skies executive go-kart at the flick of switch.

In terms of looks Audi hasn't tried to re-invent the wheel. The TTS looks much the same as the rest of the six-model TT range, but look a little closer and you will spot the special 18-inch aluminium wheels, newly designed bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and a more aggressive grille and front apron.

Additionally, wider and deeper side sills, a chunky rear bumper, a platinum grey rear diffuser and gleaming aluminium mirror housings also set the TTS apart.

The cabin furnishings include drilled metal pedals, wrap-around sports seats, grey instrument dials with white needles (that swing into life when you turn on the ignition) and even a timer for recording lap times on the race track.

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And then, of course, the most brag-worthy of all - Audi's revered red-backed S badges on the grille and stubby bum.

The standard TT range offers the choice of 2.0-litre or 3.2-litre engines, with or without Quattro at prices of between R390,000 and R527,500.

The TTS Roadster is only available in 2,0-litre format and weighs in at a credit card-melting R563,000. But then the TTS plays in the exulted company of some very hot metal like the Porsche Boxster 2.7, BMW 135 Convertible, Honda S2000, Lotus Elise SC, Nissan 350Z Roadster and Merc's SLK 350.

Wedged into the TTS' engine space is a fine-tuned 2,0-litre force-fed turbocharged FSI engine that thunders out 195kW and 350Nm which converts into 0-100km/h in about 5.6 seconds and a top speed governed at 250km/h.

But not only is this the TT with the most Viagra, it also has the built-in benefit of Audi's superior all-wheel drive, race-track honed suspension, slick 6-speed manual gearbox, a light body to give it spectacular handling and brick wall ventilated disc brakes all round, which will slam it to a halt from 100km/h in about 2.8 seconds.

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And the amazing thing is that it even when driven to the limit it behaves impeccably and without causing any outbreak of sweaty palms or white knuckles.

It seems to thrive under punishment and the deep gravel growl from the engine and exhaust just begs for more of the same.

It's been a long time since I have driven a car that feels more glued to the road than the TTS, perfect for track days and well worth jumping out of bed for at sunrise on a Sunday to go blitzing along the coast down to Hermanus.

The steering is nice and neutral and you have to really thrash it hard for the understeer to come into play but you probably will never get to that stage on a public road.

The thrilling combination of incredibly sharp brakes, flick-flick gearbox and mind-boggling cling certainly puts the TTS in a class all of its own.

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But in spite of its naughty streak, it wasn't put on earth just to make speed cameras earn their keep.

It might be highly pedigreed and fine-tuned but there is nothing jumpy or twitchy about the TTS. Driven sedately about town it is a docile little beast, happy to purr along and bask in the glow of admiring glances.

And it really is an easy car to drive. No sweat to get in and out of, a boot that has more space than most sports cars, comfortable and classy seats, it's light and easy to park and is equipped with electric windows, a press button fold down top, a lovely sound system, remote central locking and a long list of safety features such as airbags, ASP, ABS, EBD, ASR and EDL all add up to RFDE (Real Fantastic Driving Experience).

Included in the purchase price are a one-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty and a five-year/100,000km freeway plan.

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The TT was launched in South Africa in September 2000 and to date 3,639 new TT models have been sold in this country (505 last year and 65 in the first quarter of 2009).

As roadsters go, the TT is top of the popularity log, and in the case of the TTS Roadster, it really is only its blistering price that distracts from it from being the shiniest two-seater jewel in Audi's four-ring crown.