Test drive Audi TTS Roadster, BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK, Porsche Boxster S: Solar energy

Textbook-style proportions, skillfully integrated into the overall style of a retractable metal roof and an exclusive bi-turbo engine with more than 300 horsepower - the BMW Z4 is a dream come true for many car enthusiasts. First comparison with Audi TTS Roadster, Mercedes SLK and Porsche Boxster S.

Sometimes even red traffic lights have their advantages. Convertible owners, for example, can take advantage of precious seconds: remove the roof, put on sunglasses, take a deep breath, and the world is already taking on new colors. The chances of making life more enjoyable are even greater when you see the infinitely long front cover of the BMW Z4 in front of you. Although the predecessor of this model had every reason for high self-esteem with its silhouette of a classic roadster, in the new generation the length increased by another 15 centimeters, and the feeling when looking through the windshield is almost like an immortal. jaguar Electronic type. Until recently, a compact aluminum helmet replaced the textile cap, so we have a full-fledged symbiosis of a coupe and a convertible. However, the increase in external dimensions and the addition of a rigid sliding roof significantly affected the weight, which in the test sample is equal to an impressive 1620 kilograms.

Transformations

The two-piece design with a large rear window not only improves visibility, but also gives the driver a sense of security and protects the cab from vandalism – all arguments that cannot be rebutted. So it's easy to swallow the fact that the spectacular striptease of the car lasts 20 seconds (twice as long as the previous model), and the trunk holds only 180 liters. However, the average traffic light waiting time is enough for the Z4 to easily transform from a coupe to a racial roadster. In anticipation of this moment, you instinctively feel a truly magnificent cabin atmosphere: an abundance of polished precious wood veneers, exquisite metal details and soft leather upholstery give the Z4 cabin a unique style.

The three-liter six-cylinder engine also delights the soul: when you gently press the accelerator pedal, the growl sounds muffled, during acceleration, two turbochargers inhale air for a split second, then the car emits a powerful roar and rolls forward with amazing maneuverability. The optional dual-clutch sports transmission also contributes to the unforgettable acoustics. In addition, he can, depending on the desire of the person behind the wheel, at one moment work quite calmly and unhurriedly, and the next instant change gears in manual mode and without even a minimal loss of traction.

Live the moment

However, in sporty driving in automatic mode, there are times when his reactions can be even more measured - but we must not forget that on a real roadster, the driver is best in control of the gearbox himself. . And with the Z4, this activity is an absolute pleasure. The light and at the same time extremely direct steering system also does its best to provide the driver with maximum driving pleasure. However, it's worth noting that in very tight corners the Z4 sometimes slides more on the outside tangent of the trajectory than its lighter opponents in the test, and on wet surfaces the ESP system opens up a lot of work. However, this does not make the car slower, but requires a more skillful hand behind the wheel.

The Z4 has received a new chassis with adaptive dampers, and in the normal position bumps are absorbed impressively, while in sport mode vertical impacts become unpleasant. The latter is likely due in part to the 19-inch wheels on which the BMW test car was based. But let's not forget that comfort is not the most important thing for this Bavarian model - the feeling of firmness and nervous movement in the right direction remains a factor that is difficult to hide.

Romantic movie

If, after the pleasure of boldly accelerating the BMW Z4, you switch to the SLK, you get the impression that you have moved from intense action to a romantic film. In a clear but made without the brand's characteristic love for detail, the cockpit will make everyone feel like they are in their own waters. In addition, the innovator among modern convertibles with a metal folding roof demonstrates the superior road comfort of the executive sedan and creates a sense of complete tranquility with a slightly indirect but completely uniform driving experience.

The model with the three-pointed star on the emblem is not a fan of ultra-sport driving style and is not available with adjustable suspension settings. Instead, you can order something completely different and no less useful - heating the air in the neck of the driver and his companion. Although it is listed as "Sportmotor" in the price list, the 6 hp V305 engine s. combined with a classic automatic transmission with a torque converter and, objectively speaking, does not lag behind competitors in terms of dynamics. But neither acoustics nor the reaction to the gas supply can cause real sports emotions.

Don't bother me with nonsense!

Porsche, for its part, boasts the sound of a real racer and in even the simplest way will make you feel as if you are on the legendary Hunaudières. The 3,4-liter boxer engine, which responds instantly to the slightest touch of the pedal, is noisy, but almost without vibration. The suspension is extremely rigid and provides acceptable lateral acceleration with minimal body vibration. The steering wheel requires complete concentration and is rewarded with surgical precision.

The brakes are no less uncompromising: with a 35-meter stopping distance after the tenth stop at 100 km / h, the model can literally cry a number of cars that can boast the title of "supersportman". However, the huge capabilities of this car also require a lot of knowledge and skills from the driver: in fast corners and on wet roads, you need to restrain the rear, and this is not a task for everyone. In fact, the Boxster S requires not only enviable driving skills, but also serious financial security: equipped with good equipment, the model costs 20 leva more than its opponents.

Youngster

Which, of course, does not mean that the other three models in the test are cheap - the Audi TTS Roadster, for example, costs almost 110 leva, but, on the other hand, it provides its customers with the richest furniture. The Ingolstadt model is equipped with a soft top whose excellent insulation makes it one of the best in its segment and completely raises it to the height of its metal opponents. As in the case of the Porsche, the guru can also be removed from traffic if the speed does not exceed 000 kilometers per hour. The TTS's partial lack of horsepower and cylinder count is made up for by the uncompromising thrust of the twin drivetrain and the aggressive sound of the four-cylinder turbo engine, including undisguised exhaust knocks.

Of course, there is no shortage of power: in terms of speed when cornering, the car is almost at the height of a Porsche, but requires much less effort from the driver. Rampant understeer or harsh oversteer are foreign to the TTS, and to that add surprisingly simple steering and braking controls. The direct drive with two clutches literally reads the driver's mind and does an excellent job in all situations. However, if you expect the TTS to be more economical than its opponents, you are clearly wrong.

Audi won this test due to the lack of significant compromises and the well-chosen balance of qualities. Boxster buyers would surely accept the lack of good comfort due to the fantastic sporting spirit. The typical SLK owner is looking for a safe and comfortable convertible for all seasons and with a Stuttgart model gets a great choice. The Z4, on the other hand, is conceptually heavier than it should be, and its chassis could offer slightly more acceptable sporty driving comfort. Nevertheless, the Munich model wins our hearts in this test with its exceptional aura, excellent driving characteristics and, above all, the authentic feel of a true roadster.

text: Dirk Gulde

a photo: Hans-Dieter Zeufert

Evaluation

1. Audi TTS Roadster 2.0 TFSI - 497 points

The TTS manages to balance sportiness with good comfort, delivers impressive performance and is easy to learn - all without being overly expensive.

2. BMW Z4 sDrive 35i - 477 points

The Z4 features the emotional design of a classic school roadster, a noble cockpit and a powerful turbo engine. There are opportunities to improve handling and driving comfort.

3. Mercedes SLK 350 - 475 points.

The SLK is a reasonably dynamic car, but it places more emphasis on the brand's traditional qualities, such as superior driving comfort, safe handling and a sense of calm in any situation.

4. Porsche Boxster S - 461 pegs

The main reason the Boxster remains in last place is the high price and high maintenance costs. In terms of steering precision, dynamics and brakes, the model is ahead of its rivals.

technical details

1. Audi TTS Roadster 2.0 TFSI - 497 points	2. BMW Z4 sDrive 35i - 477 points	3. Mercedes SLK 350 - 475 points.	4. Porsche Boxster S - 461 pegs
Working volume	-	-	-	-
Power	272 k. From. at 6000 rpm	306 k. From. at 5800 rpm	305 k. From. at 6500 rpm	310 k. From. at 6400 rpm
Maximum torque	-	-	-	-
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	5,5 with	5,2 with	5,7 with	4,9 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	37 m	37 m	37 m	35 m
full speed	250 km / h	250 km / h	250 km / h	272 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	12,1 l	12,3 l	12,0 l	12,5 l
Base Price	114 361 levov	108 400 levov	108 078 levov	114 833 levov

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