There's still a huge difference between a roadster and a coupé, no matter how similar the two cars may be. And you cannot get two cars more alike than the Audi TTS coupe and its roadster sibling.
A while ago, when I drove the Audi TTS Roadster and despite the soft top, I was impressed by the performance handling. The chassis was suitably stiff and any flexing due to the loss of a permanent solid roof structure was at a minimum.
I thought when it came to handling, one could not get much better than that in a small, compact sports car but I looked forward to driving the coupé to get to grips with the issue. The result: my preference for hard-top coupés remains.
BMW has the Z4, which was available in roadster and coupé. Soon to be launched is the replacement - a roadster with a folding hard top that will do the job of both concepts. Or so we hope.
Mercedes-Benz has had the SLK with its folding hard top for a while. Top up, it is a coupé. Top down it's a roadster but I can't help feeling it's still neither fish nor fowl.
Call me a traditionalist but I prefer a roadster with a canvas top and two seats. I also prefer a coupé with a fixed top and 2+2 seats and that's exactly what the Audi TTS Coupé offers, even if the rear seat really ends up being just big enough for one adult (in my case a strapping 20-year-old) to sit at an angle.
At least the 20-year-old can come with when the need arises.
As it is, the Audi TTS Coupé is also a great car for one person. In fact, I might even prefer it that way. Why? It has everything to do with the drive.
The chassis is as rigid as they come. The wheelbase is a bit longer than that of the roadster and you can feel it in the improved handling. It's a car you can throw around corners with little concern, keeping sensibility in mind, of course.
It's not cheap at R527 500 or as practical as your average family sedan but it is much more practical than its roadster sister and a very special drive indeed.