by Liz Turner
So what do you need to know about the Audi TT Roadster? First the TT has been a style icon since the first ‘Bauhaus’ coupe in 1999. This is the third incarnation and it could still enter the Rear of the Year competition with its pert rump (more Kardashian than Kylie.) The major change is its more aggressive front, with a gaping grille and ‘mean-eye’ headlamps.
Second, it’s a two-seater Roadster. Yeehaa! Get the roof down! That roof is fabric, and Audi looks askance at rivals with retractable hard-tops, arguing that this car will always look like a soft-top, even roof-up. The fabric roof is also lighter, helping performance and economy.
The goods…
The latest TT is loaded with all the best new tech gadgets, which allow you to stream music, or stay connected. The ‘virtual cockpit’ puts the sat-nav screen directly ahead of the driver, so you don’t have to keep glancing over at a screen in the centre of the dash.
Most buyers will opt for the S Line trim, which adds some tasteful bling, bright LED lights, bigger wheels and black alcantara/leather upholstery.
Fire up the Quattro…
You can choose between front-wheel drive, or Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, made famous by the original Quattro, driven by glamorous female rally driver Michele Mouton in the ‘80s, and honed on rally tracks ever since. Sending drive to all four wheels helps the car grip the road, giving you more confidence on the corners.
Three engines create quite different personalities for the car, but all deliver excellent fuel economy. The TDI diesel is punchy and offers lower fuel and tax costs. The TFSI petrol is lighter on its feet and I preferred its sharper handling. Then there’s the powerful TTS, which may steal a few buyers from the Porsche Boxster and its hard-top brother the Cayman.
I love the six-speed manual even though the S tronic auto is more efficient, and can change gear way faster than a human being.
So what do you know?
The curvaceous Audi is still a sporty car rather than a true sports car, but driving the TT Roadster is as much fun as a great night out with your besties. It’s a car you can love, and know people are turning green with envy as you draw up in it. It’s got plenty of comforts, plus the usual Audi quality and high resale value.
So yes, I want one. What more do you need to know?
2.0 TFSI (230PS) 6-speed manual/S Tronic auto
0-62mph 6.2/6.1 seconds
Maximum speed 140/151mph
Economy 47.1/43.5mpg (combined)
Price from £32,045/£33,575
Benefit in Kind 21%/23%
VED E £130G £180
2.0 TFSI quattro (230PS) 6-speed S tronic
0-62mph 5.6 seconds
Max speed 154mph
Economy combined 42.2mpg
Price from £35,005
Benefit in Kind 23%
VED G £180
2.0 TDI ultra (184PS)
6-speed manual
0-60mph 7.3 seconds
Max speed 114mph
Economy 65.7mpg
Price from £31,955
Benefit in kind 18%
VED C £0
TTS Roadster 2.0 TFSI Quattro
6-speed manual
0-60mph 5.2 seconds
Max speed 155mph (electronically limited)
Economy 38.7mpg
Price from £41,085
Benefit in Kind 26%
VED H £205