The open-top version of the latest Audi TT was released next to the TTS Coupe, just in time for spring/summer season. The third generation of Audi’s two-seater roadster will be available from May for the UK market and will be offered both in petrol and diesel guises.

Details, please

You can choose between a 227hp 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and a 182hp 2.0-litre TDI diesel one. The Quattro all-wheel drive system is being offered as an option only in petrol models as well as the S-Tronic double-clutch gearbox. The new Roadster’s design is an edgier evolution of the familiar TT shape with the most distinctive changes to be the big, hexagonal grille at the front and the new lights all around. The fabric top now weighs 3 kg less than the previous one, with a total weight of 39kg, and can be operated even when driving up to 31mph.

As it is the norm with convertible versions of hardtop models, the MQB-based Audi Space Frame chassis of the TT Roadster has been reinforced in key areas to compensate the loss of the fixed roof. These areas include the side sills, the A-pillars and some extra braces to the floor. Down the road, the TT Roadster feels impressively rigid and wobble-free, even with the optional S Line pack that adds 19in wheels and lowers the ride height by 10mm.

On the move

Sitting behind the wheel, in one of the best driving positions in the segment, the TT Roadster is an agile, well-behaved machine. In 2.0 TFSI Quattro S Tronic guise it just dives in any corner persuasively, with the linear engine pushing you with almost no lag to the next one and the fast double-clutch gearbox changing the cogs with the blink of an eye. This is a 155mph (250km/h) roadster with a 0-62mph (100km/h) in just 5.6 seconds after all but the way of simply delivering its performance so freely is the true highlight here. Push it too hard and it will gently understeer letting you know how close you are to its limits. The electric steering is precise and quick, helping you to exploit further its much better front end grip but the feedback is not great and the weight inconsistency might disappoint those looking for top-class driving thrills.

Cabin fever? Not with this one

The cabin was always one of the strongest points of the TT, blending high quality materials with simple forms and clever details. The much discussed high-tech Audi Virtual Cockpit display remains bright and crystal clear even with the roof down and the sun showering the interior. Audi has even added an extra air vent to the seats for heating the passengers even when temperatures are less than ideal and also integrated microphones on the seatbelts to improve the call quality when the roof is tacked down and away.

A Diesel? In a Roadster?

The diesel version is perhaps the most intriguing one, blending sensible ownership costs with the emotional nature of the segment. It may sound as a blasphemy to some sports-car loyalists but the outcome is much more pleasing than it sounds. And while we are on the subject of sound, this 184hp 2.0-litre TDI unit won’t flood your ears with the typical diesel clatter. Instead it makes a much sportier sound than expected, keeping the diesel purr suppressed into the background for most of the time which is very good news. The available torque from low down the rev range makes the TT Roadster feel not that slower than its petrol sibling with the engine revving freely for a motor of its fuel preferences. Available as a front-wheel drive manual only, the Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI Ultra retains the neutral handling of the petrol model and the precise six-speed manual adds to the engagement despite its sometimes unwillingness to downshift quickly from third to second. You can have fun with it but you always know that a petrol suits better under that bonnet.

Bottom Line

The range choice remains the petrol if you want to get the most out of the TT Roadster, with the diesel to be a much more descent alternative than before, especially to those who drive long distances and want to benefit from its 114gr/km CO2 rating and 65.7mpg UK. The range-topping 306hp TTS Roadster is also expected in summer. Base price for the diesel is set at £31,955 with the cheapest petrol TT Roadster asking for £32,045.

AUDI TT ROADSTER 2.0 TFSI QUATTRO S TRONIC

AUDI TT ROADSTER 2.0 TDI ULTRA