Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi TT Roadster convertible

“The Audi TT Roadster is great to look at, sharp to drive and has a magnificent interior. You also get that special wind-in-the-hair experience.”

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Fun to drive
  • Good build quality

Cons

  • Quite noisy inside
  • Harsh ride
  • Strictly two seats only

The Audi TT roadster has always been one of the most stylish convertibles in its class and the newest generation is no exception. It’s better to drive than ever, offers great performance and is as high quality a product as you’d expect from Audi.

The TT is Audi’s rival to the BMW Z4 and Mercedes SLC, while performance versions like the TTS and TT RS are genuine Porsche 718 Boxster challengers. Even in its less glamorous specifications, the TT Roadster is more than a match for its rivals, offering a combination of design, quality, performance and economy that puts it ahead of the pack. Audi is winding down production of the TT Roadster, and as such, the lineup now just consists of the Black Edition and Final Edition models.

The best sports cars 2023Top 10 best sports cars 2024

Audi offers two turbocharged petrol engines in the TT Coupe, but has now reduced the Roadster’s lineup to just the 40 TFSI, having discontinued the 45 TFSI and TTS Roadster altogether. The 40 TFSI is a 195bhp 2.0-litre engine which gets an official fuel economy figure of just under 40mpg and comes solely with front-wheel drive.

High-performance options include the TTS and TT RS versions of the roadster, and we've reviewed the TT RS Roadster separately. The TTS is powered by a 302bhp 2.0-litre petrol and manages 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Interior quality is as good as you’d expect from Audi; the TT is beautifully designed inside, with an uncluttered dashboard and the driver’s dials replaced by Audi’s Virtual Cockpit screen behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Just 10 seconds are needed to fold the TT Roadster’s triple-layer fabric roof into the boot, where it doesn’t take up as much space as the hardtops used by its rivals. The Audi has 280 litres of space with the roof down versus 225 in the Mercedes SLC and 281 in the BMW Z4.

Despite the fact that the TT Roadster weighs slightly more than the Coupe, little is lost from the driving experience. All the engines that have graced the TT over the years have provided decent power and performance, and while the discontinued quattro four-wheel drive models gripped well and felt even more secure through the corners, the remaining front-wheel-drive model still feels agile and fun to drive. The Porsche 718 Boxster may be slightly more fun, but there’s not much in it and the TT Roadster is arguably the better all-rounder.

Despite the fact that the TT Roadster weighs slightly more than the Coupe, little is lost from the driving experience. All the engines provide decent power and performance, while the front-wheel-drive models feel agile and fun to drive and those with Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive system grip well and feel secure in corners. The Porsche 718 Boxster may be slightly more fun, but there’s not much in it and the TT Roadster is arguably the better all-rounder.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

More on TT Roadster convertible

Used Audi TT buying guide: 2006-2015 (Mk2)
Used car reviews
6 Feb 2019

Used Audi TT buying guide: 2006-2015 (Mk2)

More reasonably priced than ever, the second-generation Audi TT is a desirable sports car you can drive every day
2018 Audi TT revealed: refreshed styling, no diesel
News
5 Dec 2018

2018 Audi TT revealed: refreshed styling, no diesel

Updated TT on sale in UK now, including 150 examples of ‘TT 20 Years’ anniversary model
Watchdog: Maintenance row after leak blows TT’s stereo
News
11 Oct 2016

Watchdog: Maintenance row after leak blows TT’s stereo

Audi blames owner Martyn, but he says he can’t reach area where blockage formed
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Audi TT RS on its way to UK
News
25 Apr 2016

New Audi TT RS on its way to UK

Fastest version of the Audi TT Coupe and Roadster will be at Goodwood
Paris Motor Show 2014 report
News
2 Oct 2014

Paris Motor Show 2014 report

Carbuyer editor Stuart Milne reports back from a Paris Motor Show packed full of exciting new cars
New 2015 Audi TT Roadster stirs up Paris
News
2 Oct 2014

New 2015 Audi TT Roadster stirs up Paris

The new drop-top Audi TT gets a folding fabric roof and costs £2,200 more than the coupe
Audi TT 2014 release date, price & specs
News
6 Aug 2014

Audi TT 2014 release date, price & specs

New Audi TT is on sale now, with prices starting from £29,770
Audi TT Roadster (2007-2015)
In-depth reviews
10 Mar 2014

Audi TT Roadster (2007-2015)

"The convertible Audi TT is stylish, fun to drive, has a top-quality interior and won’t break the bank to run."

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024