Audi TT

The new TT Roadster is a worthy successor to the original. Its lightweight construction, slick S tronic box, 4WD drivetrain and magnetic dampers give a unique driving experience. The V6 TT is a sound year-round proposition, but the cheaper 2.0 turbo is the pick of the range.

When it comes to style, the new Audi TT Roadster has it all. Auto Express has already been impressed by the 2.0-litre turbo (Issue 939), but now we’ve tried the flagship V6 quattro to see if it adds even more substance to those drop-top looks.

With an extra 53bhp and four-wheel drive as standard, the V6 sprints from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds, compared to 6.7 seconds in the entry-level machine. Go for the twin-clutch S tronic gearbox fitted to our test car (a £1,400 option), and it’s two-tenths of a second quicker still, thanks to lower gearing.

In reality, though, it’s the distinctive V6 soundtrack that sets this TT apart from the 2.0-litre car – although you need to lose the insulating drop-top to get the maximum benefit.

Retracting the fully automated hood couldn’t be simpler – all you have to do is press a button on the centre console, and the fabric lid stows in only 12 seconds. There’s also a neat wind deflector to cut draughts. The electrically operated mesh design pops up from behind the seats at the flick of a switch, and does a fine job.

Dropping the lid doesn’t restrict the luggage space, either, and the 250-litre boot has a large opening, so buying a TT won’t consign you to a lifetime of travelling light. There’s even the option of a load-through hatch to the cabin – this allows items as long as 1.9 metres long to be carried securely inside. Raise the hood and the torquey V6 makes an excellent long-distance companion. Admittedly, over-the-shoulder visibility is restricted, but because none of the mechanism is exposed to view, from the inside the hood feels like a conventional metal roof.

However, the 3.2-litre version isn’t as sharp to drive as the 2.0-litre car – you can thank the extra 175kg it has to lug around. And despite the additional power, the flagship rarely feels as fast as the figures suggest.

So it’s a case of less is more with the TT Roadster, and at £28,185 the agile 2.0-litre turbo represents better value for money. However, if you want greater traction, power and refinement, the drop-top’s excellent residual values ensure the range-topping machine is still an attractive proposition.