Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi TT RS Roadster (2009-2016) review

Soft-top variant of Audi TT RS promises to be just as thrilling as the coupe

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Pros
  • Great noise, performance, looks
Cons
  • Old technology, numb steering, expensive
Find your Audi TT
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The TT RS Roadster is the most potent and focused Audi TT Roadster you can get. It's powered by the same 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine as the Coupe and is available with either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch S-Tronic semi-automatic gearbox. With the latter it's both quicker and more efficient but you do lose some of that connectedness associated with manual gearboxes. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our choice: Audi TT RS Roadster manual

Engines, performance and drive

Powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine the TT RS Roadster can sprint from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds with a manual gearbox and 4.4 seconds with the dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox. Thanks to quattro four-wheel drive all that performance is very easily accessible too and the RS is happy to pin you in your seat at any time you press the throttle. The Roadster feels almost as stiff as the RS Coupe so handling is tight, grip levels are high and you can cover ground incredibly quickly. A Porsche Boxster offers far higher levels of involvement though.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

The 32.8mpg figure may look pretty good on paper but in practice you'll be looking at a figure more like 20mpg on a daily basis. CO2 emissions for the S-Tronic model are far lower than the manual so you'll be able to claw back some of the extra outlay for the gearbox when it comes to paying your road tax bill. Either way it'll be quite a substantial amount though. Insurance will also be extremely high due to the performance on offer.

Interior, design and technology

Stylish alloys, large exhausts, an aggressive bodykit and an optional rear spoiler will signal this model out as an RS and it comes together in a stylish and relatively understated package. The looks are starting to age somewhat – as is the cabin – but there's no doubting the TT Roadster can still turn heads. Some of the technology inside could do with updating, particularly the complicated sat-nav system.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

The TT RS Roadster doesn't have the two rear seats found in the Coupe so buyers will have to be able to live without them – not that they were much use anyway. Instead, they're replaced with some useful storage spaces and there's a usable 250-litre boot too. The roof itself folds down in 12 seconds and up to speeds of 19mph.

Reliability and Safety

Those silver hoops behind the driver and passenger will keep you safe in the event of a rollover, while front, driver, side and head airbags are all thrown in too. Stability control, electronic brake force distribution and ABS will help keep you out of trouble in the first place though. The TT RS Roadster hasn't been tested by EuroNCAP but is more than likely to get a five-star ranking

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,343 off RRP*Used from £9,595
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £3,144 off RRP*Used from £12,070
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,754 off RRP*Used from £14,141
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £10,195
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Stop settling for boring SUVs and get a used executive express for less
Used executive cars - opinion

Stop settling for boring SUVs and get a used executive express for less

Content editor George Armitage thinks buying a used executive car is better value than buying a brand-new SUV for family car duties
Opinion
25 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Jaecoo 7 offers Range Rover looks at a bargain price
Jaecoo 7 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Jaecoo 7 offers Range Rover looks at a bargain price

Jaecoo is one of a flurry of Chinese brands wooing British buyers. Its 7 small SUV is our Deal of the Day for August 25
News
25 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Sporty Cupra Leon will set pulses racing at only £211 per month
Cupra Leon cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Sporty Cupra Leon will set pulses racing at only £211 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 24 August is a very affordable offer on Cupra’s fun-to-drive hatchback
News
24 Aug 2025