Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI

Still a design icon, Audi's soft-top blends this style with genuine class and strong performance

As style statements go, few cars can rival the Audi TT. The original 1999 coupé is fast becoming a design icon, while the athletic second-generation model is as fashionable as ever.

The current shape is suited to roadster form, and loses nothing in the looks department to its coupé cousin. If anything, the Audi is even more desirable as a drop-top. Inside, the classy driver-focused cabin is both welcoming and atmospheric.

Its soft-touch dash is angled towards the driver, and the logical layout works perfectly. Classy touches such as the knurled aluminium heating and ventilation controls, chrome-ringed air vents and flat-bottomed steering wheel all help to make the TT feel special.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The firm’s designers haven’t ignored the basics, either: the driving position is excellent and the
seats are supportive, while a big glovebox and a hidden cubby behind the seats mean the cabin is practical for a roadster.

This user-friendliness extends to the boot, as the fabric top folds neatly without reducing luggage space. The 250-litre load area is shallow but bigger than either rival’s, while a wind deflector rises between the roll hoops at the touch of a button. Unfortunately, it’s not as effective at stopping buffeting as the Mercedes or BMW’s deflectors.

You sit high in the Audi behind a more upright windscreen, and compared to the other cars here, the cabin is more blustery with the roof down.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

1 Series

2019 BMW

1 Series

52,432 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £18,100
View 1 Series
Passat

2019 Volkswagen

Passat

57,558 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,103
View Passat
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

42,800 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £21,300
View 5008
A-Class

2023 Mercedes

A-Class

39,645 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £16,500
View A-Class

Raise the lid and it’s another story, as our figures show the fabric hood insulates occupants from wind noise just as effectively as its hard-top rivals. It also helps to keep the weight down: despite its four-wheel-drive transmission and double-clutch gearbox, the TT is the lightest model in the test.

It’s the fastest, too. The 209bhp 2.0-litre turbo produces 350Nm of torque: 100Nm more than both rivals. It peaks at a lowly 1,600rpm, giving impressive responses. As a result, the Audi outgunned the others in all our performance tests.

Punchier than the normally aspirated BMW and far smoother than the strained Merc, the Audi engine is a perfect match for the double-clutch S tronic box, which makes the most of the unit’s flexible nature.

It commands a £1,580 premium over the six-speed manual, and raises CO2 output by 12g/km to 168g/km. Hiking emissions further, to 172g/km in our car, is the quattro 4WD. It carries a £1,430 premium over the front-driven version, but brings added reassurance to the confidence-inspiring handling. You can feel power transferring from one axle to the other, to maintain traction on wet roads.

In corners, the steering is linear and well weighted, and the sharp turn-in is matched by superb body control. Find a good road, and the TT is not as engaging as the Z4, yet it’s more fun than the SLK. The optional Magnetic Ride dampers ensure an excellent ride, too.

So the Audi is comfortable, classy and good to drive. But is it the best all-round roadster here?

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: Distinctive TT is as attractive in Roadster trim as it is as a Coupé. Our Sport test car has the optional S tronic double-clutch gearbox.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,223 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £16,629
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 Apr 2025