Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi TT

Established class leader still presents a stern challenge to the latest BMW

Few modern cars transcend the badge on their grille to become a recognisable brand in their own right – but the TT has done just that. It’s one of those cars that everyone recognises, and it’s easy to see why. It still stands out from everything else on the road.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In line with other Audi drop-tops, the TT has a high-quality fabric hood, and it’s a better car for it. The automated roof folds away in 10 seconds – roughly half the time taken by the BMW – and it’s neat and unobtrusive.

Best of all, it comes with a beautifully engineered wind deflector, which rises behind the seats at the touch of a button to cut draughts. It’s a far more elegant solution than the flimsy plastic panel that you have to clip in place between the headrests of the Z4.

Our TT looked even better thanks to its S line kit, which consists of 18-inch alloy wheels, lowered suspension, more aggressive bumpers and LED daytime running lamps. Cheaper Sport models are still sure to get you noticed, though, and they cost a significant £1,990 less than S line models.

The TT’s cabin is what we’ve come to expect from Audi. The high driving position isn’t particularly sporty, but circular air vents, high-quality fittings and simple dials create a classy atmosphere. And all models in the TT range come with climate control, as well as the tactile flat-bottomed steering wheel you can see in our photos.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

CR-V

2023 Honda

CR-V

40,439 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,795
View CR-V
CR-V

2023 Honda

CR-V

28,316 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £20,995
View CR-V
CX-5

2023 Mazda

CX-5

37,361 milesAutomaticDiesel2.2L

Cash £22,799
View CX-5
T-Cross

2023 Volkswagen

T-Cross

31,851 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,249
View T-Cross

Audi has blazed a trail for turbocharged petrol engines in recent years, and its 209bhp 2.0-litre is the perfect choice for a sporty roadster. It delivers serious firepower and has a bassy soundtrack that’s missing from the other cars in this test. With the twin-clutch S tronic gearbox fitted, every upshift is also accompanied by a sporty flutter from the exhausts, which adds to the experience. We expected the stiffer suspension of our S line model to be uncomfortable on the undulating Welsh roads of our test – but it wasn’t.

The combination of a 10mm lower ride height and bigger wheels didn’t have the negative impact we anticipated. The ride is undeniably firm, but the TT soaked up bumps effectively at low speeds and really came into its own on faster roads, where it resisted roll more effectively than the BMW.

Strong and progressive brakes, precise steering and impressive traction from the quattro four-wheel-drive system all helped to make the Audi the most confidence-inspiring choice on the slippery mountain roads.

It was comfortably the fastest car, and the TFSI engine is livelier than the BMW’s, yet more refined than the gruff Nissan. Hood-up refinement is also on a par with the metal-top BMW. But with more power and the added friction of four-wheel drive to contend with, the Audi is at a disadvantage at the pumps, although we returned a steady 28.9mpg – only 2.1mpg behind the slower Z4.

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: The TT Roadster has a fabric hood and sweet 2.0-litre turbo engine. It sets the class standard.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,650
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,695
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025