What's all this about?
Audi has done something fully expected - it has revealed an open-top version of the third-generation TT, calling it the Roadster.
And is it very similar to the recently launched Coupé?
Yup. It has the same interior, dominated by the 12.3-inch 'virtual cockpit' screen in the instrument cluster, and broadly similar looks, until you get up to the folding roof bit.
Which is...?
A soft-top, not a hard-top. However, it is multi-layered and good at keeping out both noise and the cold, and when it is folded - it lowers and raises in just 10 seconds, at speed of up to 31mph - it takes up none of the 280 litres of boot space either.
That's useful. How about motive power?
All engines are 2.0 litres in capacity to start with, are turbocharged and have four cylinders. You can have a 184hp TDI diesel, a 230hp TFSI petrol or the rapid 310hp TTS model, which has a more powerful iteration of the 2.0 TFSI engine to deliver 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. At the other end of the spectrum, the TT Roadster 2.0 TDI ultra can return more than 65mpg and CO2 of just 114g/km, while still doing 147mph and 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. Range-wide, drive is either to the front wheels (exclusively so in the TDI) or all corners using quattro four-wheel drive (the TTS is quattro as standard), while two six-speed transmissions are offered: a manual or a twin-clutch S tronic automatic.
Great. How much will it set me back, and when can I buy one?
Both the TT and TTS Roadsters will be on display at the Paris Motor Show from next week, with TT sales in the German market beginning immediately. For the UK, you can order from mid-November with first deliveries in March 2015. Prices for the TT Roadster run from £31,955 to £37,555; the TTS Roadster will be available to order from early 2015 with first deliveries in the second quarter. Prices for that have yet to be confirmed.
Matt Robinson - 24 Sep 2014
