Audi TT Roadster - The All New 3.2 Quattro

02 June 2007

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Audi unveiled the TT Roadster to gasps of sheer amazement at the Frankfurt Motor show back in 1999. The car was finally launched into the UK November 1999 that also saw the beginning of the love affair the UK had with the Audi TT. In fact the UK has now become the largest market in the world for the TT Roadster and guess who is up there as new buyers. Yes us girlies.

Well its not surprising really is it. Just look at her exquisite bodylines now made of aluminium panels so she has lost loads of weight making her the lightest roadster in her class. The front styling has been redesigned to accentuate even more the devilish appeal of what is under her bonnet.

The grille is larger, light clusters more prominent with chrome surrounds and wheel arches bulgier to cope with the 19 inch 20 spoke alloy wheels that was an optional extra on my test car over and above the standard 18 inch 10 spoke. The rear says it all quite simply by the four Audi rings and the little TT badge to the side, darkened rear light clusters, while the more critical eye will also spot the twin exhausts either side just pepping out from under the bumper.

Now, I had kind of come to the conclusion that cloth roofs are rather old hat compared to the new coupe/cabriolets. But I had to eat my words here as somehow this cloth roof looked the business as well as maximising weight savings and even Suzanne and Trinny would agree, it was the prefect accessory for this outfit. Of course there is an even more ulterior motive for keeping a cloth roof, as it does not interfere with the luggage space, which is enormous, easily accommodating the getaway luggage with room to shop till you drop.

The hood then opens or closes in just 12 seconds and can be operated at low speeds that is so so useful in the UK’s ever changing weather conditions. The design features a new Z fold system which neatly stacks its rigid front section on top of the folding cloth portion to form a cover which sits completely flat and removes the need for a tonneau, with a power mesh wind deflector fitted as standard to minimise buffeting. So now the roof is down and the thrill of open top motoring hits you.

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