Audi TT Roadster 2.0T (2006) CAR review

Why do I want to read about a roadster in this weather?

Look out of your window. Yes, you’ll see stormclouds, flooded roads and possibly a tornado, but you’ll probably also see an Audi TT roadster. In eight years 48,000 of them have been sold to optimistic Brits determined to make the most of every moment of weak sunshine. Astonishingly, more are sold in the UK than in any other country and at its peak the old model was outselling its nearest rival by three to one. So the new Roadster is headline news, whatever the weather, and we’ve driven it.

No fancy folding hardtop?

No. Nor was it ever really considered, according to Audi. The Roadster gets a fully electric hood (no catch to release by hand, unlike the old car) that drops in 12 seconds at up to 20mph. It folds in a Z-pattern, the rigid front section remaining facing upwards so a separate tonneau cover is no longer required. There’s an electrically-operated mesh windbreak that rises between the trademark rollover hoops. Boot space is a reasonable 250 litres whether the roof is up or down – enough for a long weekend’s baggage for two – and critically the weight isn’t significantly increased; up just 35kgs to 1295kgs for the two-litre, four-cylinder T-FSI manual.