New Audi TT Roadster 2015 review ~ station of gear

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21 Aug, 2015 10:30am Steve Fowler

Diesel Audi TT Roadster Ultra proves you can have your fun and 65mpg

Assuming you’ve got your head around the concept of an open-top car that’s diesel powered – and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t – the latest Audi TT Roadster is a good shout as the pick of the range. Or, at least, the easiest to justify.

What’s not to like? Thanks to its 0-62mph sprint time of 7.3 seconds – which, incidentally, is the same as the original 1.8-litre turbo petrol TT’s – and claimed 65.7mpg economy, smug is a word that springs to mind to describe your feelings if you take the plunge and order one.

This is one beautiful roadster, too. The lines have been sharpened up, making the previous editions look a little dumpy, but it’s still unmistakably an Audi TT, with plenty of the classic design cues. The chrome rollover hoops still protrude uncomfortably – as they’ve always done – and the interior remains the nicest, best built in the class.

We’ll come back to the cabin in a bit, but it’s how this latest TT drives that’s impressed us so much. There’s a little more weight over the nose with a diesel engine, the note of which isn’t especially sweet, and you get only two-wheel drive rather than the full quattro treatment.

But it’s still eager to turn into a corner, while a prod of the right foot brings the benefits of a tasty 380Nm of torque as you swing through the exit. Until the weather turns really horrible, you’ll rarely be wishing for four-wheel drive, as the grip is that impressive.

There’s a delicacy to the steering that’s quite unusual in an Audi, too. It’s not as tactile as a Porsche Boxster’s, but can still make those who are less skilled behind the wheel feel like they’re hero drivers.

There’s only a manual gearbox, and it’s a bit of a stretch across the gate, but it won’t leave you frustrated – gears are selected easily with no obstruction. Also new for Audi enthusiasts is a reasonably comfortable ride – especially on our Sport model rather than the more expensive S line trim.

Build quality is sensational. The multi-layer fabric roof will make you think you’re in the coupé, while it’ll go up and down in a helpful 10 seconds flat – ideal in the UK.

It’s comfy as well as cosy inside, while Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit dash display is the highlight of the hi-
tech cabin – although we’re not convinced it’s easier to use on the move than two screens.

Plus, the numbers add up well. The TT Ultra is frugal; it’s the cheapest way into TT Roadster ownership and its low CO2 emissions save on road tax.

This is another superb Ultra model from Audi, in a range that probably doesn’t need the help of a super-frugal version. However, you can’t deny the appeal of the low entry price, the cheap tax bills and the high economy figures. That doesn’t come at the expense of the drive, either – this TT is still huge fun and rewarding, making the petrol quattro versions seem a bit of an extravagance, if still tempting.

Price: £31,955
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
Power: 181bhp
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive

0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 147mph
Economy/CO2: 65.7mpg/114g/km
On sale: Now

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