Audi TT Roadster (2007 – 2015) Review
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Audi TT Roadster (2007 – 2015) At A Glance
As sharp a drive as the coupe version. Eye-catching looks and nice design details in the cabin. Good range of engines including economical TDI. Very few reported problems until emissions defeat scandal broke.
Stiff ride ride on 19-inch wheels unless magnetic suspension is fitted. Blustery with top down. Some coking up and oil consumption problems with early EA288 engines.
The first Audi TT Roadster had a good sense of style about it, however it wasn't renowned for its handling. It wasn't quite a case of style over substance, but there were other two-seater sports cars out there which were better to drive and just as good to look at. This second generation Audi TT Roadster addressed those shortcomings - it's great fun to drive, sharper looking but still just as desirable.
Thanks to a lightweight design and lots of aluminium panels, it's nimble and agile on the move with precise steering, making it great fun to drive, whichever engine you choose. Initially it came with a 2.0 TFSI engine and a great sounding 3.2-litre V6 quattro. Later Audi launched the TDI which may not sound like a sports car but with punchy performance and impressive economy of 51.4mpg.
There's also an entry-level 1.8 TFSI - only available in the Roadster - which may sound modest with just 160bhp, but feels very lively and suits the TT Roadster well. It's also the most affordable Audi TT model available. Inside you get that wonderfully stylish cabin complete with the trademark metal ringed air vents and a genuine feeling of quality.
Audi hasn't adopted a metal roof like some small convertibles such as the Mercedes-Benz SLK, instead it's stuck with a traditional fabric hood. It's perhaps not as secure, but it's well insulated for both cold and noise, plus it keeps weight down, helping performance and handling. It's fully electric too and folds neatly away in just 12 seconds.
Reviews for Audi TT Roadster (2007 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
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Audi TT Roadster (2007 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.8 TFSI to 3.2 FSI V6 quattro
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–54 mpg
There's a decent choice of engines in the TT range, but whichever you choose you won't be disappointed. The TT is always fun to drive and hugely enjoyable on a quiet twisting road when you can get the roof down and appreciate the lightweight design and agility of the TT Roadster. It corners beautifully, with real poise and hardly any body roll, while there's plenty of grip too.
The quattro four-wheel drive versions add even more security and the extra traction is certainly noticeable on wet roads or when pulling away from junctions on uneven roads. The front-wheel drive models are mightily impressive though and feel a little more sprightly - you can notice the difference if you drive a 2.0 TFSI model with quattro and then one without.
It's the ride quality which can be a bit hit or miss. This is a sports car so you can expect it to be firm, but on standard wheels it's still forgiving enough not to be uncomfortable. However, if you have a model with the optional larger (19-inch) alloys on, it's simply too stiff and judders over rough roads and potholes. There's an optional system called 'magnetic ride' (standard on the TTS), which allows the driver to change the suspensions setting including a sport mode that tightens the ride further for demanding roads.
When it was first launched the TT came with the choice of a lovely sounding 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine with 250bhp or a 2.0 TFSI with 200bhp. The V6 came with quattro as standard while the 2.0 TFSI was initially only two-wheel drive, although a quattro version was introduced later.
Most people chose the 2.0 TFSI and it's easy to see why. As it's turbocharged it feels more buzzy and urgent than the rather laid back 3.2-litre V6, plus it's lighter and feels more agile on the move. But perhaps the most interesting engine is the 2.0 TDI with 170bhp. This engine is used in everything from the Volkswagen Passat to the Skoda Yeti and the fact it's a common rail diesel means it's far smoother and quieter than the older TDI PD (Pumpe Duse) engines that Audi previously used.
Even though it's a quattro model, it still manages to average 51.4mpg and yet pulls immensely in-gear, especially from 50mph to 70mph, so is ideal for motorway driving where you rarely have to change out of sixth gear. That's thanks to the 350Nm of torque which makes everyday driving easy.
The top of the range TT (aside from the high performance TT RS which is covered in its own review) is the TTS which uses the 2.0-litre TFSI engine but boosts power to 272bhp. It really is a revelation and superb to drive with an even more focussed feel in corners, while the bodykit and unique wheels make it stand out. 0-62mph takes just 5.6 seconds with the manual gearbox and it's even quicker if you opt for the impressive twin-clutch S tronic automatic (complete with steering wheel paddle shifts) which takes just 5.4 seconds.
The entry-level 1.8 TFSI model was launched in March 2009 but it's certainly not the poor relation in the engine line-up, just because it has 'only' 160bhp. Thanks to the light weight of the TT, this engine still performs well with a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and it's sprightly on the move with buzzy performance and a decent pulling power too.
In April 2010 the TT Roadster was revised and the big news was that the existing 2.0 TFSI engine with 200bhp was replaced by a newer version with 211bhp. This is the same engine that powers the latest Volkswagen Golf GTI and as a result the 0-62mph time is cut by half a second to just 6.2 seconds, helped in no small poart by an extra 70Nm of torque.
Out on the road you'd be hard pressed to notice the extra power unless you drove the previous version before jumping into the improved model, but it does feel more sprightly low down. The engine doesn't need to be worked quite as hard in order to tap into the power, but still delivers that superbly rewarding exhaust note.
But where you will notice the difference is at the pumps. Despite the extra power, this newer TFSI engine is actually more economical and is capable of an average 42.8mpg compared to 36.7mpg before. Emissions have also dropped considerably, meaning cheaper road tax
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 TFSI | 44 mpg | 7.5 s | 152 g/km |
| 1.8 TFSI S tronic | 43 mpg | 7.4 s | 152 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI quattro | 51 mpg | 7.8 s | 144 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic | 50 mpg | 7.7 s | 146 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI S tronic | 50 mpg | 7.7 s | 146 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI | 42 mpg | 6.3 s | 156 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro | 38 mpg | 5.9 s | 172 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic | 38 mpg | 5.9 s | 172 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI S tronic | 39 mpg | 6.2 s | 168 g/km |
| 3.2 FSI V6 quattro | 27–30 mpg | 5.9–6.1 s | 227–250 g/km |
| TTS 2.0 TFSI quattro | 35 mpg | 5.7 s | 189 g/km |
| TTS 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic | 36 mpg | 5.5 s | 184 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi TT Roadster (2007 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
85%
Real MPG
22–54 mpg
MPGs submitted
81
Audi TT Roadster (2007 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 250 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4178–4198 mm |
| Width | 1842 mm |
| Height | 1350–1358 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2468 mm |
The cabin of the TT is a great blueprint for how to design a sporty, upmarket and distinctive cabin. It's great to look at and even better to sit in with supportive, low slung sports seats and a high central console which gives a real cockpit like feel. The quality of the fit and finish are top notch and it's as well built as it is stylish. There are some great details too, such as the deep set instrument dials and those metal surrounds on the circular air vents.
All the switches and controls work with precision and there's a lovely weight to features like the clutch pedal and handbrake. The same goes for the roof. It may be a fabric good rather than a metal folding system, but it's incredibly well insulated from road noise and the cold. It also folds down effortlessly - there are no catches or handles to release, you simply press a button on the centre console and it retracts smoothly and quietly, in just 12 seconds.
Usefully, it can be put up (and down) at up to 19mph which is useful if you're caught in a sudden downpour - or indeed a sudden heatwave - and can't pull over to stop. The roof incorporates a heated glass rear window, so in the winter you can still see out of the back. It folds away very neatly too thanks to a clever system which stacks the rigid front section of the roof on top of the cloth to form a cover that sits flush with the body and eliminates the need for a tonneau cover.
Practicality isn't ever a key strength for a convertible like the TT Roadster but the Audi is more practical than its predecessor, thanks to a longer boot. The luggage area isn't exactly hight but will cope with two big suitcase and an overnight bag - there's also a host of stowage areas including one behind each of the seats
Equipment from launch (February 2007):
Standard equipment includes a powered roof and wind deflector operation, sports seats with leather and Alcantara mix upholstery for 2.0 TFSI versions or full leather for the V6, electronic climate control, a new generation MP3-compatible audio system with single CD player, an RS 4-style flat-bottomed leather-rimmed steering wheel and a Driver's Information System (DIS). In addition to full leather upholstery, V6 versions add front seat heating, an enhanced braking system, an exterior light styling pack and quattro four-wheel-drive. Alloy wheels are 17-inch Trapez design in the 2.0 TFSI or 18-inch 10-spoke design in the V6.
2.0 TDI mirrors the familiar 2.0 TFSI petrol version, offering features such as 17-inch Trapez alloy wheels, leather and Alcantara-upholstered sports seats, electronic climate control and an MP3-compatible 140-watt Audi Concert audio system with single CD drive.
1.8 TFSI is the entry-level version and so has Tetrus cloth-upholstered sports seats, electric windows, powered soft top and powered wind deflector. Electronic climate control, a Chorus CD audio system and a Driver's Information System (DIS) are also factory fitted.
S line was introduced in 2009 and adds 18-inch five-spoke design alloy wheels, sSports suspension lowered by 10mm, an upgrade to the short-shift manual gearbox with its quicker, even more sporting shift action (unless the S tronic twin-clutch transmission is specified). Inside there is S line embossing for the sports seats, brushed aluminium inlays and a three-spoke multifunction S line steering wheel stamp the S line mark on the TT interior.
Audi TT Roadster (2007 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4178–4198 mm |
| Width | 1842 mm |
| Height | 1350–1358 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2468 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1305–1495 kg |
| Boot Space | 250 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £25,325–£40,755 |
| Insurance Groups | 32–38 |
| Road Tax Bands | F–L |
| Official MPG | 27.2–51.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2015
On sale until November 2012
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.8 TFSI 2dr | £25,325 | 43.5 mpg | 7.5 s |
| 1.8 TFSI S tronic 2dr Auto | £26,805 | 42.8 mpg | 7.4 s |
On sale until April 2010
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 3.2 FSI V6 quattro | £33,360 | 27.2 mpg | 6.1 s |
| 3.2 FSI V6 quattro S line | £34,410 | 27.2 mpg | 6.1 s |
| 3.2 FSI V6 quattro S line Auto | £35,860 | 29.7 mpg | 5.9 s |
| 3.2 FSI V6 quattro Auto | £34,810 | 29.7 mpg | 5.9 s |
Model History
- February 2007: Audi TT Roadster launched in UK
- June 2007
- February 2008: TTS launched
- March 2008: Diesel TT TDI Introduced
- January 2009
- March 2009
- April 2010
- May 2012
February 2007
Audi TT Roadster launched in UK
The successor to the still sought-after original TT Roadster, launched in the UK in 2000 - and arrives with its first UK customers in April. To keep weight down, the new TT Roadster retains a cloth hood which is electro-hydraulically powered. A powered mesh wind deflector is also fitted as standard to UK TT Roadster models to streamline airflow through the cabin and minimise buffeting.
The new generation TT Roadster was initially powered by either the 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine with 200bhp or the 3.2-litre V6 petrol unit with 250bhp. In common with the Coupe, 2.0 T FSI versions are front-wheel-driven, and the 3.2-litre models distribute their power via the acclaimed quattro four-wheel-drive system. Six-speed manual transmission is a standard feature of both versions, with the S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission (formerly known as DSG).
Underpinning the latest Roadster is a new suspension configuration. Helped by its wider track, and by new electromechanical speed-sensitive steering and a new high performance braking system, the advanced chassis permits dramatic improvements in the TT Roadster's handling adjustability and overall agility compared with the outgoing model, combined with noticeable gains in ride comfort.
To amplify these major improvements even further, a magnetic ride system is also available as an optional extra. The system's sophisticated dampers are filled with a magnetorheological fluid containing minute magnetic particles that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. By applying a voltage to the system's electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is altered by the affected magnetic particles, increasing resistance to damper movement to iron out pitch and roll when necessary, and reducing resistance when ride comfort takes precedence.
Stability at speed is also enhanced by an electrically powered rear spoiler which helps to increase down force on the rear of the TT Roadster, and retracts to sit flush with the body when not required. The TT Roadster is 137mm longer and 78mm wider than its predecessor, but only 8mm higher. It is now 4178mm long, 1842mm wide and 1358mm high. The TT's wheelbase is 2468mm (plus 45mm).
June 2007
'Audi exclusive' allows buyers to customise their TTs. Options include two-tone Fine Nappa Leather upholstery and extended leather trim with seat centres and door panels in a choice of silver, crimson red, signal orange or saddle brown colour schemes.
Audi exclusive programme offers a virtually infinite number of customisation possibilities across all Audi models, including in excess of 30,000 pre-mixed exterior paint colours. Bespoke paint mixtures can match team colours, favourite lipstick shades, etc, also possible.
February 2008
TTS launched
The first Audi TT to sport the evocative ‘S' insignia denoting extraordinary performance - the new 272bhp TTS - was launched. Equipped with either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option, at £1,400, of the Audi S tronic twin-clutch transmission, the most extreme TT to date will reached its first UK customers in the summer of 2008.
Extensive revisions to the 2.0-litre turbocharged and directly fuel injected petrol engine that already powers the TT have enabled its power to be boosted from 200bhp to 272bhp and its torque from 280Nm to 350Nm, available between 2500 and 5000rpm.
Audi magnetic ride - the innovative adaptive damping system employing sophisticated magnetorheological fluid-filled dampers that firm up or soften under the influence of an electrical charge provided by electromagnets - is fitted as standard to the TTS. It ensures that handling agility befits the ‘S' badge without ruling out an absorbent ride.
The most extreme production TT to date highlights its capabilities from the front through newly designed xenon headlamps incorporating trademark Audi LED strip daytime running lights, a redesigned front apron incorporating larger air intakes and aluminium-look door mirror housings. The profile view is enhanced by deeper side skirts and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, which can be upgraded to 19-inch ‘5-spoke star' alternatives, while at the rear a revised rear bumper surrounding quad-tailpipes subtly conveys the newcomer's extra performance potential.
Inside, two-tone leather sports seats, exclusive ‘S' instruments with white needles, metal pedals and special aluminium trim elements enhance the already very highly regarded sports interior.
March 2008
Diesel TT TDI Introduced
The TT TDI Roadster was launched in the UK with the first deliveries arriving in the summer. The 140mph Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro - brings 50mpg-plus fuel economy and a 23 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.
The engine is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TDI with performance and refinement-boosting common rail fuel injection incorporating advanced piezo injection technology. The economical new powerhouse transfers to the TT with an upgrade to 170bhp and an impressive 350Nm maximum torque output - more than even the 3.2-litre V6 petrol model can muster.
January 2009
A quattro version of the 2.0 TFSI model was launched while at the same time the S line trim was introduced. It adds an S line-specific front grille, exclusive S line front and rear bumper designs, side sill extensions and, for four-cylinder models, chrome trimming for the exhaust tailpipes.
Trademark 18-inch five-spoke design alloy wheels also replace the 17-inch Trapez design wheels in 2.0 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI quattro versions, and the 18-inch 10-spoke design wheels in the 3.2 V6 models. Sports suspension lowered by 10mm and with unique S line settings is common to all models, as is an upgrade to the short-shift manual gearbox with its quicker, even more sporting shift action (unless the S tronic twin-clutch transmission is specified).
Inside, S line embossing for the sports seats, brushed aluminium inlays and a three-spoke multifunction S line steering wheel stamp the S line mark on the TT interior, which in common with standard four-cylinder models also features leather and Alcantara mix upholstery, electronic climate control, a Driver's Information System (DIS) and a Concert audio system with single CD player. Standard and S line versions of the V6 models are further enhanced by full Fine Nappa leather upholstery (with S line embossing in S line models) and front seat heating.
March 2009
The cheaper, entry-level 1.8 TFSI TT Roadster was launched, slotting into the range just below the existing 2.0 TFSI but running its more familiar relative impressively close both on the equipment checklist and on the move thanks to its all-new 1.8-litre TFSI petrol engine.
The state-of-the-art turbocharged and directly injected 1.8-litre TFSI unit is linked to a six-speed manual transmission and delivers 160bhp and a healthy peak torque output of 250Nm from 1500rpm right through to 4500rpm. This powers the TT Roadster 1.8 TFSI to 62mph in 7.4 seconds. A top speed of 139mph is possible where conditions allow, as is an impressive combined fuel consumption figure of 40.9mpg, equating to CO2 output of 159g/km.
Underpinning the latest Roadster is the same advanced suspension configuration that has consistently earned plaudits in the TT for its balance and agility, and in common with other TT models this can be further enhanced at extra cost by the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system. 17-inch Y-design alloy wheels connect the high-tech chassis to the road in the new 1.8 TFSI model.
April 2010
Audi announced the 2011 Model Year TT Roadster with updated including a newly adopted 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which improves fuel economy by up to 14 per cent.
The upgraded 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine has improvements in power, torque and overall efficiency compared with the 200bhp version it replaces. Delivering 211bhp a 350Nm torque peak between 1600rpm and 4200rpm, it enables the TT 2.0 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission to reach 62mph from rest in 6.1 seconds - 0.5 seconds more rapidly than its predecessor - and raises its top speed from 149mph to 152mph. Even more impressively, it boosts economy potential from 36.7mpg in the combined cycle test to 42.8mpg, and pares back CO2 output from 183g/km to 154g/km.
The gains made possible by this new technology are augmented by a recuperation system which recovers energy during braking and coasting phases in this latest generation TT, and which also extends to the 160bhp 1.8-litre TFSI petrol engine that continues to power the TT Roadster and the 170bhp 2.0-litre TDI.
The Audi magnetic ride shock absorber system that offers even greater poise for TT models as an optional extra, and is fitted as standard to the TTS has undergone some additional development work. ‘Normal' mode now offers an even more finely judged balance between ride refinement and handling composure, and when the ‘Sport' mode is selected an even tauter and more focused handling bias is elicited.
Another new development that will please sporting drivers can also be incorporated at extra cost in conjunction with Audi magnetic ride. The Sport button, which has been a standard feature of the TT RS since launch and now becomes available as an option for all other models, allows the driver to alter the throttle pedal response (in manual versions), the degree of servo boost provided by the electromechanical steering and the engine note.
The outside now subtly incorporates a more striking front bumper design with deeper air intakes based on the look that was previously reserved for S line versions. New alloy wheel designs raise the profile view, and at the rear a diffuser inset into the rear bumper and also adopted from S line versions adds even more sporting emphasis. 2011 Model Year TT models will also be more distinct thanks to five new metallic and pearl effect paint options.
S line models get a bumper and grille treatment which closely resembles the look of the TTS in its familiar current form, and which is further enhanced by standard xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The interior features new aluminium-look applications for the steering wheel, the centre console and the door liner, and a new high gloss finish for switches, panel surfaces and air vent inner sections. The aluminium strip above the glove box door is now brushed grey. There are three new interior colours from which to choose - nougat brown, titanium grey and garnet red.
The specification range in the UK has also been simplified. A ‘Standard' trim level is now reserved solely for the TT Roadster 1.8 TFSI, and at extra cost this can be upgraded to Sport or S line specification. All other versions (excluding the TTS and TT RS) begin at Sport level and can be upgraded to S line.
May 2012
Audi revised its recommendation for timing belt replacement on the 2006 - 2008 200PS 2.0TSI engine to be 75,000 miles or 5 years whichever comes soonest.
What to watch out for
Be aware of the difficulty of matching Audi exclusive paint colours after an accident and also their effect on residuals.
£500 optional Nappa leather seats seem to suffer premature wear and sagging.
Clutch life of a 270PS TTS can be as short as 20k miles.
30-06-2016:Report of Audi TT 1.8TFSI roadster needing new waterpump at 32k miles, quoted £679.
19-11-2016:Report of dashboard ESP warning light coming on intermittently on an 18k mile 2008 Audi TT Mk II 3.2VR6 s-tronic roadster. Wheel realignment made no difference. Replacing ESP wheel sensor made no difference. Strange occasional 'bang' from under the car when brakes applied. Otherwise running fine. Eventually turned out to be a faulty brake pedal switch/sensor, cured by replacing the switch ast a cost of £20.
19-06-2017:Report that 2012 Audi TT needed a new exhaust at 30,000 miles at a cost of £650.
21-02-2018:Report of high oil consumption from EA888 engine of 2010 Auti TT Roadster 1.8TSI 160 Roadster. Goes from full to oil light on in 500 miles.
