Audi TT Roadster

Lighter in its aluminium and steel composite bodyshell, more powerful and packed with extra features, this third-generation model has emerged from winter hibernation in fine fettle.

There are microphones embedded in the seat belts for those important little phone calls, LED headlamps, a progressive steering system, a virtual cockpit already successfully introduced in the coupé version and myriad creature comforts to enhance the wind-in-your-hair motoring experience.

The iconic TT is perhaps more than any other model synonymous with Audi, and whatever changes have been made have been done with respect to the heritage.

What hasn’t changed is the roof. Audi has retained the fabric top in preference to a metal version for reasons of aesthetics and weight. With three layers to its structure, the snug top keeps the cabin well insulated from outside noise and it has the added bonus of not encroaching on the boot space when folded down.

It takes only 10 seconds to open or close the roof, and the operation can be completed at speeds up to 31mph, so there is little danger of raindrops falling on your head.

With first deliveries in May, there’s a choice of two trim levels – Sport and S line – and, either S tronic or manual transmission and either two-litre petrol or two-litre ‘ultra’ diesel engines. The only other consideration is whether to match the S tronic gearbox with the new generation of the quattro all-wheel drive system.

In June, the blisteringly fast TTS Roadster will arrive, but for the moment it is only being delivered in coupé form.

For those pondering a purchase of the TT Roadster, there will be much head-scratching over the choice.

I suspect that all but the speed-junkies will avoid the TTS, which will accelerate from standstill to 62mph in under five seconds. As thrilling as that may sound, it is probably too much of a handful for most tastes and will require as much concentration to rein in the 310PS as it will to enjoy the fabulous performance.

No, I found myself drawn to the 2.0 TDI ultra for a beautifully composed ride offering fuel economy of more than 60mpg. There’s a price difference of more than £2,000 over the cheaper and more powerful 2.0-litre petrol sibling, but there’s a Goldilocks-like just-right feel as soon as you prod the accelerator.

True, the torquey diesel is a second slower in the acceleration stakes than the petrol option, but it is achingly smooth in its delivery and will still deliver a 0 to 62mph sprint in only 7.3 seconds.

Whichever choice is made, the TT Roadster will not disappoint.

With a cabin that is beautifully put together and a technology-fest that will satisfy all but the geekiest of drivers, the proof of the pudding is in the driving dynamics.

With instant responses to inputs and a slide-rule precise steering system, progress is satisfyingly brisk and comfortable behind the wheel in the snug sports seats.

In addition, a drive select system provides a choice between comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency modes, together with a freely-configurably individual mode.

The virtual cockpit, which features in both trim specifications, has a 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD display behind the steering wheel, meaning that the driver barely has to take his eyes off the road to access the various functions. It is my favourite driving aid of this year and destined to become the norm across the Audi range as models are updated and introduced.

Audi has pulled off the trick of reinventing the TT Roadster, without impinging on its iconic status. Put simply, it’s just even better.

At a glance

Audi TT Roadster

Price: from £31,995 to £37,555

Engine choice: 2.0-litre 230PS TFSI petrol or 2.0-litre 184PS TDI ultra diesel

Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed S tronic driving front wheels or S tronic with quattro

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 5.6 seconds (2.0 TFSI)

Economy: 42.2mpg for 2.0 TFSI S tronic to 65.7mpg for 2.0 TDI