SOMETHING really annoys me about convertible owners and it’s the fact that so many opt to keep their car’s roof up for months on end.
Seemingly - and I speak from experience as my mother owns one - they’re only de-roofed when the temperature is at a steady 20C and the sun’s shining.
However, we live in England, so the chances are very much at a premium and I’m a firm believer that if it’s dry, the roof should be stowed away - whatever the month, whatever the temperature.
It’s why Audi sending me a TT in roadster guise in the depths of winter wasn’t something I moaned at - I fully intended to put my perhaps odd behaviour into practice and show those naysayers that there’s still fun to be had.
The iconic TT has been a firm fixture on the roads since the late 90s and its longevity has been entirely justified thanks to its polished brilliance throughout the decades.
Each version has excelled, especially in the selling stakes so get past the snide ‘hairdresser’ remarks and what remains is a thoroughly brilliant car whether it’s in coupe or roadster form.
Indeed I even owned one for several years - an Ibis White TTS coupe - and loved it.
The lineage from that first TT remains in 2024 - top-drawer looks, interior and drive - but it’s a sad year as it marks the end of the road for what’s always been a go-to for those who want a well-priced, quality sports car.
This car, a well-specced S-Line roadster in a lovely hue known as ‘Petrol Blue’, does everything you’d ever want. Despite it having ‘only’ 197bhp, it’s still quick and it’s enough for a 60mph sprint in the sixes thanks to its familiar 2.0-litre turbo unit which has appeared in countless Audis, VWs, Skodas and Seats over the years.
Inside, it’s typical Audi fare: the switchgear is well-made, the steering wheel - as ever - is exemplary and it exudes quality wherever you touch or look.
Taking an angle grinder to a car’s roof doesn’t usually translate into a coupe-sharp drive but the TT remains exceptionally planted. Dreaded scuttle shake isn’t ever an issue and the S-Tronic semi-automatic gearbox is a peach - you never really crave a manual as a result of its abilities in either auto or manual modes.
While more premium versions benefit from Audi’s famed Quattro four-wheel-drive system, this version sends its power to the front wheels although it can scrabble for traction in poor conditions, it means its front end feels keener and there’s less weight.
Get the roof down and it just makes everything better. It’s a sense of occasion and those people who bemoan the icy temperatures really don’t have a leg to stand on because this TT has heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a handy ‘air scarf’ which - and you might not believe me on this - completely keeps it toasty.
Despite the roof being stowed, it genuinely is like driving in a warm, pleasant bubble when you’ve got the heating additions helping and despite the looks from passers-by - who clearly questioned sanity levels - it’s a fun thing to do.
The TT - although it’s perilously close to its end - remains a brilliant sports car and it’s a huge shame the plug’s being pulled.
