Topless joy

What we like:

It’s a really fun car to drive to begin with; and the lack of a roof only adds to the excitement

What we dislike:

It’s a bit bumpy over rough surfaces

The TT is a small, lightweight (1,425 kg) little thing that is agile and nimble in the best possible way. It darts around traffic like a jackrabbit and never feels underpowered or slow. Body control is also excellent when you start to drive it more aggressively; but the downside is that the springs are a bit on the firm side which means some rather uncomfortable jolts over seriously marred surfaces.

Other than that though the car remains composed and fairly comfortable even over slightly less than perfect roads. The 2.0l engine under the hood makes 230 hp and 370 Nm, which is plenty for a car this weight. Mated to the venerable 6-speed S tronic double clutch gearbox, the car sorts itself out brilliantly for the most part. Take over via the paddles though and you’ll find the same instantaneous shifts that the S tronic gearbox has always delivered.

Around a twisty bit of road you’ll find the TT roadster is actually a huge joy to pilot. It’s just one of those cars that can really put a smile on your face because it’s such a lively, spirited car that’s confidence inspiring even around the bends. It will oversteer if you get it wrong, but that’s easily corrected as the car communicates with you through the way it feels at the wheel and in the seat.

This is not really the sort of car that feels great cruising down the highway with R. Kelly’s I believe I Can Fly playing loudly to the whole world uninsulated by the fabric roof. Rather it’s always urging you to get your foot on the gas and zip around throwing your cares away in the wind as you zig-zag through the ups and downs of life.

It’s one of few cars that truly can drive your troubles away, and put that smile on your face and the wind in your hair.

Credits: Story and Photos by Alvan Sio