I found a couple of major, major problems with the 2008 Audi TT Roadster.
First, it showed up during a recent cold snap. Second, it didn’t stick around until spring so that I could throw the golf clubs in the passenger seat and shake off the considerable rust of my game (if you could call it that.)
As flaws go, that’s about it for a two-seater favorite.
Since the Audi TT debuted in 1998, it has been considered nothing short of iconic. Form met function during a time when function seemed to have overtaken the artistry of what had been car design. The Audi TT ushered the end of the “jellybean” school of design era.
Maybe it was a little underpowered – maybe. But very few considered that anything but nitpicking. The Audi TT looked and felt like a true roadster. It was smooth and breathtakingly nimble.
As it enters its second generation with a redesign, the Audi TT Roadster is very much the same, which is a good thing. Why bother trying to fix something that is in no way broken?
But a few improvements have been made.

2008 AUDI TT ROADSTER
Base Price: $36,800
As Tested: $44,400
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
Body Styles: Coupe, Convertible Roadster
In The Market: BMW Z4, Mazda Miata, Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000, Pontiac Solstice.

AESTHETICS/ERGONOMICS
There is more head and shoulder room, and cargo space has been increased from 7.4 to 8.8 cubic feet.
The power-folding top, which opens and closes in about 12 seconds, is part of the TT’s $3,050 Premium Package. That package also includes heated seats, power sport seats, a navigation system and a leather sport steering wheel.
Going to the top of the line with the Audi TT can be expensive.
An upgraded stereo system with Sirius Satellite Radio and a Bose sound system is an extra $800. A stereo upgrade to a six-disc CD changer and Symphony radio is $1,000.
All together, most of the extras lie within the cabin and end up pushing the price of the new Audi TT up over $44,000.
The redesign tweaked the front a bit, making it more of a bullet but not losing any of it sense of self.

PERFORMANCE
The S tronic transmission may be the best on the market these days. It is generally flawless as either a manual or six-speed automatic in sport mode. It’s a smooth and beautiful thing — and standard equipment with the $36,800 base price.
The 200 horsepower DOHC turbo four-cylinder is plenty of engine for a car of its curb weight.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Obviously, the Audi TT Roadster is among my favorites of any class.
The design and the engineering of the car work together seamlessly to deliver an enthusiast’s dream. From accelerating to braking to steering, the Audi TT inspires confidence in its drivability.
The upgrade enhanced the first generation without destroying its sense of self. For Audi, the TT is an icon that deserves to be treated with a tender touch — and it was.