AUDI is taking orders this month for the second generation TT Roadster, which is due to go on sale next spring.

Initially available with the 200 horsepower 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine and front-wheel-drive, or the 250 horsepower 3.2-litre V6 with quattro permanent four-wheel-drive The TT Roadster 2.0 T is priced at £26,915 and the TT Roadster 3.2 quattro at £31,535.

Like its coup counterpart, the new TT Roadster has a hybrid Audi Space Frame bodyshell, blending 58 per cent aluminium and 42 per cent steel to minimise weight.

Audi says to minimise impact on the weight savings made through the new construction technology, the new TT Roadster retains a cloth hood - electrohydraulically powered in both versions - which is both lighter than before through the use of a new steel and aluminium support framework, and more insulating, thanks to an additional layer of soundproofing. Incorporating a heated glass rear window, the soft top opens or closes in just 12 seconds. It stows even more neatly and space efficiently than before thanks to a new Z-fold system which stacks the rigid front section of the roof on top of the cloth to form a cover, ensuring that the hood sits completely flush with the body and eliminating the need for a tonneau.

Operation is now also completely hands-free', with no need to attach or detach the hood to or from the windscreen rail. A powered mesh wind deflector is fitted as standard to UK TT Roadster models to streamline airflow through the cabin and minimise buffeting. Six-speed manual transmission is standard on both versions, with S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission available.