New Audi TT Roadster facelift spied winter testing

There aren’t many roadsters you’d want to take into a winter squall but Audi’s TT is probably one of them, thanks to the availability of all-wheel drive.

That’s just as well given where the facelifted version of the TT Roadster has been spotted undergoing winter testing – though the dual needs for warmth and inconspicuity have led Audi’s test driver to leave the roof firmly in place.

> Audi TT review - Sharp design and improved dynamics for stylish coupe

You shouldn’t expect a great deal of novelty from the refreshed TT Roadster. As the limited camouflage implies, exterior visual changes amount to new front and rear bumper designs, and the changes are very subtle at that.

The model testing appears to be in S Line trim, but the biggest difference from standard regardless of trim level is the front grille, which now uses a large honeycomb pattern design rather than horizontal bars.

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The wheels seen on the test car may not be representative of the production model given it’s wearing winter tyres, but new alloy wheel designs are also likely. Sadly, the rally-style spotlights probably won’t appear on the options list, but small changes to the design of the TT’s front and rear lights should feature.

We can also expect colour and trim quality improvements inside the cabin, complementing the TT’s standard Virtual Cockpit. Engine options are likely to remain as they are, meaning 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI petrols, a 2.0 TDI, and the later introduction of S and RS variants.

> Audi TT RS review - the Porsche Cayman S beater?

Audi may choose to offer a new entry-level model however, using a 148bhp variant of the VW Group’s 1.5-litre TSI petrol. Such an engine is already available in the A3, where it’s good for a healthy 8.1sec 0-62mph time with a manual gearbox.