2015 Audi TT Roadster revealed

Audi releases the first pics of the new TT Roadster ahead of Paris debut.

The new 2015 third-generation Audi TT Roadster has been revealed after the hardtop version was launched internationally earlier this month.

The soft-top TT is styled identically to its coupe sibling, with the exception of the obvious lack of a solid roof panel and hatchback-style bootlid.

That means the TT Roadster scores the same chiselled styling that gives the coupe a more aggressive appearance than any of its softly styled predecessors.

New Roadster buyers also get the same funky interior design as the coupe, equipped with a full 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster similar to that of the new Lamborghini Huracan.

However, the drop-top is strictly a two-seater while the hardtop features an additional pair of rear seats suitable for smaller passengers or luggage.

The fabric roof can be raised or lowered in ten seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h and weighs 39kg - or around 3kg less than the one fitted to the outgoing TT Roadster.

Audi claims the new soft-top features improved sound deadening and thermal insulation compared to that of the second-gen TT Roadster, and promises greater passenger comfort and refinement than before.

Luggage space for the new Roadster is 280-litres regardless of whether the roof is up or down as the fabric roof folds into its own separate compartment behind the seats.

The entry level TT Roadster is powered by a 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre diesel four-pot capable of 4.5L/100km combined.

Stepping up to the 169kW/370Nm 2.0-litre petrol model introduces the option of Quattro all-wheel drive, which isn't available on the base model. The 2.0 TFSI models offer fuel consumption as low a 6.1L/100km combined.

The range-topping TTS Roadster is powered by a 228kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-pot and can sprint to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds – two tenths slower than the hardtop TTS.

However, it is likely we'll see a slightly detuned 210kW version of the TTS Roadster due to Australia's extreme weather conditions.

The new Roadster will be offered internationally with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and optional 6-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic, though local specifications are yet to be confirmed. The current TT Roadster is available only in automatic guise in Australia.

The all-wheel drive system fitted to the new TT is able to send up to 100 per cent of the engine's torque to either axle, and Audi even claims 'controlled drifts' are possible as more power is sent to the rear during sporty driving.

The new Roadster weighs 1320kg dry with a manual transmission and 2.0-litre petrol motor, making the new model slightly lighter than its predecessor, despite swapping the old 1.8-litre engine for a larger 2.0-litre and growing in size.

Like the TT coupe, the Roadster now rides on the VW Group's MQB chassis architecture, also used by the A3 sedan and hatch range as well as the MK7 Volkswagen Golf.

Audi's new TT Roadster will make its public debut at the Paris motor show next week, before going on sale locally in the second half of 2015.