Price: As tested, $42,725
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Engine: Power: 1.8-liter DOHC turbocharged 4-liter engine.

Configuration: Two-seat sports car

Fuel Efficiency: 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway

Safety Features: Driver, passenger airbags, standard; ">ABS anti-lock brakes, standard; thorax and head side airbags, standard

Impression: This German built sports car is fun in the sun. And even in the rain....

It rained and was cccccccold all week long.

I never got to put the top down on the 2002 Audi TT Roadster.

What a disappointment, in that respect. But the week sure was a fun one in this little sports car.

I know, you're going to ask what the TT stands for. Audi says it's named after the legendary Tourist Trophy motorsports event that started in 1905. Well, I don't know exactly what that event is all about, but I can tell you that this roadster is a blast to drive.

First of all, let's look at this beautiful creation. The sporty design and flawless execution of totally gorgeous lines and curves were inspired by the concept car of the same name that was shown at the German Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1995.

At first, it's really radical. But it grows on you minute by minute. You know how some roadsters look like roadsters? This one doesn't. The roof blends in nicely with the design and doesn't look out of place.

And even at freeway speeds on busy roads, you're not besieged with a lot of noise. The interior is well insulated from all that road noise, allowing you to listen to the Bose premium sound 7-speaker stereo without blowing your ears out.

And does it go. Thanks to the 1.8-liter dual-overhead-cam turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pumps out a full 225 horsepower. The engine features two intercoolers, electronic turbo boost regulation and 5-valves per cylinder technology.

You want fast, you've got it with a 0 to 60 time in 6.3 seconds. Vroom, it's gone. I don't even have to tell you how nimble it is around corners and zipping around slower traffic. It handles like a roadster should. Quick and nimble.

All that's coupled with a quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system with electronic differential lock and a 6-speed manual transmission that comes close to shifting itself. The only thing that bugged me was remembering to depress the transmission shifter down and across to put it in reverse. Minor annoyance that any owner would get used to in a hurry anyway.

Would you like a few more technical highlights? How about a fully galvanized body assembly with aluminum hood, or MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link ">independent rear suspension.

Even though this TT Roadster is a teeny vehicle, Audi made sure occupants will be safe. There are driver and front passenger next-generation airbags, of course. But there are also thorax and head side airbags as well. Anti-lock brakes, anti-slip regulation, full-time traction control are there too.

There are 3-point safety belts with automatic pretentioners, fixed headrests for front seats, a central locking system, dual power mirrors with defogging feature and a headlight washer system.

Yea, the headlights. Cool the way the Xenon high intensity headlights light your way in the dark of night. Annoys all the other drivers who think you have your brights on. Heh, heh, heh.

Slip behind the wheel and you're struck by the sight of the amber red interior and baseball optic Nappa premium leather (it actually has ball-glove stitching). It's an option, sure, but makes the vehicle so unique.

The front instrument panel is treated with chrome surfaces that look just perfect where they are. Several controls are located behind a chrome door that silently disappears with a gentle push. In front of the shifter, another door slides out of the way to reveal controls for the trunk and fuel filler door.

And to further your comfort, there are heated seats that have individual manual height adjustment. The 3-spoke leather sport steering wheel has tilt and telescopic adjustments for your individual driving pleasure. The cloth top is power operated and has a heated rear glass window.

Standard equipment also includes an alarm system with theft-deterrent repeater lights on each door windowsill. It also features a separate sensor that monitors activity inside the car. Can't lock your dog in there, sorry. An option to consider is the HomeLink universal garage door opener.

Don't like maintenance? Who does? Audi Advantage is covered on every car sold here and includes 4-year/50,000-mile no-charge scheduled maintenance and a 24-hour roadside assistance for four full years.

This Audi TT Roadster is a lot of fun to drive and would be a pleasure to own. Consider it.