The Audi TT's a two-seater (unless you're under 4' tall). It has all the failings of an MX5 in icy conditions. If they want to use it in ice and snow, I'd suggest an additional set of wheels fitted with Winter tyres.

Same situation saw me get an SLK 250, the reason was mainly for the vario roof which after the soft top CLK that grew moss and was a so and so to get off is good. Not sure if the rear wheel drive would handle snow and ice well. It's all down personal choice.

MX-5 plus winter tyres plus some rust prevention treatment (Mazda don't seem to believe in this, 3 years salt and an untreated MX-5 could be brown underneath on past performance).

No comparison to a TT really. The TT might have 2 or 3 times the power if that matters (I don't think so, 130bhp in a car weighing under a tonne is enough for me, others differ).

The MX-5 will need to be 'pedalled' in hilly terrain - it needs to be driven, being naturally aspirated. The 124 Spider and the MX-5 are chalk and cheese in that respect.

The MX-5 is not IMO a great motorway car. It's relatively noisy (presumably the tin top will be better than the convertible with the roof up, but wind noise is worse with it down) and being in such a small, low car gives a feeling of vulnerability at times - other drivers can see over it and tend to get too close for comfort. On the plus side, the steering weights up nicely and is not at all twitchy at speed - a benefit of electric assist being that the designer can give the car whatever assistance curve is most suitable without compromising geometry. The Mk4 has significantly more caster than earlier versions, about 2-3 degrees more than the Mk2 IIRC.

I've done 8,000 miles in my MX-5 Mk4 this year, mainly since the beginning of May, including 2,300 miles in 10 days to Lake Garda and back. The only niggle for me is seat comfort, it's a bit lacking in lumbar support.

P.S. - actually it was a lot better on French and Swiss motorways than British ones, because there was less traffic/fewer lanes. It's all the traffic that creates most of the noise. But I still prefer the roof up at 130kph/80mph on a long drive.

Edited by Manatee on 05/10/2018 at 20:21

What about a Mustang? If it can handle US winters Scotland would be a doddle.

"The biggest danger was of it falling through the floor of his then 1970's era BMC 1300's."

Interesting - would that be the boot of a RWD Marina or the front passenger footwell of a FWD Austin 1300 or Allegro?

Going back to LP's friend, I think I'd agree with the Golf GTI option, given the variable types of road in rural Scotland. Or a 4wd Golf R iof he can find one withing budget. He'd need a set of winter tyres.

Edited by Avant on 06/10/2018 at 12:26