• Unusually large centre console
• Some awkward ergonomics
• Premium quality look and feel

The GT Roadster uses the same central structural ‘tub’ as Mercedes’ older SLS AMG supercar. We mention this because it also carries over an unusual interior characteristic as a result – a very large centre console, which dominates the entire cabin, separating driver and passenger.

It all looks and feels very good inside (despite the occasional rattles emanating from our test cars). But the positioning of the heavily stylised eight-button layout on this central tunnel – which is supposed to remind you there are eight cylinders under the bonnet, as if the noise they make would ever let you forget – means that you sometimes feel like double-jointed elbows would be helpful to operate them.

Good driving position, mixed visibility

Still, there’s a large amount of adjustment in the steering and seating position, so it’s not difficult to find a comfy driving position.

And although you’ll find the sheer width of the car requires a little initial calibration, forward visibility is such that it’s never difficult to position on the road.

Rear visibility, on the other hand, is much less user-friendly. The back of the car is very high, to the point that shorter drivers may struggle to check their over-the-shoulder blindspot.

• We’ve only tested the adaptive suspension so far
• Comfort and composure impress
• Dynamic Plus package more compromised

Every version of the GT Roadster we’ve so far been able to drive has been fitted with adaptive suspension – which varies the response of the shock absorbers in order to balance ride comfort against body roll in the corners, as required.

This system comes as standard on the GT C Roadster but is only optional on the more basic GT Roadster. Its behaviour is influenced by the driving mode selector, but there’s also a separate button on the centre console to activate (or deactivate) the three Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus levels of damping independently, giving you even greater control over the car.

Fitted to a regular GT Roadster, the degree of general comfort this system delivers borders on the exceptional for a sports car. Even the firmer modes deal brilliantly with bumps, making for smooth progress over bad surfaces – good news for the UK.

More focused options available

The GT C Roadster we sampled, however, was also fitted with the Dynamic Plus package, which includes stiffer suspension and active engine mounts that harden for greater handling accuracy during faster driving.

This might sound exciting, but think carefully before you select this option. We found there was far more noise and road shock delivered into the GT C’s cabin as a result, with bumps that would barely merit a ripple in the GT causing a wince in the car with Dynamic Plus fitted.

Impressive roof, but too many rattles

Elsewhere we were impressed by the refinement achieved by the three-layer convertible top when it was in its raised position, but surprised that both cars exhibited a number of minor but irritating rattles.

The firmer GT C was the worse culprit in this regard. But in either case we would expect better from a car that costs so much money.