Audi appears to be having quite the year so far, what with its fabulous R8 model acting like an award magnet for just about every trophy the automotive industry has to dish out.

Yes, they certainly seem to be sitting at the top of the pile at the moment and basking in some well-deserved glory.

I say good luck to them; after all, it wasn't that many years ago that the motoring press was saying some pretty unsavory things about Audi. Those were the dark days, when the company appeared plagued with quality issues and were struggling somewhat in North America.

In my book, Audi employees should give themselves a huge pat on the back for turning the company around in such a short space of time. After all, there are other manufactures, mentioning no names, that have suffered similar problems over the years, and yet never managed to claw themselves out, or purrfect the same outcome!

Naturally, credit for this turn around must be shared by all departments, but I believe that Audi's design team might be worthy of a slightly larger slice of that, because everything coming out through the factory doors today has that certain "wow factor" to it. The R8 is certainly a testament to that fact, but so is the little roadster which I'm testing this week, the Audi TT 2.0 TFSI.

When you see one of these come up behind you in the rear view mirror, it wouldn't be hard to mistake it for an R8 at first. I would put that down to the similar looking headlights, which, I don't think anyone would deny, are a striking feature on either car.

Of course, with a quick glance in your mirror, you may confuse the models, but you won't have trouble identifying the manufacturer because the TT Roadster carries the now famous Audi front Grille.

I say famous, because there are a couple of interesting stories behind that. Firstly, there are aftermarket companies which sell bumper and grille packages to update the older style Audi, to look like the current models. That in itself proves just how popular the new design is. However, if you want further proof, just take a wander around an auto show this year and see how many other manufacturers seem to be copying Audi's bold frontal look. What is it they say..."imitation is the greatest form of flattery"!

That must be annoying, yet at the same time, rewarding to the Audi designers. Luckily for them, nobody has yet decided to copy the remaining shape and style of the TT, and as with all Audi products, it stands out in a crowd.

Now after saying that, the TT doesn't hit you like my Uncle in his pink and yellow shirt that he brought back from Hawaii does. No, the TT is bold no doubt, but in a stylish and handsome way.

The rather bulbous front, unusual on a sports car, presents a certain powerful stance, and leads you to believe that there is more under the hood of the beast than you first thought. In fact, when you drive the TT, you realize that is actually true!!

The 2.0 TFSI motor doesn't sound like a huge chunk of engine, but in a car of its size and weight, when coupled to the delightful six speed s-tronic transmission, it moves! In fact, this little hot rod goes from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, and runs the quarter mile in just 14.8 seconds.

Of course, after mentioning the transmission, I have to say that the change ups that the unit produces are amazing. From a standing start, the rapid blip blip of the gear changes makes you feel like you're in a Formula One car! Oh, and it sounds great too!

I should also mention, that the flat bottomed steering wheel, just like that of the R8, adds to this racy feeling as well.

This brings me nicely to the interior.

Anyone who has ever sat inside an Audi product knows how well designed the interiors are. Audi just has a way of perfecting a classy, yet sporty, environment like no other manufacturer, and over the years, that has become one of their trademarks.

Everything feels tight and well put together in the TT. The seating surfaces are firm yet friendly; and a typical German quality feel is forever present.