The Audi A3 has bagged the prestigious 2014 World Car of the Year title, announced yesterday at the New York International Auto Show. The A3 was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of 12, then three finalists: The BMW 4-series, the Mazda 3 and the Audi A3.
The A3 was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of 12, then three finalists: The BMW 4-series, the Mazda 3 and the Audi A3.
Rupert Stadler, chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, said: “The A6 was the first ever winner of this award and we are delighted that the A3 has repeated that achievement by being voted 2014 World Car of the Year. The A3 showcases Audi’s technical competence in all aspects of carmaking, not least in the areas of lightweight technology, drivetrain, mobile infotainment and driver assistance systems. This major award win is an achievement that the whole company can celebrate.”
With this latest win, Audi has now won a total of seven times, having previously collected the inaugural 2005 World Car of the Year title, three World Performance Car titles in 2010, 2008 and 2007, and two World Car Design of the Year titles in 2008 and 2007.
The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “It might borrow styling hints from its bigger brothers, but the A3 still offers classic, chiseled contours and even better interior trim levels. With a superb choice of engines and 4 body styles, the A3 range packs a hefty premium punch in the small luxury segment. Audi should be complimented for making this A3 ride like no other A3. All the old shimmer over rough surfaces has gone, replaced by a silky smooth ride that approaches limousine quality.”
To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the cars had to be available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2013 and ending May 31, 2014.
Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 69 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world. Hormazd Sorabjee, editor, Autocar India, is part of the jury.
Previous World Car of the Year winners are the Volkswagen Golf, the Volkswagen Up! in 2012, the Nissan Leaf in 2011, the Volkswagen Polo in 2010, Volkswagen Golf in 2009, the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio in 2008, the Lexus LS460 in 2007, the BMW 3-Series in 2006, and the Audi A6 in 2005.
Meanwhile, this year’s World Luxury Car title was won by the Mercedes-Benz S-class, the World Performance Car is the Porsche 911 GT3, and the BMW i3 drove away with the World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car awards.
Photograph: Scott Keogh, president of Audi America, holds the trophy after the A3 was named World Car of the Year.