Audi is celebrating as the A3 has been named 2014 World Car of the Year. A jury of 69 automotive journalists from 22 countries voted the A3 ahead of 23 other models.
Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, said; "The Audi A6 was the first ever winner of this award and we are delighted that the Audi A3 has repeated that achievement by being voted 2014 World Car of the Year. The Audi A3 showcases Audi's technical competence in all aspects of car making, 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".
When Audi launched the A3 in 1996 it was available only as a three-door hatchback with petrol or diesel power. The current model comes in three-door hatchback, five-door Sportback, Cabriolet and saloon guises. Powertrain options for the Sportback include g-tron natural gas for some markets and the soon to be launched plug-in hybrid e-tron.
Anything else?
In addition to the overall World Car award, which Audi has won twice, there are awards for performance car and car design. No other manufacturer has received as many awards; the TT and RS4 were named World Car Design of the Year and Performance Car of the Year respectively in 2007; the R8 took both awards in 2008; and the R8 V10 won the performance car award in 2010.