The Audi A3 has won the 2014 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) award, defeating the other 2 finalists, the BMW 4 Series and the Mazda 3. This is the 2nd time Audi won this prestigious award, having previously collected the inaugural 2005 World Car of the Year title with the A6. Audi has also won many awards in various categories at the previous WCOTY.
Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, said, “The Audi 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”.
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.”
The Audi A3 is based on the similar MQB underpinnings as seen in the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 that claimed the same award last year. The new A3 is expected to arrive at Malaysia sometime this year.
Although the biggest trophy was swept by Audi, BMW also have a reason to celebrate as they won two titles this year; World Green Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year, with the BMW i3. On the other hand, Porsche took home the World Performance Car of the Year with the Porsche 911 GT3. Meanwhile, the new Mercedes S-Class won the World Luxury Car of the Year.
Although German carmakers have pretty much won everything in this year’s WCOTY, honourable mention goes to the Mazda 3 which is the only non-German entry that made it in the finalist to beg the WCOTY award. The 3rd generation Mazda 3 also was the final three for the World Car Design of the Year award.
So, if you were looking for the best non-European car in the market, head down to your nearest Bermaz showroom now!
[Source: World Car of the Year]
