Now into its third generation, the A3 overcame the challenge from 23 other models.It was voted as the winner by an international jury comprising 69 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries.

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 light-weight technology, drivetrain, mobile infotainment and driver assistance systems. This major award win is an achievement that the whole company can celebrate.”

Audi can look back on a 16-year success story with the A3. In 1996, the first generation of the model series established an entirely new market segment: the premium compact class.

The new A3 is available as a three-door, Sportback, cabriolet and sedan and is powered by a range of TFSI gasoline and TDI diesel engines.  

With this win for the Audi A3, Audi has maintained its position as the manufacturer with the most World Car of the Year titles. In total, Audi has won seven World Car of the Year awards: