THERE are a blizzard of different annual 'best' car awards, but Audi has scooped one of the most important, with its A3 being named 2014 World Car of the Year, writes William Scholes.
From an initial entry of 24 cars, a short list of 12 was drawn up, which was then whittled down to three fine cars - the A3, BMW 4 Series and Mazda 3 - by a panel of motoring journalists and experts.
The Audi won, however, with jurors observing that while it "might borrow styling hints from its bigger brothers", the A3 "offers classic, chiseled contours and even better interior trim levels". "With a superb choice of engines and four body styles, the A3 range packs a hefty premium punch in the small luxury segment," they said. "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."
Audi chairman Rupert Stadler said the A3 was a showcase of the company's "technical competence in all aspects of carmaking, not least in the areas of lightweight technology, drivetrain, mobile infotainment and driver assistance systems".
Previous World Car of the Year winners are the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Up, Nissan Leaf, Mazda 2, BMW 3 Series and Audi A6.