Audi A3 named World Car of the Year

And the World Car of the Year title for 2014 goes to ... the 2014 Audi A3! The littlest player in the Audi lineup received top honours at the New York International Auto Show today, chosen from an initial list of 24, culled first to a short-list of 12, then three; the other two finalists were the BMW 4-Series and the Mazda3.

Now in its 10th year, the World Car of the Year award winner is chosen from among vehicles available on at least two continents for the period from Jan. 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014. An international panel of 69 auto journalists from 22 countries makes the choice. 

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 the achievement by being voted 2014 World Car of the Year. 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 country can celebrate."

The jury released a statement praising the Audi for its "classic, chiseled contours and even better interior trim levels," its "superb choice of engines and four body styles" and a "silky smooth ride that approaches limousine quality."

Previous winners include the Nissan Leaf, VW Polo and Golf, Mazda2, and BMW 3-Series.