Audi A3 is 2014 World Car of the Year

The A3 was voted the winner by an international jury panel comprising 69 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world. This is the second overall title for Audi in the 10-year history of the World Car of the Year Awards as the Audi A6 won the inaugural overall title in 2005.

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."

The new Audi A3 is available as a three-door, Sportback, Cabriolet, and Sedan. It is powered by a range of TFSI gasoline and TDI diesel engines.

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. With the second generation, which followed in 2003, the brand extended its lead with the addition of a Cabriolet to the familiar three-door and Sportback body styles. The third A3 generation is available in four body styles following the further addition of the Sedan.