Audi A3 Is 2014 World Car Of The Year

Now in its tenth year, the World Car of the Year awards recognize the top new cars around the world. Voted on by a jury made up of 69 automotive journalists representing 22 countries, each year's winners are announced at the New York Auto Show. To be eligible for consideration for the 2014 WCOTY awards, a new vehicle must be available for sale on at least two continents during the time period between January 1, 2013 and May 30, 2014.

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Audi has claimed six WCOTY awards since 2005, and now has one more for its mantle as the Audi A3 grabbed the 2014 World Car of the Year title. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class was named the 2014 World Luxury Car, while the Porsche 911 GT3 raced home as the World Performance Car. The BMW i3 impressed jurors garnering awards for both the 2014 World Green Car and the 2014 World Car Design of the Year.

Below is a list of this year’s winner for each category as well as the other top finalists and past winners.

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2014 World Car of the Year: Audi A3

The World Car Awards jurors commented: “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”.

Finalists:
BMW 4-Series
Mazda 3

Previous winners: Volkswagen Golf (2013), Volkswagen Up (2012), Nissan Leaf (2011)

2014 World Performance Car of the Year: Porsche 911 GT3

The World Car jurors commented: “Essentially race-engineered cars are Porsche’s original bread and butter. The latest 911 GT3 is 100 percent at home on any track, with surprising buckets of fine balance and handling prowess even with the engine theoretically in the “wrong” place. Heavy aero work, the stripping down of the car’s weight, and 469 horsepower from the 3.8-liter flat-six engine, all help with lap times and launch time.”

Finalists:
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Ferrari 458 Speciale

Previous winners: Porsche Boxster/Cayman (2013), Porsche 911 (2012), Ferrari 458 Italia (2011)