The Audi A3, the premium compact bestseller from the German automaker, has been named the 2014 World Car of the Year. This is the second overall title for Audi in the ten year history of the World Car of the Year Awards as the Audi A6 won the inaugural overall title in 2005, a statement said. The third generation of the Audi A3 overcame the challenge from 23 other cars to win the prestigious World Car of the Year title in 2014. The A3 was voted as the winner by an international jury panel comprising 69 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world. Rupert Stadler, chairman 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,” he added. With this, Audi looks 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. Source: TradeArabia