This year’s World Car Awards winners have been named at the New York International Auto Show. Some of the results might be rather surprising…
World Car of the Year
Winner: Audi A3
Given that the three finalists were the Audi A3, BMW 4 Series and Mazda3, the outcome of this contest was always going to be difficult to guess.
+Front+Side.jpg "Audi A3 Cabriolet (2014) Front Side")
Ultimately the sixty-nine jurors went for the Audi, saying, “With a superb choice of engines and four body styles, the A3 range packs a hefty premium punch in the small luxury segment.” They also praised its ride quality, which is one thing Audi models are often criticised for.
World Performance Car
Winner: Porsche 911 GT3
Okay, this decision makes no sense whatsoever. 911 GT3 deliveries were recently stopped because of a fire risk, while existing owners have been instructed not to drive their cars until a replacement engine is fitted.
+Front+Side+2.jpg "Porsche 911 GT3 (2013) Front Side")
There’s no doubting the 911 GT3’s abilities, but surely such a major production problem should have precluded it? The people at Chevrolet and Ferrari must be especially miffed, because the Corvette Stingray and 458 Speciale were the other two contenders.
World Luxury Car
Winner: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
In the inaugural year for this accolade, the S-Class beat the Bentley Flying Spur and Land Rover Range Rover Sport (as was expected).
+Front+Side.jpg "Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG (2014) Front Side")
According to the jurors, “Mercedes dominates the big luxury sedan market worldwide and the challenge of the sixth-generation S-Class was to be even better than the fifth-gen model. They did it by creating a car so far advanced in this segment that competitors pretty much have ceased trying to go head-to-head with the S.” That’s probably a bit too much hyperbole, even if the victory is deserved.
World Green Car
Winner: BMW i3
With its carbon fibre-reinforced plastic bodywork and the option of all-electric or range-extender powertrains, the i3 was an obvious choice to secure the World Green Car prize.
+Front+Side.jpg "BMW i3 (2014) Front Side")
The two defeated finalists were the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (+ Audi e-gas) and Volkswagen XL1.
World Car Design of the Year
Winner: BMW i3
Another win for the i3, which actually makes the BMW’s absence from the main World Car of the Year award shortlist even more baffling. Along with certain exterior elements, the original interior of the i3 also attracted commendation.
+Interior.jpg "BMW i3 (2014) Interior")
Although some would argue they’re better-looking cars, the Mazda3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class lost to the i3 in this category.
Related posts:
2014 World Car Awards top three finalists
2014 European COTY winner
2014 NACTOY winners
World Car of the Year
Winner: Audi A3
Given that the three finalists were the Audi A3, BMW 4 Series and Mazda3, the outcome of this contest was always going to be difficult to guess.
Ultimately the sixty-nine jurors went for the Audi, saying, “With a superb choice of engines and four body styles, the A3 range packs a hefty premium punch in the small luxury segment.” They also praised its ride quality, which is one thing Audi models are often criticised for.
World Performance Car
Winner: Porsche 911 GT3
Okay, this decision makes no sense whatsoever. 911 GT3 deliveries were recently stopped because of a fire risk, while existing owners have been instructed not to drive their cars until a replacement engine is fitted.
There’s no doubting the 911 GT3’s abilities, but surely such a major production problem should have precluded it? The people at Chevrolet and Ferrari must be especially miffed, because the Corvette Stingray and 458 Speciale were the other two contenders.
World Luxury Car
Winner: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
In the inaugural year for this accolade, the S-Class beat the Bentley Flying Spur and Land Rover Range Rover Sport (as was expected).
According to the jurors, “Mercedes dominates the big luxury sedan market worldwide and the challenge of the sixth-generation S-Class was to be even better than the fifth-gen model. They did it by creating a car so far advanced in this segment that competitors pretty much have ceased trying to go head-to-head with the S.” That’s probably a bit too much hyperbole, even if the victory is deserved.
World Green Car
Winner: BMW i3
With its carbon fibre-reinforced plastic bodywork and the option of all-electric or range-extender powertrains, the i3 was an obvious choice to secure the World Green Car prize.
The two defeated finalists were the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (+ Audi e-gas) and Volkswagen XL1.
World Car Design of the Year
Winner: BMW i3
Another win for the i3, which actually makes the BMW’s absence from the main World Car of the Year award shortlist even more baffling. Along with certain exterior elements, the original interior of the i3 also attracted commendation.
Although some would argue they’re better-looking cars, the Mazda3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class lost to the i3 in this category.
Related posts:
2014 World Car Awards top three finalists
2014 European COTY winner
2014 NACTOY winners
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