The theme of the 2009 LA Auto Show was clearly about efficiency and practicality. Walking around the exhibit all, this theme was evident in the new hybrids raised on pedestals and the MPG ratings posted prominently on exhibits walls. Not only do consumers demand more miles per gallon, but after a tough year financially, automakers are eager to produce the cars that will have an easier time of moving off of dealership lots.
Technology and low-emissions are also the focus. That’s why the 2010 Green Car of the Year, given out by the Green Car Journal, was one of the biggest announcements of the show.
According to Mission Viejo Car Dealers, some of the Green Car of the Year Award finalists included natural choices, such as the all-new Toyota Insights which boasts 48 mpg in the city. Naturally, the Prius’ main competitor, the Honda Insight, was also a finalist along with another relatively new hybrid is the Mercury Milan Hybrid. Although it isn’t a hybrid vehicle, the Volkswagen Golf TDI was also chosen as a finalist due to its efficient, clean, yet powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder clean-diesel engine.
But of course there could also be one winner, and that honor went to the Audi A3 TDI. This marks the second year that turbo diesels from the VW Group have won the award, despite the widespread fascination with hybrid technology. The Audi A3 TDI earns 42 mpg on the highway, which isn’t the most impressive compared with all of the finalists. But its combination of mileage, low emissions, and its attractive design and luxurious interior, is what helped it win over the judges.
The award shows that hybrids aren’t the only “eco-friendly” cars available to consumers. A diesel-powered winner for the second year in a row may also show that hybrids need to improve more than just mpg ratings to remain competitive.
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Press Release:
Audi A3 TDI Named 2010 Green Car of the Year
- EPA-estimated 42 MPG highway is highest of any luxury car sold in the U.S.
- Audi TDI clean diesel 2.0 engine delivers optimal power with uniquely low emissions
- The Green Car of the Year(R) award is the industry measure of environmental innovation
HERNDON, Va., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ — Green and performance luxury needn’t be mutually exclusive concepts. That’s a core belief at Audi. Today, that philosophy paid off with the all-new A3 TDI earning the prestigious title of 2010 Green Car of the Year.
The announcement came this morning during the Los Angeles Auto Show as Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com presented the award to Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. The Audi A3 TDI was among five model finalists nominated for the award, which began in 2005.
The 2010 Audi A3 TDI arrived at U.S. dealerships last month and initial sales have been promising. The A3 TDI is the latest example of the fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions benefits provided by the critically acclaimed TDI clean diesel product line, following the wildly popular Q7 TDI, which launched in June 2009. TDI clean diesel technology was first developed by Audi 20 years ago and has come to signify the brand’s commitment to trailblazing automotive performance executed in an environmentally responsible way.
The groundbreaking TDI 2.0 engine available in the A3 delivers 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, yet achieves an EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway fuel economy that is the best of any luxury car sold in America. That means the Audi A3 TDI achieve 50% better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine.
In addition to setting the new industry standard in fuel efficiency, the 2010 A3 TDI remains a stylistic pacesetter as well. All new A3 models now come standard with S line exterior equipment. In addition the wheels have been upgraded and standard Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available on Premium Plus models. “The Audi A3 TDI really defines what a ‘green’ car should be,” said Cogan. “At 42 mpg, it sets the bar for highway fuel efficiency in the luxury car segment. Its 50-state certified clean diesel engine is quiet, responsive, and achieves its mission without the need for exotic technologies. Plus, it’s sporty and just plain fun to drive.”
Indeed, the TDI technology in the A3 has a strong performance heritage. Audi was the first automaker to find success with diesel engines in motorsports, winning several times at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, among other competitions. That same fundamental technology is found in the A3 TDI, meaning motorists do not have to sacrifice performance for efficiency.
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