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® award is the industry measure of
environmental innovation
HERNDON, Va., Dec 3, 2009 - 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.
“We consider the Green Car of the Year® title one of the most important
industry accolades,“ said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America.
“It is of paramount importance for us to develop vehicles that achieve
the very touchstones this award stands for – fuel efficiency and
environmental impact. Rather than novelty features, we consider these
attributes imperative to the future of automobile design. We are honored
with this recognition for the Audi A3 TDI.”
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.
For more information on the Audi A3 TDI, please visit
www.audiusanews.com.
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