Audi A3 TDI - 2010 Green Car of the Year

Even if the diesel burning Audi A3 just arrived in U.S. last month, the alternatively fueled hatchback already has a huge following around the world. And it hasn’t taken long for the other A3 to find success being named the 2010 Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal and the GreenCar.com website at the 2009 LA Auto Show. The 2.0 Liter TDI four cylinder engine delivers a maximum output of 140 HP and because it is a diesel, significantly more torque, 236 lb-ft to be exact. Yet despite the excessive amount of thrust, the green A3 is able to get an EPA estimated 42 MPG on the highway.

According to the President of Audi of America, Johan de Nysschen, "We consider the Green Car of the Year® title one of the most important industry accolades. 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." With a shift towards premium compacts and fuel efficient car shopping, Audi look like they are on the right track towards selling these green A3s like hot cakes.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

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.