Readers of leading German publication auto motor und sport have voted Audi models the best in five out of 10 categories in the 2020 “Autonis” Awards—the most honors received by any manufacturer. The awards recognize the best new design features in automobiles every year.
Audi models which took home trophies are the A1 citycarver, A3, Q3 Sportback, A5 and RS 6 Avant. More than 100 new models from various manufacturers were included for evaluation in the awards’ categories, with some 16,000 participants casting their readers’ choice votes.
Claiming victory with 33 percent of the vote in the Autonis Small Car category was the Audi A1 citycarver. The model debuted last year and is characterized by a robust, off-road look as seen not just through its large, octagonal Singleframe, but also through redesigned side sills with contrasting attachments, elevated ride height and underbody protection in stainless-steel color.
Winning the Compact Car category with 19.6 percent of readers’ vote was the new Audi A3 premium compact model. The A3 is the first Audi to offer Matrix LED headlights combined with digital daytime running lights. These daytime running lights have 3×5 pixel field of LED segments, giving the car a unique light signature.
In the Compact SUV category, 24.4 percent of the participating readers voted the Audi Q3 Sportback as best. One of this SUV coupe’s distinguishing features is a low roofline that makes it appear significantly longer than the Q3 on which it is based. Also, the Q3 Sportback is almost three centimeters wider, and so appears more muscular.
The updated Audi A5 took 36.3 percent of readers’ vote in the Mid-Size category, proving the improvements the model gained have been noticed by the public. Among the A5’s changes are a flatter and wider Singleframe grille with the honeycomb insert, and air vents placed above the grille that are reminiscent of that on the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984.
Emerging as best in the Full-Size category was the Audi RS 6 Avant, which secured 22.6 percent of readers’ nod. A significantly flatter Singleframe grille, a body that is roughly 40mm wider—thanks to flared wheel arches—and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and oval tailpipes underscore the high-performance capabilities of this model when compared to the base A6 Avant variant.
“Each of these models is part of the Audi family, yet each has its own character,” said Audi Head of Design Marc Lichte, who accepted the five Autonis trophies on behalf of the Audi design team. “At Audi, it is extremely important for us as a premium brand that the design of our models not only appeals to us, but also meets the tastes of our customers.”