Here are the reasons that Audi received 4 Women’s Choice awards

After working through a tough couple of years brought on by its self-inflicted emissions scandal, Volkswagen and its subsidiaries are successfully pulling away from those troubles. A case in point is the Women’s Choice Awards. Four 2018 Audis, the A3 Cabriolet, the A3 Sportback e-tron and the TT Coupe and Q3 received the awards last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Cabriolet earned the Woman’s Choice award for the most “eco-friendly” convertible as well as the safest ragtop – the “safety” award. The A3 Sportback e-tron was named the most “eco-friendly” in the hatchback category. Meantime, the TT Coupe and the Q3 were named the most “reliable” in the coupe and crossover categories.

Awards grew from a national study of women concerns

The Women’s Choice Automotive Awards were the result of a national study into the concerns of women buying a car or truck. Judges looked closely at nine market segments including sedan, coupe, crossover, and SUV to rate the considerations used to make their final decisions. The factors that women considered to be the most important were used to score each vehicle. Next, used those considerations, applying them in the following categories, Safety, Reliability, Family-Friendly, and Eco-Friendly, to determine the winners.

To be considered for the 2018 Women’s Choice Automotive Awards, cars must be available for purchase in the U.S. between Sept 13 and Nov. 2, 2017, must be a 2018 base-trim model, and must not have any mandatory or required recalls outstanding.

With the field narrowed, jurors received a list of award considerations. The judges then used the considerations to list their high priorities. For example, within the safety category, judges were asked to rank the availability of features such as adaptive headlights, rearview cameras, forward collision warning and rear cross traffic detection.

In the reliability category, judges were asked to consider Consumer Reports reliability figures, as well as standard vehicle warranties and reported recalls.

In the Family-Friendly category, judges weighed value, safety, reliability, convenience, and comfort, as were seating capacity, rear legroom, standard entertainment systems, cruise control and digital connectivity.

Fuel economy standards were part of eco-friendliness

Eco-Friendliness considerations included fuel-economy, as well as other eco-friendly features. EPA SmartWay certification was also a part of these deliberations.

Filip Brabec, Audi of America’s vice president of product management, welcomed the awards news warmly. “It is an honor to have four Audi models chosen … in the ‘safety,’ reliable,’ and ‘eco-friendly’ categories.” Brabec continued that Audi is “committed to providing our customers with exceptional vehicle choices that each offer outstanding driving experiences.”

Audi has more information on the 2018 A3, A3 Sportback e-tron, TT Coupe and Q3 at its website. You can find more information about the Choice Award winners here.