A glitzy function room set the scene for the 2011 Australian International Design Awards (AIDA). Recognised by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design as Australia’s peak design endorsement scheme, the Australian International Design Awards plays host to a number of new designs ranging from bottles to cars, with the winner of the overall award qualifying for the international design award later in the year. The Automotive and Transport category of the AIDA featured models from Kia (Optima), Hyundai (Elantra), Audi (A7), Peugeot (3008 SUV and RCZ) and Ford (Ranger).
The Kia Optima, Audi A7 and Peugeot 3008 took out Design Awards in the Automotive and Transport category, but it was the Audi A7 that achieved the best in category award. AIDA judges come from all walks of life and offer unique and varied insights into the design process and the way a user interacts with the product.
The Audi A7 was described by the judges as “A new and unique niche. With the smooth lines of a coupe the A7 Sportback immediately sparks an emotional reaction; the flared wheel-arches, long bonnet and low stance are pure sports coupe.”
Audi Corporate Communications Executive, Sean Poppit, told CarAdvice, “We are delighted that the A7 Sportback has won best in category at the 2011 Australian international Design Awards. This prestigious accolade confirms the outstanding position of the Audi A7 Sportback within the competitive field, and the excellent response from our customers confirms the appeal of this car.”
“To be recognised by a jury of such experts in the field of design is very gratifying and a glowing reflection of the sophisticated form, function and outstanding design of the Audi A7 Sportback.”With a starting price of $142,750, the Audi A7 sets a design benchmark for the German manufacturer.