At the 2009 L.A. Auto Show, Audi’s compact 2010 Audi A3 TDI won the 2010 Green Car of the Year title, which was presented to Audi’s U.S. chief Johan de Nysschen at a ceremony in Los Angeles. The A3 TDI was picked for its rakish styling, upscale appointments, and 42 mpg highway fuel efficiency–a 50% improvement over the gasoline A3 variant that makes the car very economical to operate with low relative CO2 emissions. Plus, this compact car’s quiet, 50-state certified clean diesel engine delivers substantial torque starting at a low 1,750 rpm, contributing toward a spirited and fun-to-drive nature.

This is the second year in a row that a clean diesel has risen to the top in Green Car of the Year award program, a remarkable showing considering the competition. This year’s field of nominees also includes the Honda Insight Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid, and Toyota Prius, along with the clean diesel Volkswagen Golf TDI.