Audi A3 Sportback e-tron gets top grades in European crash tests [w/video]
Thu, Dec 11 2014
The model received a maximum five-star crash-test rating from the Euro NCAP group, receiving top marks for front, side and rear collisions. The Audi also received kudos for the "multi collision brake assist" feature, which automatically engages the brakes once the car's been in a crash so that it doesn't get into another one.
The plug-in hybrid was already getting positive responses from prospective customers. Last month, Audi said it stepped up its production of the model at its German factory from 30 units a day to 50. The PHEV can travel up to 30 miles on electricity alone and another 550 miles on a full tank of gas. More impressively, it has a 157 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating, using the European driving cycle. Check out a video of the test and Audi's press release below and read our driving impressions here.
Five stars for the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron from Euro NCAP
Top marks in the front, side and rear collision categories
The new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron also offers a high level of safety for children
Special prize for Audi pre sense basic and multicollision brake assist system
Ingolstadt, December 10, 2014 – The Euro NCAP consortium has awarded the new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron* the maximum five star rating for crash safety. This puts the first volume production plug in hybrid from Audi among the safest cars in its class.
The test panel was impressed by the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron across the board: As a result the plug-in hybrid earned top marks in protecting adults and children in a front, side or rear collision. The model also passed tests of its pedestrian protection with flying colors.
This year Euro NCAP additionally tested assistance systems for the first time. The A3 Sportback e-tron with Audi pre sense front and Audi active lane assist also fulfilled the stringent requirements in this category.
The model received the special "Euro NCAP advanced" prize for its Audi pre sense basic passenger protection system as well as for the Audi multicollision brake assist system that comes as standard equipment. This function initiates braking automatically in case of an accident to reduce the risk of skidding and the danger of a subsequent collision.
Established in 1997, the Euro NCAP consortium is made up of international representatives from European transport ministries, motoring associations, insurers and consumer organizations. The council tests the crash performance of new car models. The demanding test requirements of Euro NCAP far exceed the standards of European legislation. The latest test results will be published today on the Internet.
*Fuel consumption of the models named above:
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 1.7 – 1.5** (138.4 – 156.8 US mpg);
Combined electricity consumption in Wh/km: 124 – 114**
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 39 – 35** (62.8 – 56.3 g/mi)
**The fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions of a vehicle vary due to the choice of wheels and tires. They not only depend on the efficient utilization of the fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.
The Audi Group delivered approximately 1,575,500 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2013. As one of the most successful models, the Audi A3 has been awarded the title of "World Car of the Year 2014" by an international jury of journalists (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.1 – 3.2; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 165 – 85). In 2013, the company reported revenue of ˆ49.9 billion and an operating profit of ˆ5.03 billion. The company operates globally in more than 100 markets and has production facilities in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Gyor (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Bratislava (Slovakia), Martorell (Spain), Kaluga (Russia), Aurangabad (India), Changchun (China) and Jakarta (Indonesia). Since the end of 2013, the brand with the Four Rings has also been producing cars in Foshan (China). In 2015, Audi will start production in Sao Jose dos Pinhais (Brazil), followed by San Jose Chiapa (Mexico) in 2016. Wholly owned subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy), the sports motorcycle manufacturer. The company currently employs approximately 76,000 people worldwide, thereof more than 53,400 in Germany. Total investment of around ˆ22 billion is planned from 2014 to 2018 – primarily in new products and sustainable technologies. Audi is committed to its corporate responsibility and has anchored the principle of sustainability for its products and processes in its strategy. The long-term goal is CO2-neutral mobility.
Top marks in the front, side and rear collision categories
The new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron also offers a high level of safety for children
Special prize for Audi pre sense basic and multicollision brake assist system
Ingolstadt, December 10, 2014 – The Euro NCAP consortium has awarded the new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron* the maximum five star rating for crash safety. This puts the first volume production plug in hybrid from Audi among the safest cars in its class.
The test panel was impressed by the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron across the board: As a result the plug-in hybrid earned top marks in protecting adults and children in a front, side or rear collision. The model also passed tests of its pedestrian protection with flying colors.
This year Euro NCAP additionally tested assistance systems for the first time. The A3 Sportback e-tron with Audi pre sense front and Audi active lane assist also fulfilled the stringent requirements in this category.
The model received the special "Euro NCAP advanced" prize for its Audi pre sense basic passenger protection system as well as for the Audi multicollision brake assist system that comes as standard equipment. This function initiates braking automatically in case of an accident to reduce the risk of skidding and the danger of a subsequent collision.
Established in 1997, the Euro NCAP consortium is made up of international representatives from European transport ministries, motoring associations, insurers and consumer organizations. The council tests the crash performance of new car models. The demanding test requirements of Euro NCAP far exceed the standards of European legislation. The latest test results will be published today on the Internet.
*Fuel consumption of the models named above:
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 1.7 – 1.5** (138.4 – 156.8 US mpg);
Combined electricity consumption in Wh/km: 124 – 114**
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 39 – 35** (62.8 – 56.3 g/mi)
**The fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions of a vehicle vary due to the choice of wheels and tires. They not only depend on the efficient utilization of the fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.
The Audi Group delivered approximately 1,575,500 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2013. As one of the most successful models, the Audi A3 has been awarded the title of "World Car of the Year 2014" by an international jury of journalists (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.1 – 3.2; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 165 – 85). In 2013, the company reported revenue of ˆ49.9 billion and an operating profit of ˆ5.03 billion. The company operates globally in more than 100 markets and has production facilities in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Gyor (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Bratislava (Slovakia), Martorell (Spain), Kaluga (Russia), Aurangabad (India), Changchun (China) and Jakarta (Indonesia). Since the end of 2013, the brand with the Four Rings has also been producing cars in Foshan (China). In 2015, Audi will start production in Sao Jose dos Pinhais (Brazil), followed by San Jose Chiapa (Mexico) in 2016. Wholly owned subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy), the sports motorcycle manufacturer. The company currently employs approximately 76,000 people worldwide, thereof more than 53,400 in Germany. Total investment of around ˆ22 billion is planned from 2014 to 2018 – primarily in new products and sustainable technologies. Audi is committed to its corporate responsibility and has anchored the principle of sustainability for its products and processes in its strategy. The long-term goal is CO2-neutral mobility.
By Danny King
See also: Audi tests new kind of car sharing, lets you buy cars with buddies [w/video], Audi doesn't even need December to set new global sales record, Audi Q7 to be first diesel plug-in from VW group.