The Audi A3 has achieved a five-star rating for passive crash safety from the Euro NCAP consortium.

The test measured the degree of protection for both adult- and child-sized occupants in the event of frontal, rear, and side impact crashes; as well as pedestrian protection. In order to achieve five stars, a car had to score a 60 percent on the test; and the A3 therefore earned the top score in spite of being found lacking in some areas.

The crash test revealed that adults of differing sizes and in different positions would experience good knee, femur, and head protection in the event of a frontal crash, and that the passenger cabin as a whole held up well. The A3 achieved the maximum rating in the side barrier test; with its poorest score - that of "adequate" - coming in terms of driver chest protection in the event of a serious side pole impact. The front seats and head restraints were found to offer good protection against whiplash during rear collision.

The test yielded good results for a small child-sized dummy in a rearward facing child seat. In much of Europe, it is only illegal for children in such seats to ride in the front of a car if the car has an active airbag. NCAP found that, while the A3 gives the driver the ability to disable the passenger airbag, "insufficient information is provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag preventing any reward for the system."

In terms of its pedestrian impact performance, the A3 offered excellent protection in areas likely to encounter a child or small adult. However, the A3 did not receive good ratings in the areas in which an adult's head was likely to strike.  

Audi says that it has lessened the threat to pedestrians by installing in the A3 a hood that uses a pyrotechnic release mechanism to lift in the event of a collision. Other safety features are daytime running lights; electronic stability control; and the award-winning multi-collision brake, which reduces skidding. 

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