New compact Audi Q3 receives five-start treatment from Euro NCAP
THE car safety ratings initiative – Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme – has just awarded the Audi Q3 compact SUV five starts for passive crash safety.
The Euro NCAP researchers tested the Q3 for its adult occupant protection in a frontal or side collision, child safety and pedestrian protection. The Q3 was awarded a top five star-rating.
Other safety equipment on the Audi Q3 includes Audi side assist system (blind spot) and Audi active lane assist (prevents driver lane wander).
One interesting function on the Audi Q3 is the speed limit display. This uses the same video camera as Audi active lane assist. It picks up specific speed limit signs and generic signs confirming that the national speed limit applies. This information is then compared with the data from the navigation system on the maximum permissible speeds in European countries – before relaying the correct information to the driver. Meanwhile, traffic signs are shown as graphics in the driver’s information system (DIS) display.
One compact SUV doing rather less well was the recently refreshed Jeep Compass. According to Euro NCAP it achieved only two stars against the 2012 criteria.
“Compact SUVs are the most popular sport-utility segment in Europe, but the Jeep Compass did not demonstrate itself as strong contender on safety in comparison to other tested competitors in the same category,” stated Euro NCAP.
Other new cars to do well in the car safety crash test ratings were the new Honda Civic hatchback, awarded the maximum five star rating, and the new Audi A6 executive saloon, ditto.
Eight cars assessed from last year by Euro NCAP also met the more stringent 2012 five star requirements.
- BMW 1 Series;
- BMW X1;
- Ford Focus;
- Ford Ranger;
- Mercedes M Class;
- Nissan LEAF;
- Subaru XV; and
- Volvo V60.
Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, commented: “A 5 star these days means a lot more than a 5 star some years ago. Many car makers have moved on and so have we. Cars based on older technology, brushed up and marketed as new are not providing the same levels as safety as the newest models developed against the new targets.”
Read our car review of the Audi A3
Audi’s new Q3: more business sense than a Range Rover Evoque
