The all-new 2015 Audi A3 and S3 sedans have earned a 5-Star overall crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program – the highest crash test rating available. The 5-star rating complements the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating the Audi A3 sedan (when equipped with Audi pre sense front) received earlier this year.

The NCAP 5-Star designation is limited only to vehicles that provide the greatest amount of crash protection and rollover safety beyond what is required by federal law. Vehicles are rated on a scale of one to five stars, one being the lowest rating and five being the highest.

“The Audi A3 and S3 exemplify the best in a long line of Audi vehicles designed to be premium, sporty and above all safe,” said Filip Brabec, Director, Product Planning, Audi of America. “Both vehicles establish a high safety standard with new and innovative features designed to help protect vehicle occupants as well as others on the road.”

The Audi A3 and S3 offer several advanced technology features which are new to the entry luxury segment, including standard Audi pre sense® basic system which helps detect when an emergency maneuver is being made and prepares the vehicle and its occupant restraint systems in advance of a possible collision. The A3 also introduces secondary collision brake assist and is the only vehicle to offer this system as a standard feature. The system automatically brakes the car after a collision so as to prevent a secondary collision with nearby or oncoming traffic.
Earlier this year, the Audi A3 was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for models equipped with Audi pre sense front (part of the model’s optional Advanced Technology Package – which also includes Audi active lane assist and Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go).

NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program
Under NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program, vehicles undergo rigorous frontal, side barrier, pole intrusion and rollover tests. Instruments measure force of impact to various body regions on crash test dummies to determine a rating. 5-Star Safety Ratings can be found on SaferCar.gov and are posted on the Monroney labels (window stickers) that are required to be displayed on all new vehicles.

IIHS Safety Testing Program
IIHS tests evaluate two aspects of safety: crashworthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash — and crash avoidance and mitigation — technology that can prevent a crash or lessen its severity.
To qualify for 2014 Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must meet the Top Safety Pick criteria, plus earn a basic, advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.
-- Release courtesy of Audi