Audi Q3 tops 2011 Euro NCAP crash tests

Audi's compact premium SUV, Q3, scored the highest safety rating in the 'Small Off-Road 4x4' class in the European consumer protection initiative Euro NCAP's rigorous testing programme.

The car earned five stars – the highest possible score for passive crash safety. It was tested on parameters like adult occupant protection in a frontal or side collision, child safety and pedestrian protection.

Other factors taken into consideration were features like the fasten seatbelt reminder for the front and, in particular, the rear seat passengers and a specially designed front end that helps mitigate the consequences of a collision and offers greater pedestrian protection; the Audi Q3 came out tops on all those parameters.

But beyond the factors measured by Euro NCAP, the Audi Q3 has a lot more to keep its driver and passengers secured. One of these is Q3's driver assistance system that helps prevent collisions, lets the driver keep in lane or change lanes, draw attention to important traffic signs and assists with parking.

The Audi side assists system; two 24-gigahertz radar sensors in the rear, a yellow LED indicator, a camera mounted in the base of the rear view mirror, an electromechanical steering and speed limit display are features which make driving an Audi Q3 all the more safe and secure.

Euro NCAP tested 53 cars for safety in 2011 across four categories: Adult Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Driver Assistance Systems and it was Audi that achieved outstanding results in these categories.

Besides Q3, the Audi A6 also earned a five-star rating in its Euro NCAP test, placing it among the safest cars in its class for adult occupant protection in a frontal or side collision and the child safety and pedestrian protection.