The Audi A3 has achieved high marks in a recent crash test simulation undertaken with a heavy truck by Dutch research institute, TNO.

The Audi A3’s comprehensive safety concept is aimed at all-round protection of the highest calibre. In this recent unconventional test, the compact sports car with the four-ring badge demonstrated its above-average potential to protect its occupants by scoring impressive marks in the crash test involving a truck.

The Dutch test and research institute, TNO, simulated a laterally-offset frontal impact with a heavy truck at a speed of 60 kilometres per hour. The Audi A3 emerged from this unusual test in remarkably good shape, with the passenger compartment barely showing any deformation.

There was only minimal deformation to the footwells and the windscreen survived the collision intact. The risk of injury to the occupants was correspondingly very low. This was confirmed by the TNO's measurements, which were well below all the statutory limit values.

The outstanding level of occupant protection afforded by the A3 can be attributed to the highly rigid body, with its defined deformation zones. This rigidity is complemented by active occupant protection systems such as three-point automatic seat belts with belt tensioning and belt force limiting, as well as large-area full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger.

An ingenious system of sensors permits much more efficient triggering of these active restraint systems. There are six sensors in all - on the left and right of the radiator grille, in the B-post and in the rear wheel arches - distributed around the car.