Driver assistance systems

Driver assistance systems

Audi is leading the way when it comes to driver assistance systems, as well. Audi offers options for the A3 Sedan that are directly from the luxury class. In the Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines, the driver information system with a color screen and rest recommendation is standard. Rest recommendation technology analyzes the driver’s steering motions, among other things, at speeds between 65 and 200 km/h (40.39 and 124.27 mph). If the system determines that the driver’s attentiveness is declining, then it will recommend some rest by illuminating an indicator in the driver information system and sounding an acoustic signal.

The adaptive cruise control (ACC) is the most complex of the optional driver assistance systems. This radar-based cruise control system, whose sensor is at the bottom of the single-frame grille, maintains this sporty four-door model at a desired distance from the vehicle ahead at speeds – if equipped with a manual transmission – between 30 and 150 km/h (18.64 and 93.21 mph). ACC also accelerates and brakes autonomously in many instances. The driver can choose from several settings regarding following distance and degree of control.

In combination with the S tronic, a stop & go function drops the lower limit of the ACC’s control range to 0 km/h. When the vehicle ahead comes to a stop, the Audi A3 Sedan likewise stops. And after less than three seconds, stop & go gently accelerates the vehicle. If the A3 is equipped with the assistance package comprising several systems, then the ACC’s control range increases to 200 km/h (124.27 mph).

A second system, Audi side assist, helps the driver to change lanes. At speeds above 30 km/h (18.64 mph), radar sensors at the rear monitor what is happening as far away as 70 meters (229.66 ft) behind the A3 Sedan. If Audi side assist considers a vehicle in the blind spot, or one that is closing quickly, hazardous regarding a lane change, then it will alert the driver by illuminating an indicator in the respective exterior mirror. If the driver nonetheless activates the turn signal to change lanes, the indicator will become brighter and begin to flash quickly.

At speeds above 65 km/h (40.39 mph), Audi active lane assist identifies lane markings on the road surface via video camera. If an A3 Sedan driver approaches a lane marking without activating the turn signal, then the system will gently intervene to coax the driver to remain in his lane. The driver can use the MMI to specify how quickly Audi active lane should intervene and whether or not the steering wheel should vibrate. If a driver selects the "early" setting, then the system will help the driver remain in the middle of his lane.

If the A3 Sedan is equipped with MMI navigation plus, then Audi active lane will also feature camera-based traffic sign recognition. This innovation utilizes image data from the on-board video camera to alert the driver to traffic signs stipulating speed limits, no-passing zones and the like. A third feature of Audi active lane assist is the high-beam assistant. Also available as a stand-alone option, this technology switches automatically between high beams and low beams.

Audi offers various options that make parking easy. The high-end solution is park assist with selective display. It can back the A3 Sedan into parking spaces. If necessary, the park assist will make multiple maneuvers, forwards and backwards. The park assist system with selective display can be supplemented with a rearview camera.

The benchmark in its class: Audi pre sense
The safety system Audi pre sense constitutes yet another A3 Sedan technology that raises the bar in its segment. This system consists of several subsystems. Also available as a stand-alone option, Audi pre sense basic will intervene upon detecting an unstable driving situation via the sensors of electronic stabilization control (ESC). More specifically, it will pretension the front seat belts. If the A3 begins to skid, the system will close the windows and the optional panoramic glass sunroof.

Audi pre sense front
By means of warnings and targeted braking intervention, the safety system Audi pre sense front helps the driver avoid imminent accidents or at least keep any damage to a minimum. With the aid of a radar sensor integrated in the A3’s front end, this system continuously monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead. In a critical situation, the first warning consists of visual and audible alarms. If the driver still does not react, then Audi pre sense front briefly brakes the vehicle to jolt the driver into reacting.

If the driver does not brake sufficiently, then the system will automatically brake to the extent necessary to avoid a collision. If the driver does not react at all, Audi pre sense front will automatically decelerate the vehicle to grant the driver more time to react. The system furthermore assists the driver by indicating whenever following distance does not suffice.

City Emergency Braking function
A supplemental feature of Audi pre sense front, the City Emergency Braking Function operates below 30 km/h (18.64 mph). It employs radar sensors to monitor the area ahead of the A3. In case of an imminent collision with a moving or stopped vehicle ahead, the brake system will prep itself for intervention should the driver not react at all. If necessary, the City Emergency Braking Function will automatically initiate maximum braking. And if the driver does not depress the brake pedal enough, then the system will maximize deceleration.

If a crash does indeed occur, then the secondary-collision brake assistant will be activated. Standard in the A3 Sedan, it will, in certain situations, prevent the vehicle from rolling uncontrollably. This feature will also switch on the A3’s interior lighting and hazard warning lights. If the A3 is equipped with Audi connect, then the secondary-collision brake assistant will even alert emergency services.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.