Driver assistance systems

The new Audi A3 Sportback is also bringing highly developed technologies from the full-size class to the premium compact segment when it comes to driver assistance systems, such as the Audi adaptive cruise control (ACC). The radar-based cruise control system, whose sensor is located in the lower section of the single-frame grille, keeps the car at a desired distance from the vehicle ahead at speeds between 30 and 150 km/h (18.64 and 93.21 mph). It accelerates and brakes autonomously within certain limits.

The driver can adjust the distance and the control dynamics in four levels. If the assistance package (which consolidates multiple systems including the parking system plus with selective display and Audi active lane assist), the speed range at which ACC is active extends up to 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The stop & go function in combination with the S tronic complements the ACC. This function can brake the new A3 Sportback to a stop when a vehicle in front is stopping, and it can automatically resume driving if the stopped phase lasts less than three seconds.

Audi active lane assist becomes active at a speed of 65 km/h (40.39 mph). A video camera in the interior mirror identifies the lane markings on the road surface. If the new Audi A3 Sportback approaches one of them without using the turn signal, the system helps the driver to steer back into the lane. The MMI control system is used to specify how quickly this assistance system should intervene as well as whether the steering wheel should vibrate in conjunction with this. If early correction is activated, the system helps to return the car to the center of the lane by intervening slightly in the electromechanical steering.

The optional Audi side assist helps the driver to change lanes at speeds of 30 km/h (18.64 mph) and above. Two radar sensors in the rear monitor the area to the side of and behind the car at a distance of about 70 meters (230 ft). If Audi side assist considers a vehicle detected in the blind spot or approaching rapidly from the rear to be critical for a lane change, it signals this by illuminating the indicator in the respective exterior mirror. If the driver activates the turn signal in such a situation, the indicator blinks brightly and rapidly several times – a very prominent warning signal.

The camera-based traffic sign recognition system recognizes speed limits, including conditional speed limits (when wet, between certain times, only for trailers), and presents these as an additional item in the display of the driver information system. The output of the traffic sign recognition system can be configured using the multifunction steering wheel.

Also integrated into the driver information system is the rest recommendation function, which 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 analysis reveals indications that the driver’s attentiveness is declining, the system recommends a rest by illuminating an indicator in the driver information system and sounding an acoustic signal. The rest recommendation can be deactivated.

Audi offers various options that make parking easy. When maneuvering in reverse, the rear parking system measures the distance to obstacles behind the car with four ultrasonic sensors. Parking system plus with selective display utilizes four additional sensors to detect such obstacles as vertical posts in front of and behind the new A3 Sportback. They are shown in the driver information system display, on the MMI monitor and in critical situations are also indicated acoustically.

The high-end solution is park assist with selective display – it can back the new A3 Sportback into parking spaces. To find a parking space, it measures spots along the side of the road when traveling at moderate speeds – up to 40 km/h (24.85 mph) when parallel parking and up to 20 km/h (12.43 mph) when perpendicular parking. A notification appears in the driver information system display when the system finds a suitable spot.

If the driver now puts the car into reverse, the system takes control of the electromechanical steering. The driver must continue to accelerate, shift gears and brake. When parallel parking, it suffices if the space is roughly 0.8 meters (2.62 ft) longer than the vehicle. When perpendicular parking, 0.7 meters (2.30 ft) of additional width is sufficient. Park assist will maneuver forward and backward multiple times, if necessary. It offers similar support when pulling out of parallel parking spots. In this case, 0.5 meters (1.64 ft) is sufficient. The park assist and the parking system plus can be supplemented with a reversing camera, which is integrated inconspicuously into the handle of the tailgate.

One technology with which the new A3 Sportback is setting new standards in the compact segment is the optional safety system Audi pre sense basic. If it detects an unstable driving state via the sensors of the electronic stabilization control (ESC), it pretensions the front seatbelts. If the A3 Sportback begins to skid, the system closes the windows and the optional sunroof.

The function pre sense front is integrated into the adaptive cruise control (ACC). In case of an impending collision, the system warns the driver in stages, depending on the severity of the situation. The first stage involves output of visual and acoustic signals, and the second is a warning jolt in the braking system – a brief braking pulse. If the driver now steps on the pedal, the system supports the intended braking so that a collision can be avoided.

However, if the driver remains passive, the ACC initiates braking at partial braking power to reduce the speed at impact. In an emergency, and at speeds of less than 30 km/h (18.64 mph), the system can autonomously slow the new A3 Sportback with nearly full braking power, regardless of whether the vehicle in front of the A3 is in motion or stationary. At speeds of less than 20 km/h, this function can avoid an accident altogether in some situations; in this case, the collision speed and the severity of the accident can be reduced substantially.

If a collision occurs nevertheless, a new subsystem is activated: the multicollision brake assistant. It helps to ensure that the vehicle does not continue rolling uncontrolled, while at the same time the cabin lights and the hazard lights are switched on. If the car is equipped with Audi connect, an emergency call is made automatically.

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.