The 2017 Audi S3 Limousine is a vehicle that skillfully blends sporty performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan. For those considering the safety aspects of this compact luxury car, understanding its performance in rigorous crash tests is crucial. This article delves into the safety ratings of the Audi A3, the model upon which the S3 Limousine is based, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers in the English-speaking market. We’ll explore how the Audi A3 performed in various evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), focusing on key areas like crashworthiness and headlight effectiveness.
The Audi A3, redesigned in 2015 after a brief market hiatus, serves as the foundation for the S3 Limousine. Safety evaluations conducted on the 2015-2020 Audi A3 models offer valuable insights into the expected safety performance of the 2017 Audi S3 Limousine. Let’s break down the results from different crash test scenarios.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Analysis
The small overlap front crash test is particularly challenging, simulating a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object. In the driver-side small overlap test, the Audi A3 demonstrated commendable structural integrity and occupant protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The “Good” (G) rating across all categories in the driver-side small overlap test indicates a high level of protection for the driver. The structure and safety cage of the Audi A3 effectively maintained their integrity, minimizing intrusion into the driver’s space. Injury measures for the head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot were all rated “Good,” signifying a low risk of significant injuries in this type of collision. The driver restraints and dummy kinematics also received a “Good” rating, indicating that the airbags and seatbelts worked effectively to control the occupant’s movement during the crash.
The action shot from the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test highlights the controlled deformation of the vehicle and the proper deployment of safety systems.
Post-test analysis of the dummy’s position relative to the car’s interior confirms that the driver’s survival space was well-preserved. This is a critical factor in minimizing injury risk in a real-world crash scenario for a 2017 Audi S3 Limousine driver.
The coordinated action of the frontal and side curtain airbags is evident in maintaining head protection, preventing contact with hard structures or external objects.
Minimal intrusion into the driver’s footwell area further contributed to the low risk of leg and foot injuries, as confirmed by technical measurements.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Performance
Extending the small overlap evaluation to the passenger side is equally important. The Audi A3’s performance in the passenger-side small overlap test also earned an overall “Good” rating, reinforcing its safety for all occupants.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | A |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
While the majority of passenger injury measures were rated “Good,” the passenger restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” (A) rating. The IIHS notes that during the test, the passenger dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag but then moved towards the right, potentially increasing vulnerability. However, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, offering sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from side structure and external objects. It’s important to note that driver injury measures remained “Good” across all categories in this test scenario.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Assessment
The moderate overlap front crash test, a more traditional assessment, involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front impacting a barrier. The Audi A3 again achieved a “Good” overall rating in this evaluation.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The consistent “Good” ratings across all measured categories in the moderate overlap front test reaffirm the Audi A3’s robust frontal crash protection capabilities. Structural integrity, driver injury measures, and restraint system performance all met the highest standards.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Evaluation
Side impacts pose significant risks, and the Audi A3 demonstrated strong performance in the side crash test, earning an overall “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | A |
| Pelvis/leg | A |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
While head protection for both driver and rear passenger was rated “Good,” the driver’s torso and pelvis/leg injury measures received “Acceptable” ratings. Rear passenger injury measures, however, achieved “Good” ratings across the board, indicating effective side impact protection for back-seat occupants.
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is a critical factor in rollover accidents. The Audi A3’s roof strength was also evaluated and received a “Good” rating.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,116 lbs |
| Peak force | 19,325 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 6.20 |
A “Good” rating in roof strength signifies that the Audi A3’s roof can withstand forces over six times its own weight, providing substantial protection in a rollover scenario.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
Whiplash protection is an important aspect of rear-end collision safety. The Audi A3’s head restraints and seats were evaluated and earned a “Good” rating for dynamic performance and geometry.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
This “Good” rating indicates effective design in minimizing whiplash risk in rear-impact collisions, contributing to the overall safety of the 2017 Audi S3 Limousine.
Headlight Performance
Headlight effectiveness is crucial for accident prevention, particularly at night. The IIHS evaluated three different headlight variations available on the Audi A3.
Prestige Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | A |
The LED projector headlights on the Prestige trim achieved an “Acceptable” (A) overall rating. While providing good visibility on straightaways and right curves, performance was fair to inadequate on left curves. The high-beam assist feature compensates for some limitations.
Premium Plus Trim with LED Lighting Package Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | A |
Similar to the Prestige trim, the LED projector headlights on the Premium Plus trim with the LED Lighting package also earned an “Acceptable” (A) rating, with comparable performance characteristics.
Premium and Premium Plus Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | P |
The HID projector headlights available on the Premium and Premium Plus trims received a “Poor” (P) overall rating. Visibility was inadequate in most test scenarios for both low and high beams.
It’s crucial for potential 2017 Audi S3 Limousine buyers to be aware of the headlight options and their respective ratings, as headlight performance can significantly impact nighttime driving safety.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle System
The Audi A3’s standard front crash prevention system, Audi Pre Sense Front, was evaluated as “Superior.”
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|
The system successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meets the requirements for forward collision warning. This “Superior” rating for front crash prevention adds another layer of safety to the 2017 Audi S3 Limousine.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
For families, child seat anchor ease of use is important. The Audi A3 received an “Acceptable” (A) rating for its LATCH system.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
The Audi A3 has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. While generally acceptable, some anchors were noted as being difficult to maneuver around.
Conclusion: 2017 Audi S3 Limousine Safety Performance
Overall, the safety ratings for the Audi A3, applicable to the 2017 Audi S3 Limousine, are strong. The vehicle performed admirably in crash tests, achieving “Good” ratings in most categories, indicating a high level of occupant protection. The front crash prevention system is rated “Superior,” and head restraints are also rated “Good.” However, potential buyers should be mindful of the headlight ratings, especially if considering trims equipped with HID headlights, and note the “Acceptable” rating for passenger-side small overlap and side impact torso/pelvis protection.
By understanding these safety evaluations, prospective owners can make informed decisions about the 2017 Audi S3 Limousine, appreciating its blend of performance and safety. For more detailed information, always refer to the official IIHS reports and vehicle specifications.
