Driver Assist Systems

There is a lot of technology expertise in the new Audi A3. This is made particularly apparent by the extensive set of driver assist systems, many of which are from the full-size class. The fully equipped version of the premium compact car has a front radar that can scan up to 160 meters (524.9 ft) ahead, two rear radar sensors, each with a range of 70 meters (229.7 ft), a front camera, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and four surround view cameras.

Safeguarded: three standard systems

In the standard Audi pre sense front system, the camera works with the front radar. This allows the new A3 to avoid accidents with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of the car, or at least to reduce the severity of such accidents. The system outputs an optical, acoustic, and haptic warning to the driver. In an emergency, it initiates emergency braking. The collision avoidance assist is another standard safety system. It broadens the spectrum of Audi pre sense front and helps the driver to steer around an obstacle. The standard lane departure warning also performs steering corrections to ensure that the car does not depart from its lane inadvertently.

Well versed: the adaptive cruise assist

The adaptive cruise assist (ACA) is a highlight among the driver assist systems. It is the most complex system for the new A3 and performs the tasks of steering, accelerating, and braking for the driver to a great extent on many sections of the journey up to a speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph). The ACA includes a capacitive steering wheel. Advantage: The driver does not have to apply any steering torque, but just touch the steering wheel gently in order to maintain automatic lateral guidance. The system is available both individually and as part of what is known as the assist package with MMI navigation plus for all models, including those with manual transmission.

The package also includes efficiency assist. It indicates to the driver via the display when it should take its foot off the accelerator, for example because it is approaching a corner or built-up area. The system obtains the information from the navigation map. If the ACA is active, it can also detect vehicles driving in front via the front sensors and adapt the vehicle’s speed to theirs.

The high-beam assist and the emergency assist are also part of the extensive assist package. It also includes two parking functions: the park assist and the parking system plus. The former can guide the vehicle into kerbside and bay parking spaces almost independently, using ultrasonic sensors all around the car. The driver only has to accelerate, brake and shift gears. In the case of kerbside parking spaces, the system provides the same assistance when maneuvering out of the parking space. It can also be activated during an ongoing manual parking procedure, for example if the driver realizes that it approached the parking space from an awkward angle.

Optional: further systems

The lane change warning, the exit warning, and the cross traffic assist rear are also useful in urban traffic. They use the signals output by the rear radar sensors to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the rear or the side. Surround view cameras will follow as an individual option in the course of the year. They display the immediate surroundings of the A3 on the MMI screen, and the driver can choose from different views that make parking and maneuvering easier.

All terms in blue in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.