Driver Assist Systems

There is a lot of technology expertise in the new A3 Sportback. 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 with a 60‑degree opening angle that can measure up to a width of 160 meters (524.9 ft), two rear radar sensors, each with a range of 70 meters (229.7 ft), a front camera, twelve ultrasonic sensors, as well as 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 A3 Sportback 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 as part of the assist package

The adaptive cruise assist (ACA) is a highlight among the driver assist systems. It is the most complex system for the new A3 Sportback 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 is included in what is know as the “assist package” and is available for all models, including those with manual transmission. The package 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 assist package also includes the efficiency assist, which is available in combination with the navigation system. It indicates to the driver via the display when they should take their foot off the accelerator, for example because they are approaching a corner or small town. 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 parallel and perpendicular parking spots almost independently, using ultrasonic sensors all around the car. The driver only has to accelerate, brake and shift gears. In the case of parallel parking spots, the system provides the same assistance when maneuvering out of the parking spot. The system can also be activated during an ongoing manual parking procedure, for example if the driver realizes that they approached the parking spot from an awkward angle.

Optional: further systems

The Audi side assist lane change warning, the exit warning, and the cross traffic assist 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. 360 degree cameras will follow as an individual option shortly after the market launch.

All terms marked 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.