Audi A1 Euro NCAP crash test

5 stars. Overall excellent performance in crash protection and well equipped with comprehensive and robust crash avoidance technology

The passenger compartment of the A1 remained stable in the frontal offset test. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and front passenger. Audi showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions. In the full-width rigid barrier test, protection of the driver was good or adequate for all critical body regions. Protection was rated as marginal for the chest of the rear passenger, based on dummy readings of compression, but was otherwise good. In the side barrier test, protection was good for all critical parts of the body and the A1 scored maximum points. In the more severe side pole impact, protection of the chest was adequate and that of other body areas was good. Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision. A geometric assessment of the rear seats also indicated good whiplash protection. 'Audi Pre Sense Front' is a standard-fit autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system. The system performed well in tests of its functionality at the low speeds at which many whiplash injuries occur.

In the frontal offset test, protection of both the six-year and ten-year dummies was good or adequate, for all critical parts of the body. In the side barrier impact, protection was good for all critical body areas and the A1 scored maximum points for this part of the assessment. The front passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward-facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. Clear information is provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag and the system was rewarded. Audi state that the rear centre seat is not suitable for universal child restraints. A check was done but the results were a default fail as the rear centre seat is not approved for installation of universal restraints. Otherwise, restraints could be properly installed and accommodated.

The protection provided by the bonnet to the head of a struck pedestrian was good in some places but was poor around the base of the windscreen and on the stiff windscreen pillars. The bumper provided good protection to pedestrians' legs, while protection of the pelvis was more mixed. As well as detecting other vehicles, Audi Pre Sense Front can identify vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. The system performed well in tests of its response to both of these types of road user.

The AEB system performed well in tests of its response to other vehicles at highway speeds. A seatbelt reminder is standard for the front and rear seats. The lane support system helps to prevent inadvertent drifting out of lane, and also intervenes more aggressively in some critical situations. A driver-set speed limiter is equipped as standard. A speed limit information system is also available as an option but was included in this assessment.