The 2017 Audi Q3 marked a significant year for this compact SUV, offering a blend of luxury and practicality. For potential buyers and safety-conscious drivers, understanding the vehicle’s safety performance is crucial. This in-depth review analyzes the 2017 Audi Q3’s safety ratings, based on rigorous testing, to provide a clear picture of its protective capabilities.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Superior Driver Protection
The 2017 Audi Q3 underwent the challenging small overlap front crash test, designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a narrow object like a tree or pole. The results for the 2017-18 Audi Q3 models are highly encouraging.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Kinematics | Good |
The “Good” rating across all categories indicates robust performance in this demanding test. The structure of the Audi Q3 effectively maintained the driver’s survival space.
Analysis of the crash test dummy revealed “Good” protection levels for the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot. This demonstrates that the 2017 Audi Q3 is engineered to minimize injury risk in a small overlap frontal crash scenario.
The frontal and side curtain airbags performed as intended, providing excellent head protection and preventing contact with жесткие structures or external objects.
Measurements taken after the test confirm the structural integrity of the occupant compartment, with minimal intrusion, further reducing the risk of leg and foot injuries.
Technical Measurements – Small Overlap Front Test
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Intrusion (max) | 10 cm |
| Footrest Intrusion | 3 cm |
| Left Toepan Intrusion | 2 cm |
| Brake Pedal Intrusion | 2 cm |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Intrusion (avg) | 4 cm |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Intrusion (max) | 7 cm |
| Upper Dash Intrusion | 7 cm |
| Lower Instrument Panel Intrusion | 8 cm |
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 120 |
| Neck Tension | 1.3 kN |
| Chest Compression (max) | 19 mm |
| Left Femur Force | 2.2 kN |
| Right Femur Force | 0.1 kN |
| Left Tibia Index | 0.31 |
| Right Tibia Index | 0.48 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Excellent Overall Performance
In the moderate overlap front crash test, which involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front hitting a barrier, the 2017 Audi Q3 again demonstrated top-tier safety performance.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | Good |
| Driver Restraints and Kinematics | Good |
Achieving “Good” in all categories, the 2017 Audi Q3 proves its ability to protect occupants in a more common type of frontal collision.
The driver’s survival space remained exceptionally well-maintained, as indicated by the dummy’s position post-impact.
The side curtain airbag effectively shielded the driver’s head from contacting жесткие structures during rebound, further enhancing safety.
Minimal intrusion into the driver’s area and low injury measurements for legs and feet underscore the vehicle’s protective design.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Footrest Intrusion | 1 cm |
| Left Footwell Intrusion | 1 cm |
| Center Footwell Intrusion | 1 cm |
| Right Footwell Intrusion | 1 cm |
| Brake Pedal Intrusion | 3 cm |
| Left Instrument Panel Movement | 1 cm |
| Right Instrument Panel Movement | -1 cm |
| Steering Column Upward Movement | -1 cm |
| Steering Column Rearward Movement | -8 cm |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement | 0 cm |
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 217 |
| Neck Tension | 1.2 kN |
| Chest Compression (max) | 29 mm |
| Left Femur Force | 0.2 kN |
| Right Femur Force | 0.2 kN |
| Left Tibia Index | 0.27 |
| Right Tibia Index | 0.26 |
Side Impact Crash Test: Comprehensive Protection for All Occupants
The side impact test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a side collision. The 2017 Audi Q3 earned the highest rating of “Good” in this crucial assessment.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good |
| Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
| Driver Injury Measures | Good |
| Driver Head Protection | Good |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | Good |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | Good |
This “Good” rating across the board for both driver and rear passenger safety highlights the 2017 Audi Q3’s commitment to occupant protection from side impacts.
Post-crash analysis, with doors removed, reveals the effective deployment of side airbags and the structural damage to the occupant compartment, demonstrating the energy absorption during the impact.
Greasepaint markings on the crash test dummies confirm that the side airbags provided excellent head protection for both the driver and rear passenger, preventing head contact with жесткие structures.
Technical Measurements – Side Impact Test
| Measurement | Driver Value | Passenger Value |
|---|---|---|
| B-Pillar Intrusion | -14.0 cm | N/A |
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 163 | 262 |
| Neck Tension | 1.3 kN | 0.3 kN |
| Neck Compression | 0.2 kN | 0.5 kN |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection | 37 mm | 38 mm |
| Shoulder Lateral Force | 1.4 kN | 1.5 kN |
| Torso Max Deflection | 32 mm | 32 mm |
| Pelvis Iliac Force | 3.3 kN | 0.1 kN |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force | 0.9 kN | 2.5 kN |
Roof Strength Test: Robust Rollover Protection
The roof strength test measures a vehicle’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover accident. The 2017 Audi Q3 achieved a “Good” rating, indicating a strong roof structure.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good |
| Curb Weight | 3,670 lbs |
| Peak Force | 15,147 lbs |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 4.13 |
With a strength-to-weight ratio of 4.13, the 2017 Audi Q3’s roof can withstand over four times its own weight, providing significant protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints and Seats: Excellent Whiplash Protection
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions. The 2017 Audi Q3’s head restraints and seats were evaluated for their ability to mitigate this risk, earning a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good |
| Dynamic Rating | Good |
| Seat/Head Restraint Geometry | Good |
The “Good” dynamic rating and seat geometry score confirm that the 2017 Audi Q3 is designed to provide effective whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Backset | 31 mm |
| Distance Below Head Top | 18 mm |
| Max T1 Acceleration | 13.7 g |
| Head Contact Time | 62 ms |
| Max Neck Shear Force | 0 N |
| Max Neck Tension | 351 N |
Headlights: A Point for Improvement
While the 2017 Audi Q3 excels in crash safety, its headlight performance is an area needing attention. Both headlight variations available on the 2017 Audi Q3, for the Prestige and Premium Plus trims, received a “Poor” overall rating.
Prestige Trim Headlights (LED Projector Low Beam, LED Reflector High Beam): Poor Rating
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Poor |
| Low Beam Type | LED Projector |
| High Beam Type | LED Reflector |
| Curve-Adaptive? | No |
| High-Beam Assist? | No |
Low beam visibility was rated “fair” on the right side straightaway and sharp right curve, but “inadequate” on the left side straightaway and gradual right and both left curves. High beam visibility was “good” on the right straightaway, but “inadequate” on the left straightaway and both left curves. Glare was not an issue with either low or high beams.
Premium Plus Trim Headlights (HID Projector Low Beam, HID Projector High Beam): Poor Rating
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Poor |
| Low Beam Type | HID Projector |
| High Beam Type | HID Projector |
| Curve-Adaptive? | No |
| High-Beam Assist? | No |
Visibility with the Premium Plus trim headlights was also rated poorly. Low beams were “inadequate” on all curves and “fair” on the right straightaway. High beams were “inadequate” on all curves and the right straightaway, and “fair” on the left straightaway. Glare was again not an issue.
This “Poor” headlight rating for both trims indicates that nighttime visibility could be a concern for 2017 Audi Q3 drivers and is something to consider.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH): Acceptable Ease of Use
For families, child seat anchor accessibility is important. The 2017 Audi Q3’s LATCH system received an “Acceptable” rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Acceptable |
| Vehicle Trim | 2.0T Premium Plus |
| Seat Type | Leather |
The 2017 Audi Q3 has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and one additional position with only a tether anchor. While rated “Acceptable,” some lower anchors are noted as being not too deep in the seat and easy to maneuver around, but some tether anchors might be confused with other hardware.
LATCH Details by Seating Position:
| Position | Lower Anchors | Tether Anchor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Available | Available | Easy to find tether, some confusion possible |
| 2 | Not Available | Available | Easy to find tether, some confusion possible |
| 3 | Available | Available | Easy to find tether, some confusion possible |
Conclusion: Strong Crash Safety with Headlight Limitations
The 2017 Audi Q3 demonstrates robust crashworthiness, earning “Good” ratings in all crash tests: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, and roof strength. It also provides excellent head restraint and seat design for whiplash protection. However, the “Poor” headlight ratings across both trim levels are a significant drawback.
Potential buyers of a 2017 Audi Q3 should weigh the vehicle’s strong crash safety performance against its subpar headlight performance, especially if nighttime driving is a frequent occurrence. While occupant protection in crashes is excellent, visibility at night may be compromised compared to vehicles with better headlight ratings.
