The 2007 Audi Quattro, part of the A4 model range, is known for its performance and all-weather capability thanks to its signature quattro all-wheel-drive system. But how does the 2007 (and specifically models from 2005-2008 built after October 2004) Audi A4 Quattro fare in terms of safety? This article delves into the side impact crash test results for the Audi A4 Quattro, providing a detailed analysis based on official safety ratings. This information is crucial for anyone considering purchasing or currently owning a vehicle in this model year range.
This analysis is based on tests conducted on a 2005 Audi A4 2.0T quattro 4-door 4wd equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags. It’s important to note that the safety ratings discussed here apply to 2005-08 models built after October 2004.
Understanding the Redesign and Safety Enhancements
The Audi A4 underwent a redesign for the 2002 model year. Crucially for side impact protection, the car was re-engineered and restyled during the 2005 model year. 2005 models manufactured after October 2004 incorporated structural changes specifically designed to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. Frontal crash protection remained consistent for 2002 and later A4 models manufactured after February 2002.
To identify if a specific 2005-2008 Audi A4 Quattro includes these enhanced safety features, check the certification label typically located on or near the driver’s door. Visually, the re-engineered A4 models (including the 2007 Audi Quattro) can be distinguished by a significantly larger grille compared to earlier versions.
The side impact crash test ratings are also applicable to the station wagon version of the A4, known as the A4 Avant, starting with 2005 models manufactured after October 2004.
Side Impact Crash Test Performance: Excellent Ratings
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted side impact crash tests on the Audi A4 Quattro, and the results are very positive. The 2007 Audi Quattro, falling within the specified production timeframe, benefits from these ratings. Here’s a breakdown of the evaluation criteria and ratings:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G (Good) |
| Structure and safety cage | A (Acceptable) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Torso | G (Good) |
| Pelvis/leg | G (Good) |
| Driver head protection | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G (Good) |
| Torso | G (Good) |
| Pelvis/leg | G (Good) |
| Rear passenger head protection | G (Good) |
The table clearly indicates that the 2007 Audi Quattro achieved a “Good” overall evaluation in the side impact crash test. This is the highest rating possible from the IIHS and signifies excellent occupant protection in this type of collision. Specifically, the ratings for driver and rear passenger injury measures are all “Good,” demonstrating a high level of safety for occupants in all key body regions. The “Acceptable” rating for “Structure and safety cage” is still a solid result, indicating that the vehicle’s structure held up reasonably well during the impact.
Image: Post-crash view of the 2005 Audi A4 Quattro and the deformable barrier after the side impact test, illustrating the impact zone.
Image: Interior damage of the Audi A4 Quattro after the side impact test with doors removed, showcasing deployed side airbags and structural deformation within the occupant compartment.
Image: Dynamic moment during the side impact test on the Audi A4 Quattro, highlighting the crucial role of the side curtain airbag in safeguarding the driver’s head from severe impact with vehicle structures.
Image: Close-up of the rear passenger dummy’s head after the Audi A4 Quattro side impact test, greasepaint indicating effective head protection by the side airbag.
Technical Measurements and Injury Data
Beyond the ratings, the IIHS also provides technical measurements from the crash test, offering a more granular view of the vehicle’s performance and potential injury risks.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | CES0507 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -11.0 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
This measurement indicates the intrusion into the occupant compartment was minimal, with the B-pillar being pushed inwards by 11.0 cm, but not crossing the driver’s seat centerline. This limited intrusion is a positive sign for occupant space preservation during a side impact.
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0507 |
| Head HIC-15 | 237 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 48 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 25 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.91 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.33 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.9 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.2 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 54 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 22 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES0507 |
| Head HIC-15 | 190 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 48 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 2.1 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 37 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.57 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.72 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 3.0 |
| Combined force (kN) | 3.4 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.6 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 70 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -20 |
These technical measurements provide further evidence of the 2007 Audi Quattro’s robust side impact protection. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC) scores for both driver and passenger are relatively low, indicating a reduced risk of head injury. Similarly, the forces and deflections measured in other body regions are within acceptable limits, contributing to the “Good” overall safety rating.
Conclusion: A Safe Choice in its Class
The side impact crash test results for the 2005-2008 Audi A4 Quattro models (including the 2007 Audi Quattro) are commendable. The “Good” overall rating and consistently positive injury measures demonstrate that this vehicle offers a high level of protection in side impact collisions. For those prioritizing safety, especially in a side impact scenario, the 2007 Audi Quattro and similar models within this generation are a strong consideration. The structural enhancements implemented in these models, combined with standard side and curtain airbags, contribute to a safer driving experience.
