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Audi A3 Sportback e-tron gets top grades in European crash tests [w/video]

In simplistic terms, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid will go real far when it needs to go and stop when it needs to stop. The PHEV has now been certified to protect its occupants when they need to be protected. So there's not much more that you can ask from a vehicle. The model received a maximum five-star crash-test rating from the Euro NCAP group, receiving top marks for front, side and rear collisions. The Audi also received kudos for the "multi collision brake assist" feature, which automatically engages the brakes once the car's been in a crash so that it doesn't get into another one. The plug-in hybrid was already getting positive responses from prospective customers. Last month, Audi said it stepped up its production of the model at its German factory from 30 units a day to 50. The PHEV can travel up to 30 miles on electricity alone and another 550 miles on a full tank of gas. More impressively, it has a 157 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating, using the European driving cycle. Check out a video of the test and Audi's press release below and read our driving impressions here. Five stars for the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron from Euro NCAP Top marks in the front, side and rear collision categories The new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron also offers a high level of safety for children Special prize for Audi pre sense basic and multicollision brake assist system Ingolstadt, December 10, 2014 – The Euro NCAP consortium has awarded the new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron* the maximum five star rating for crash safety. This puts the first volume production plug in hybrid from Audi among the safest cars in its class. The test panel was impressed by the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron across the board: As a result the plug-in hybrid earned top marks in protecting adults and children in a front, side or rear collision. The model also passed tests of its pedestrian protection with flying colors. This year Euro NCAP additionally tested assistance systems for the first time. The A3 Sportback e-tron with Audi pre sense front and Audi active lane assist also fulfilled the stringent requirements in this category. The model received the special "Euro NCAP advanced" prize for its Audi pre sense basic passenger protection system as well as for the Audi multicollision brake assist system that comes as standard equipment. This function initiates braking automatically in case of an accident to reduce the risk of skidding and the danger of a subsequent collision.

Audi A6 gets styling, powertrain tweaks

The Audi A6 is already a fairly handsome, German luxury sedan, but the whole range is receiving some styling updates in Europe this fall. Audi's US arm would not directly confirm which of these updates will be coming to America, instead just telling us that an updated A6 will be coming next year.
On the outside, the tweaks are fairly minor. The company's single-frame grille, which shows up throughout the model lineup, gets some very subtle styling changes, and the lower bumper and its air intakes are also reshaped. More obviously, the headlights have a new form with the LED running lights cutting through them in roughly the shape of a T, as opposed to outlining them, as before. A similar shape is also used for the updated taillights, and there are now rectangular exhaust outlets around back, as well. In profile, the side sills also get a harder crease toward the rear of the sedan.
Inside, things are kept generally the same, as well. There's a new Flint Gray interior color for the A6 and Salsa Red for the S6. But the biggest change is a power-retracting eight-inch infotainment system using the Nvidia Tegra 30 graphics chip. The optional night vision assist system is also improved with new functions, according to Audi.

Audi A0 in development based on VW Up!

Bigger, it seems, is no longer better. Volkswagen has made waves with its Up! city car, a plucky three-door that's been a bit of a hit since it burst onto the automotive scene, spawning a number of variants during its short life. And while our European friends have gotten a Cross Up!, a commercial version, an EV model, Seat- and Skoda-badged variants, and a rumored diesel-electric Twin-Up!, the small city car has been lacking in terms of its premium content.
That fact makes this rumor rather tantalizing - Audi might be working on its own version of the front-engined, front-drive city car, to be called the A0. The report comes from AutoExpress, which claims Audi CEO Rupert Stadler wants a premium Up! that features a distinctive interior and exterior treatment.
Changes could include a trapezoidal grille, in addition to premium exterior features like LED lighting and alloy wheels. The cabin would feature leather and likely a version of Audi's MMI infotainment system, while power would come from a 109-horsepower, 1.0-liter engine found in the Up! GT Concept.