Audi Glossary

Passive safety is a general term covering all design measures intended to protect the car’s occupants against injury or to at least reduce the severity of injuries. The term refers in particular to the car’s behaviour in collisions (crash tests) and not only includes protection for the car’s occupants but also for other road users (partner protection).

Apart from the safety belt system, the airbags, the “stiff” occupant cell and the crumple zones at the front, rear and sides of the body are among the most important safety features of today’s cars. They are designed to dissipate most of the impact energy for the protection of vehicle occupants. In conjunction with active safety features, all Audi models provide excellent all-round protection (see also safety belt pretensioner).