Testing the tech

Putting Audi’s myriad driver assistance and safety systems to the test in real world situations.

The acronyms tell only part of the story – experiencing Audi’s leading driver assistance technology is another thing altogether.

Felicity Bonello

Jack Steel

21 February, 2018


A recognised leader in automotive technology, Audi is constantly striving to refine and improve every aspect of each new model. From performance to handling, design to new means of construction and of course efficiency and safety.

While some of these advances may be evident at a glance, many, particularly the impressive array of driver assistance and safety systems, remain little more than acronyms – technology lurking within the vehicle, ready to respond and assist the driver the second the need arises. And while many of these acronyms – AEB, ESC and ACC – are familiar, there is a world of difference between understanding their meaning and actually experiencing them in action. 

To do the latter is often not high on anyone’s list in day to day driving. After all, an emergency brake and evasive manoeuvre is something that most of us actively seek to avoid. But, under the watchful eye of Audi Australia’s Chief Driving Instructor, Steve Pizzati, and his team of highly skilled instructors, the chance to learn about the myriad technology in each Audi and experience it first hand is an opportunity not to be missed. 

An Audi Driving Experience held at Sydney Motorsport Park was the perfect place to put the technology to the test, experience some of the incredible Audi range of cars in a perfect driving environment and hone our skills and reflexes as we pushed our driving limits on the track.

"A recognised leader in automotive technology, Audi is constantly striving to refine and improve every aspect of each new model."

"Audi has refined the original concept, dampening the pulsation of the brake pedal, which represents a huge advance in technology."

The day kicked off with a heart-racing first hand application to Audi’s ABS. Now, we can safely say most people have probably heard of ABS, aka, the anti-lock braking system, but when the initial task of the day was to accelerate to 110km/h down the straight and brake suddenly to a complete stop, fully understanding the capability of a vehicle's ABS took on new meaning.

First developed for planes, the original systems were rather aggressive, however, Audi has refined the original concept, dampening the pulsation of the brake pedal, which represents a huge advance in technology. Essentially, this system prevents the wheels from locking up during braking; and even under strong braking, you can better control and steer the car. Optimised with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which varies the amount of force applied to each of the vehicle’s wheels, this is standard on all Audi models. With freeway speeds set at 110km/h, learning to stop suddenly within the confines of the track and feeling exactly how the vehicle responds was the perfect start to the day.

Placing unequivocal trust in technology was a common theme throughout the day; with our second task based on testing Audi’s AEB or autonomous emergency braking system. Designed to prevent or minimise the severity of a potential collision, drivers were instructed to accelerate at 30km/h towards a faux car and let the AEB prevent said collision. Programmed to act instantaneously in high-pressure circumstances, using a radar, this technology is able to measure the closing rate between your vehicle and another, and apply brakes for you as required.

Depending on the situation the hazard warning lights are activated to alert other road users, the car windows and sunroof begin to close and the seat belts will tension. Needless to say, the heart raced, the AEB worked; and it then was time for the power-sliding course. 

Walking across a thoroughly wet concrete concourse, I pondered our forthcoming acronym: ESC. As explained by Pizzati, ESC stands for Electronic Stability Control – a complex and intuitive system that improves stability by using a number of intelligent sensors to detect and reduce loss of traction. Imagine you’ve over steered (or you’re following course instructions to, “turn the wheel all the way to the right, and then put your foot down hard on the accelerator”); the ESC automatically applies the brakes to the relevant wheel to stabilise the vehicle.

We tried this exercise twice; once with the ESC disabled (insert skidding, nervous laughter and more increased heart rate), the second time with the ESC activated. The difference was astounding. The ESC improved traction, corrected the over steering, prevented skidding and felt overtly safer.

Coupled with our Audi expert instructors – all accomplished racing drivers at the highest levels and themselves trained by Audi’s German instructors – it was time to get out of the confines of the track and onto the Great Western Highway to test the central element of the Audi driver assistance system: the ACC or adaptive cruise control.

This automatic distance control system uses a special radar sensor to measure and maintain the distance to the vehicle ahead and controls the speed, ensuring it doesn’t exceed the set value.

If driver intervention is required to brake the vehicle, a signal is automatically given. It should be noted that even when adaptive cruise control is activated, the driver is still responsible for monitoring the car’s speed and the distance from the vehicle in front; and while it can feel a little unnerving the first time you allow the ACC to gently brake on your behalf, this function is genius and indeed, the way of the future. 

"This automatic distance control system uses a special radar sensor to measure and maintain the distance to the vehicle ahead and controls the speed, ensuring it doesn’t exceed the set value."

"Audi offers as many as 40 different driver assist and safety systems across the model range." 

Time to park? Enter Parking Assist. The park assist system can back the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular spaces relative to the road. The system locates parking spaces using side-mounted ultrasound sensors that scan the parking spaces on the side of the road in two dimensions while driving at moderate speed. A notification appears in the display when the system finds a suitable spot. If the driver wants to park in the space and puts the vehicle into reverse, the park assist system is activated and assumes control of the electromagnetic steering.

The job of the driver is to control the accelerator and brake; while optical and acoustic signals provide support and steering. Again, trusting the technology is paramount; and using Parking Assist we successfully parked between two Audi R8s (worth a significant sum) without a scratch. This is a decidedly intuitive system and is indicative of Audi’s thought leadership in the future of automotive technology.

These are just some of the leading technologies at work in the Audi fleet of vehicles, designed to make your motoring more enjoyable and safer. Audi offers as many as 40 different driver assist and safety systems across the model range, or the new Audi A8 for example due here later in the year, which can be optioned to carry all 40 – including some exciting new developments in vehicle safety technology! 

Although most of the technology is essentially invisible most of the time, it is certainly an eye-opener to experience them in action, and know that when needed, the car has your back!

Learn more about Audi driving experience:

http://audidrivingexperience.com.au