Passive safety

The operation of the procon-ten safety system is shown by arrows. The position of the steering column and steering wheel after a frontal collision is additionally shown in red.

The Audi 80 can be considered a particularly safe vehicle thanks to comprehensive body rigidity optimization, the procon-ten system fitted as standard by Audi, and additional door side-impact protection.

In a frontal collision, the original design of the side members is of great importance. In the Audi 80 they are designed so that they deform during a collision, absorbing impact energy. The impact force is also dissipated through the load-bearing structure.

Even with the seat belt fastened, in severe frontal collisions there is a risk of injury caused by the driver striking the steering wheel. In such a collision, procon-ten moves the steering wheel forward, out of the impact zone. At the same time, the seat belts are tensioned, so that front occupants experience relatively low loads.

The following measures protect occupants in a side collision:

Use of reinforced-strength door sills. Stable cross member in the area of the instrument panel.

The center pillars with large cross-sections are closed in the force-transmitting structure with the sills and the roof.

The cross members stiffen the body in the area of the front and rear seats.

The doors with reinforced lock area ensure uniform force transmission.

The doors overlap the surrounding body pillars. Due to the closed force path, they can transmit high loads.

This overlapping arrangement of the front doors prevents the doors from jamming in the event of severe body deformation.

Additional side protection made of rigid aluminum alloy in all four doors improves safety.