Somewhat surprisingly, the third generation of the Audi TT has gotten off to a rough start in 2015, with the model receiving only four out of five stars in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests. Don't cancel your order just yet though, because some clarification involving that result is forthcoming. The new TT is the first car tested by Euro NCAP following 2015 rating rules, which use either new or revamped test protocols and crash test dummies.

In short, the Audi->ke14 model is the first victim of more stringent test procedures, so its lack of an autonomous emergency brake system is actually the main reason for its somewhat poor four-star overall safety rating. The 2015 Euro NCAP protocols have added a full-width rigid barrier frontal test to complement the frontal offset deformable test, and as an addition the new type of crash test involves a small female driver and a rear seat passenger.

Another peculiarity of the 2015 Audi TT crash test was the fact that Euro NCAP used a RHD model and took the initiative to test the model themselves. This comes after the new TT oddly went on sale in Europe without having a safety rating for the European market. To keep the controversy going, Euro NCAP used a 4-foot, 9-inch-tall female dummy in the rear, following its own protocols. Why is this strange? Well, Audi doesn't recommend the use of the rear seats for persons taller than 4 feet 7 inches.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Audi TT.

Why it matters

Based on Volkswagen's->ke94 MQB platform, the new Audi TT was launched at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show,->ke228 and brought a substatial reduction in weight compared to its predecessors. The model because the first car in the Volkswagen Group to feature the so-called "Virtual Cockpit," which replaces classic gauges in the instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch TFT display that can be configured to show various information.

While losing an entire star because of the lack of an autonomous braking system sounds a bit like nitpicking at first glance, it should be noted that this is a very good way to persuade some carmakers to continue adding safety equipment in their future cars. Almost all fancy safety features like autonomous braking or lane departure warning systems not only sell cars but also save lives. Hopefully, Audi will learn from this, as should other premium carmakers.

Audi TT