2016 Audi Q3 Gets Top Safety Pick Rating in IIHS Crash Tests

We'll spare you the suspense and say that the 2016 Q3 got a Top Safety Pick Rating from the IIHS safety wizards. But, as some of you know, that's not the maximum rating nowadays. Believe it or not, but this $33,000 luxury vehicle doesn't come with a front crash prevention system, something you get on most Subarus. That's why Audi missed out on the maximum score.

Otherwise, the Q3 performed brilliantly, with the safety cell holding out well in the small overlap test and all the airbags deploying like they were supposed to do. Even though it was only launched in America last year, the baby SUV is an old dog of this segment, having been available since 2011.

Recent updates have lead to the installation of an aluminum hood and tailgate as well as redesigned front lights, grille, bumper, side sills and rear lights. To compensate for its high sticker price, the Q3 comes with a extra standard features, such as with front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera, updated exterior styling including Audi xenon plus front lighting with LED DRLs and taillights and 18-inch 5-arm turbine design wheels.

Inside, the model is equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, MMI controls for the 7-inch color screen and a power retractable sunshade. For $38,600, the Q3 Prestige model now comes coated in full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals along with the a standard S line exterior package and 19-inch wheels.

Here's a weird fact about Q3 we learned today. Despite being the smallest and cheapest SUV in Audi's portfolio, it's also the least attractive. Only 1,166 were sold in July, over four times less than the Q5. Small is beautiful, but not in America.