Audi A3 Safety Airbag system Side airbags
Applies to: vehicles with side airbags
When fully inflated, the side airbags reduce the risk of injuries to the upper part of the body.
Fig. 295 Applies to: vehicles without soft top Inflated side airbags
Fig. 295 
Applies to: vehicles without soft top 
Inflated side airbags
Fig. 296 Applies to: vehicles with soft top Inflated side airbag
Fig. 296 
Applies to: vehicles with soft top 
Inflated side airbag
In certain types of side collision the side airbags (front and rear*) are triggered on the impact side of the vehicle Fig. 295 or Fig. 296. Further airbag systems may also be triggered, depending on the circumstances.
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled with propellant gas.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the airbags have to inflate extremely rapidly (within fractions of a second).
The fully deployed airbags cushion the impact for the occupants and help to reduce the risk of injury to the upper part of the body on the side facing the door.