Subaru Shines in Latest Crash Tests
Subaru is coming out ahead when it comes to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s crash tests. The agency has awarded the 2014 Impreza wagon and sedan and XV Crosstrek compact wagon its highest score — Top Safety Pick Plus.
The vehicles earned a good rating across all areas of testing, including the tough small front overlap test, which simulates the front corner of a vehicle crashing into a rigid barrier at 40 mph. Many automakers have had trouble with this test, but several of Subaru’s vehicles have aced it. The five Subaru models to do so include the Forester, Impreza (wagon and sedan), Legacy, Outback and XV Crosstrek; winners must earn good ratings for occupant protection in four out of five of the evaluations and no less than acceptable in the fifth test.
In the Impreza and XV Crosstrek’s case, the IIHS said that the dummy driver’s space was maintained well, with a low risk of significant injuries. “The dummy’s head made good contact with the front airbag, which stayed in position during the crash. The side curtain airbag deployed and had sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structures and outside objects,” it said in a statement.
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