Subaru Safety
Learn more about Subaru's long-standing commitment to the safety and performance benefits of All-Wheel Drive. It is the exceptional vehicle control provided by the symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive that is behind Subaru's unique Active Safety. A driver's first prize is to be able to avoid an accident with safety that is designed into Subaru's vehicles, not added on - really a question of taking control of one's own life.
Subaru believes that a car should be fun to drive and this concept contributes to total safety performance. The core technologies at the heart of this approach are the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer™ and Subaru's AWD system delivering superior balance with its left/right symmetrical layout. In addition, Subaru has increased features to improve the safety such as visibility and operability and has improved collision safety with a range of improvements. Through technologies focusing on Subaru's AWD, Subaru's total safety performance concept has delivered the world's highest standards in this arena.
The comfortable ride that doesn't tire the driver is an important aspect of safety. For instance, with the low centre of gravity and the excellent stability of Subaru's AWD the vehicle has a high degree of straight-line stability on a highway and keeps the driver fresh during long distance driving.
The Subaru also offers a comfortable environment to support the driver including such driving features as easy operability and a clear field of vision from the driver's seat. The car doesn't cause undue stress and reduces factors that tire the driver.
For driving safety it is necessary to be able to deal with sudden unpredictable situations. The Horizontally-Opposed Boxer™ and the lateral symmetry of Subaru's AWD layout provide outstanding balance and even in sudden situations, the Subaru delivers precise, safe handling. Technology such as4 channel-4sensor ABS further increases Subaru's danger avoidance capabilities.
Subaru safety features to deal with accidents from any direction are an essential category that cannot be overlooked. Subaru promotes the development of original technology that includes actual collision research, and New Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frames that disperse energy regardless of collision direction. To go beyond satisfying the safety standards of each country, the marque pursues safety to minimise the possibility of injury to vehicle occupants in a range of actual crash situations.
The Subaru safety approach extends to pedestrians. The highest frequency of injuries are caused by the head striking the bonnet. In all models, the Horizontally-Opposed engine is mounted lower, allowing space between the engine and the bonnet for a structure that excels in impact absorption. The wipers with their potential to injure have been designed to detach and absorb on impact.
The cost and inconvenience to drivers involved in low speed collisions is also an area where Subaru scores. The Forester as an example, has proven to be a better bet than competitors. Low speed tests carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the USA included the Forester, and three other new or redesigned SUVs – the 2002 Land Rover Freelander, 2002 Honda CR-V and the Saturn VUE.
The Freelander and Honda sustained four times as much damage as the Forester. Cost of repairs to the Forester was $350 while the cost of repairs for the other two exceeded $1600 each.
Finally, standard safety equipment includes, 4-channel 4-sensor ABS brakes with EBD, SRS airbags, inertia reel seat belts for all occupants, active head restraints for both front occupants, and tether anchor points at the rear for all child seats.
Subarus have garnished many of the top safety ratings around the world. Subaru SA holds regular ‘owner days’ which enable owners to enhance the driving skills under the guidance of experts while prospective customers are given a taste of the delight of owning a Subaru.
Subaru offers maximum stopping power too, with unique 4-sensor, 4-channel (Some competitors offer 2 and 3-channel ABS by comparison) anti-lock brakes that provide additional steering control under virtually all braking situations. Horizontally-opposed "boxer" engines offer lower centres of gravity, improving balance and stability. Rack and pinion steering and 4-wheel independent 'long travel' suspension with rear multi-link design maximizes road contact for each wheel for more precise handling and added ride comfort. The Subaru ring-shaped 'unibody' design and reinforced tubular frame reduces cab collapse as it improves collision protection from all directions. Front and rear crumple zones, side-door impact beams, collapsible steering columns and engines that submarine under the cab in the event of an accident, serve every Subaru passenger while Emergency Locking Restraints work to safely decelerate passengers and control their movement in an unexpected impact.
Driving safety is largely a matter of being prepared for the unexpected. And when it comes to being as prepared as possible through the advanced design of a forward-thinking, safe-to-drive automobile, Subaru has written the book.
