2008 SUBARU IMPREZA RECEIVES HIGHEST POSSIBLE SAFETY RATING FROM IIHS FOR FRONTAL, SIDE AND REAR-IMPACT CRASH TESTS

Subaru of America, Inc. announced that the 2008 Subaru Impreza is the only compact class car to earn the highest rating in the most recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests that now require side head protection and electronic stability control.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza received the highest “GOOD” ratings in the frontal, side and rear-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions. Based on this performance and standard side curtains for side impact head protection, the 2008 Impreza was the first car of its size to receive the coveted IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award.
“Customers’ safety is our top priority,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. “Subaru makes industry leading safety affordable with the IIHS award-winning 2008 Subaru Impreza. It speaks to the tireless efforts of our engineers to build vehicles with uncompromising active and passive safety features – starting with all-wheel drive, standard.”

In its report, the IIHS highlighted the reinforced pillar behind the rear passenger door and standard side airbags of the 2008 Subaru Impreza. It also said the Impreza active head restraints “do a better job” than those in other cars.

The IIHS provides consumers with vehicle safety information in a simple rating system – poor, marginal, acceptable and good, with good being the highest. The IIHS crash tests are conducted at speeds higher than required by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for both side impacts, at 31 miles per hour, and frontal offset barrier impacts, at 40 miles per hour. The rear crash test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck at 20 miles per hour, and is a measure of the effectiveness of the head restraint.

The new generation All-Wheel Drive Subaru Impreza is the new benchmark in contemporary style. Its sexy hatchback design, highlighted by sleek new headlights, elegant lines and an aerodynamic rear spoiler, delivers a sporty new look. For the new Impreza, Subaru aimed to deliver absolute quality without sacrificing the legendary abilities for which it has become famous the world over. So, the phenomenal stability provided by the combination of the Subaru Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is still very much in evidence. But it’s now built into a contemporary and highly versatile package. With nine models available, the new Impreza offers three engines, each more economical and environmentally-friendly than its predecessor. With prices starting at just €21,000 (Lm9,015.30) and higher levels of specification across the board, it’s even better value.

The 2008 Impreza with VDC joins the 2008 Subaru Tribeca, Forester, and Legacy with VDC as “Top Safety Pick” award winners. The Tribeca and Outback continue the Subaru tradition for outstanding safety as evidenced by the NHTSA 5-star crash test rating in frontal and side impact protection for both driver and passenger. For more information on the safety ratings of Subaru vehicles visit www.iihs.org and www.safercar.gov. For a test drive please visit the SUBARU showroom in Mosta road, Lija, call on 21418111.