2014 Subaru Forester Aces Every IIHS Crash Test for Top Safety Pick+

Baltimore, 06/19/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Subaru has a long-standing reputation for safety, and the all-new 2014 Subaru Forester recently carried on the torch as the safest small SUV in the latest round of crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The redesigned Forester was the only one of the 13 small SUVs evaluated to ace a new small-overlap front test, helping the model earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The vehicle's advanced crash protection allows Subaru to maintain its bragging rights as the safest brand overall in the IIHS rankings.

To earn a Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must receive the top rating of "good" in four of the five IIHS crash tests, as well as at least an "acceptable" in the fifth test. The 2014 Forester went above and beyond those requirements, garnering top ratings across the board. Designed to replicate the collision of a model's front corner against a rigid structure at 40 mph, the small overlap front test has become a significant challenge for automakers because it affects vehicle integrity very differently than traditional head-on crash tests.

"Subaru uses a reinforced high-tensile steel frame for the Forester that redirects energy from a crash to protect passengers in different types of accidents, even when only a small portion of the vehicle collides with an object," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Subaru, a Subaru dealership in Baltimore, Md. "The 2014 Subaru Forester also has an array of sensors that ensure its seven airbags are deployed as effectively as possible to shield the most vulnerable areas in each situation."

The 2014 Subaru Forester joins the 2013 Subaru Legacy and 2013 Subaru Outback models built after August 2012 as a 2013 Top Safety Pick+, while the remaining models in the lineup have all been named 2013 Top Safety Picks. In fact, Subaru is the only brand with either a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ for each of its models, as well as the only automaker to maintain such an impressive honor four years in a row.

Other safety features in the 2014 Forester include Electronic Brake-force Distribution, which optimizes braking balance, and Brake Assist, which detects emergency braking and applies additional force to stop the vehicle faster. Both features are standard and complement the Anti-lock Braking System. Meanwhile, an available EyeSight driver-assist system adds an extra layer of safety with auditory lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, monitoring traffic conditions and automatically slowing the vehicle down if necessary.

"The Subaru Forester's combination of active and passive safety features makes it one of the safest vehicles on the road today, as it not only excels at protecting passengers in a crash but also helps prevent accidents from happening in the first place," added Ryland. "Baltimore drivers will appreciate the additional peace of mind when driving the Forester in challenging weather conditions or in heavy city traffic."

About Russel Subaru:
Serving Baltimore area motorists for years as part of Russel Automotive, Russel Subaru offers its adventurous Subaru customers a diverse inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles backed by stellar customer service at every turn. Dedicated to maintaining lifelong relationships with Maryland Subaru lovers, Russel Subaru offers free loaner cars, free lifetime car washes and free shuttle service to every one of their customers. Browse their inventory online at www.russelsubaru.com or in person at 6624 A Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore, MD. They can also be reached by phone at 866-980-7196 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RusselSubaru.