2014 Subaru Forester Obtains Five-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA

Baltimore, 09/19/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Subaru continues to build on its reputation as a safe and reliable all-weather auto brand, as the all-new 2014 Subaru Forester was recently awarded a five-star overall rating in the latest round of crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To secure that top designation, the compact SUV earned five stars in the NHTSA's side-crash testing while achieving four stars in both frontal-crash testing and rollover testing.

Redesigned for the 2014 model year, the Subaru Forester received new safety features like a driver’s knee airbag, anti-whiplash front seats, an impact-sensing fuel system cutoff and Brake Override, which prevents accidental acceleration when both the brake and gas pedal are pressed at the same time. Meanwhile, the introduction of an optional EyeSight driver-assist system helps prevent accidents from occurring in the first place, featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Vehicle Lane Departure Warning and Pre-Collision Braking.

"Subaru has made a habit of collecting top safety awards throughout its lineup, and the new Forester is the latest example of how the brand is fully committed to giving its customers complete peace of mind," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Subaru, a Subaru dealership in Baltimore, Md. "Just a few months ago, the 2014 Subaru Forester also earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, so it's a perfect choice for buyers who put a premium on crash protection."

Subaru has managed to fortify the safety of its new Forester while also boosting fuel economy and interior spaciousness. Thanks to a newly available Lineartronic CVT, the 2014 Forester can return up to 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, resulting in efficiency improvements of 14 percent and 19 percent respectively compared to the 2013 model. Inside, rear passengers enjoy an added 3.7 inches of legroom, and maximum cargo volume has expanded to 74.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, giving owners an extra 6.4 cubic feet of space compared to the previous model.

Car buyers continue to respond strongly to the Forester's 2014-model-year changes, as the compact SUV had its best-ever sales month in August, rising 89 percent year-over-year. Selling 13,163 units, the Forester topped the popular Outback to become Subaru's volume leader last month. That strong performance helped the overall Subaru brand also post record sales in August, moving 45 percent more vehicles than in the same month last year.

"Subaru is attracting a large number of new owners, and we've seen how often our customers end up being repeat buyers, so that's a great sign for the future of the brand," added Ryland. "Drivers are finding it difficult to pass on the Forester's mix of capability, efficiency and safety, and earning their loyalty is a top priority of ours."

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.