New Subaru Outback receives the highest possible safety rating for both frontal and side-impact crash tests for both driver and passenger seating positions
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that the 2005 Subaru Outback earned the highest rating in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The new Subaru Outback received 5 stars in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions.

"We are delighted by the performance of the all-new Subaru Outback in the NCAP crash tests," said Norio Osakabe, president, chairman and CEO of Subaru Canada. "Safety is a top priority for Subaru and an absolute requirement for any manufacturer that aims to be a premium brand in the marketplace."

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) provides consumers with vehicle safety information, primarily front and side crash test results, and more recently rollover ratings, to aid consumers in their vehicle purchase decisions. The test results are expressed to consumers in an easily recognizable star rating system - from the lowest score of one star to the highest score of five stars.

Every year the agency tests new vehicles that are expected to have high sales volume, those that have been redesigned with structural changes, or those with improved safety equipment. The NCAP crash tests are conducted at speeds higher than required by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for both side impacts at 38.5 miles per hour (63 km/hr) and full frontal barrier impacts at 35 miles per hour (56 km/hr). The tests are done to compare vehicles for the NHTSA Consumer Information Program and the results can be found at www.nhtsa.dot.gov .

The 2005 Subaru Outback brings occupant safety to a new level. Built on a new version of the company's proven Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, the 2005 Outback models include as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants.
New intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to detect the presence and weight of a front passenger and also the driver's distance from the steering wheel. The system determines front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. All Outback models for 2005 feature active front head restraints, which can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. A new safety brake pedal system and impact-absorbing driver's footrest helps reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.

In addition to passive safety features, all 2005 Subaru vehicles are equipped with standard active safety features including Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, four-channel anti-lock brakes, and four-wheel disc brakes that provide Subaru owners with exceptional traction, handling and control.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 100 franchised dealers across Canada.