Subaru’s 2006 model Forester, launched in July, has been named the safest non-luxury four-wheel drive in recently released crash test results.

Conducted by NRMA Motoring & Services and the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), the Subaru Forester scored an impressive five stars in the test undertaken as part of the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Forester was the only one of the ten compact and large 4WDs tested to score five stars – a result of its standard inclusion of side and head airbags across the range.

NRMA policy specialist, Jack Haley said: “Subaru has made front and side head-protecting airbags standard in the Forester so the buyer gets full airbag protection.

“This has paid off. Every Forester model scores five stars.”

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia said: “Safety is always our highest priority and these results demonstrate that.

“This commitment is also demonstrated in our Liberty and Outback models which also score a five star rating for occupant safety.

“Add this to our trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Subarus offer a very impressive safety package.”

The Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) provides consumers with valuable information on the safety performance of new vehicles.

The ANCAP crash tests involved a frontal test at 64 km/h where one part of the vehicle hits a barrier and a side impact test at 50 km/h.

High-seated vehicles fitted with head-protecting airbags can undertake a pole test where the vehicle travelling sideways at 29 km/h strikes a round pole lined up with the driver’s head. This measures the effectiveness of the side head-protecting airbags and can result in extra points being scored.