Subaru has upstaged its European rivals by taking out the safety award at the annual AA (New Zealand Automobile Association) Motoring Excellence Awards.

Announced in Auckland last Friday night, the Subaru Legacy (known in Australia as Liberty) also won the section for the best medium sized four cylinder car up to 2.5 litres.

But it was the safety award which went to the Legacy 3.0R and Outback 3.0R Limited models which thrilled Subaru of New Zealand's General Manager Wallis Dumper most.

"Traditionally the safest cars have come from the European luxury manufacturers," said Mr. Dumper. "And historically the Europeans have led the way in introducing new safety features.

"But it's great to see we have a product that not only competes but leads the best in the world."

In giving the safety award to Subaru, the AA considered all those vehicles nominated for the awards which are on sale in New Zealand. The vehicle scoring the highest rating in the European, Japanese and Australian NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash testing took out the award.

With an increasing number of vehicles scoring the maximum five stars in the crash testing programmes, the decision in favour of the Subaru Legacy and Outback was made on the basis of how many individual points the vehicles scored in reaching the five star rating.

Mr. Dumper said it was good to know Subaru had passive safety measures as good as any new car available in New Zealand.

The Legacy 3.0R and Outback 3.0R Ltd come with six airbags (front, side and curtain), pre-tensioned seat belts, front and rear deformable crush zones and ring reinforcement beams which encircle the cabin to provide strong side on protection in accidents.

"We have always championed the active safety of our vehicles with their symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for better handling, road holding and grip in all driving conditions," said Mr. Dumper. "Avoiding an accident with our AWD, standard anti-lock brakes and responsive chassis and steering are the best option."

The 2.5 litre Legacy range confirmed its position as the best medium sized car with victory in the four cylinder up to 2.5 litre medium sized class.

Twelve months ago the car won the class and overall award at the AA Autocar 2004 Car of the Year Awards.

"It's over 18 months since the new Legacy range went on sale," said Mr. Dumper. "Demand continues to be strong. An increasing number of buyers are recognising the high quality of its production and build quality, quite apart from its dynamic qualities. These new awards simply endorse our customer's decisions and reinforce Subaru's commitment to world wide brand prestige positioning."