The first generation Forester sold between 1997 and 2002, the Legacy and Outback models of 1999 to 2003 and the second generation Impreza of 2001 to 2006 were all rated “much better than average” by the University’s Accident Research Centre.

Only 26 of the 349 different vehicles analysed by Monash have received the “much better than average” rating.

The ratings are determined by investigating actual crashes in both New Zealand and Australia since 1990, covering vehicles manufactured between 1986 and 2006.

Since 1990 Monash has analysed 3.2 million accidents.

The ratings are based on not only how well the vehicle’s occupants are protected, but also on what injuries, cyclists, pedestrians and the people in the other vehicle in the accident received.

“These ratings demonstrate Subaru has been concerned with vehicle safety for some time now,” said Graeme Woodlands, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand. “Subaru Japan has been constantly developing and improving the safety of our cars for well over a decade.”
“And we know our latest models which are on sale now are another step up again as far as safety is concerned,” said Mr. Woodlands.

All Subaru’s current model range – Impreza, Forester, Legacy, Outback and Tribeca – have received 5 star ratings from the Australian New Car Assessment Programme’s crash testing, the highest rating possible.

The ANCAP crash testing programme is equivalent to the Euro NCAP crash testing regime.

Monash University researchers commented that it was inevitable that vehicles manufactured in the last decade were safer than those manufactured in the late 1980s.

The Accident Research Centre believes the findings are more relevant as “real world” crashes are investigated, rather than using laboratory crash testing.

Dr. Stuart Newstead of the Accident Research Centre said it was concerning that only one commercial vehicle and very big 4WDs rated “much better” than average, given their popularity in the second hand market.