New Subaru models earn top IIHS safety ratings

The 2010 Subaru Legacy and 2010 Subaru Outback have just been called 'Top Safety Picks' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Both of the popular models have been revised for the 2010 model year with more space, features and safety than last year's model.
The "Top Safety Pick' rating is one of the industry's highest accolades for crash-impact performance.
It's only given to models that ace all impact tests and come with life-saving Electronic Stability Control, or ESC.
"Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results," said Institute president Adrian Lund.
Lund also points out that the ESC technology more and more automakers are using can actually help prevent an accident from taking place at all. ESC is standard on all 2010 Legacy and Outback models.
"Thanks to testing by groups like the IIHS, Subaru customers know they can depend on us for the highest levels of occupant protection," said Katsuhiro Yokoyama, president and CEO of Subaru Canada. "The fact that 2010 Impreza, Forester, and Tribeca have also achieved Top Safety Pick status is both a tribute to the people who design and engineer our vehicles, and a powerful signal to consumers that we're committed to building vehicles that are safe and durable as well as fun to drive."
Subaru attributes the test results, at least partially, on their safety-engineered 'ring' body structure.
In an impact, this tough structure sends crash impact forces around the cabin, rather than through it.