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(NAPSI)-It seems safe to say that America's leading all-wheel drive vehicle continues down the road to success, picking up another top safety rating.
The 2005 Subaru Outback has earned the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The latest model received five stars in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions.
"We are very pleased with the results of the all-new Subaru Outback in the NCAP crash tests," said Fred Adcock, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. "As always, safety is a top priority."
NHTSA's 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 relayed via an easily recognizable star rating system-from one to five stars, with five being the highest.
Every year, the agency chooses to test new vehicles which are predicted to have high sales volume, those which 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 and full frontal barrier impacts at 35 miles per hour. The tests compare vehicles for the NHTSA Consumer Information Program and the results can be found at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
With the new 2005 Outback, Subaru aims to bring occupant safety to a new level. Built on a new version of the company's proven Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, the 2005 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 the driver's distance from the steering wheel.
All Outback models for 2005 also feature active front head restraints, which can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. In addition, 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 exceptional traction, handling and control.
For additional information, visit www.subaru.com.
The 2005 Subaru Outback has received top marks in front- and side-impact crash tests.