The new Subaru Forester has been awarded a five-star safety rating from renowned crash test institute Euro NCAP. The Forester features advanced safety systems, cutting-edge chassis design and high-tech safety systems making it the safest Forester ever built. The new Subaru Forester will be launched in South Africa in March 2013.

Safety first for new Subaru Forester

Apart from the five-star rating received from Euro NCAP, the new Subaru Forester was also awarded a five-star Australian ANCAP safety rating earlier in 2012. More than this, the Forester won the highest five-star overall rating for SUVs in the 2012 Euro NCAP crash tests.

Euro NCAP evaluates Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist. The Forester SUV scored well in all areas and was awarded maximum score for the protection of all body areas in the side barrier test while its front bumper scored top marks for pedestrian leg protection. Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement led to the outstanding results which optimises the chassis impact energy relay structure using high-tensile steel and reduces weight and increases safety performance in collisions from all directions while enhancing passenger safety.

Visibility has been improved with the A-pillars sitting 200mm further forward than before and all-round raised seating positions further improve visibility while also enhancing crash safety performance.

Safety Features

The newSubaru Forester is equipped with a wide range of active and passive safety systems. Standard safety systems include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). The new Subaru Forester is also equipped with seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag as well as a collapsible brake pedal and steering column. Five three-point inertia reel seat belts are also included along with ISOFIX child seat mounting points with tether anchors. A reversing camera which links to the multi-function display provides a clear view behind the Forester. The Subaru Forester also features a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system which provides better control and stability for the vehicle, making it safer all-round.

Marketing Manager at Subaru Southern Africa, Ashley Lazarus, says “the all-new Forester represents a crown jewel for Subaru in many respects, with safety being an important facet of its focus. With its top Euro NCAP safety rating and its advanced technology, the new Subaru Forester is sure to appeal to a wide variety of existing and new customers in South Africa.”