Euro NCAP, the organisation that assesses the safety of new cars, today releases the results for eight new cars. Seven cars in this line-up received Euro NCAP’s maximum five star award, whilst one car, the Citroen C3, received a four star result. Two of this month’s top-scorers are amongst the car industry’s most fuelefficient vehicles: the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius 3.

The latest results for the Insight and the Prius 3 show that good fuel economy need not stand in the way of a high level of safety performance. Euro NCAP in particular commends these hybrid vehicles for their impressive pedestrian scores that not only fulfil Euro NCAP’s current five star requirements, but already meet the organisation’s challenging 2012 targets. Pedestrian protection is an area that has long been underprioritised by carmakers. Last year barely 25% of the cars tested achieved more than two stars for pedestrian protection. However with the introduction of a new regulation in Europe this year and a stronger focus maintained by Euro NCAP, the tide is quickly turning. Read the rest of this entry »

[SinglePic not found]Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today launches the “Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C”, a new addition to the current WRX STI line-up. The model goes on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan.

Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the iconic sport model of Subaru, the WRX STI spec C model features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body on the premise of driving in motor sports. The model further strengthens its presence in the high performance car arena by offering sheer excitement and unique driving sensations as a distinctive road sport model, in line with the performance level originally delivered by the Impreza WRX STI. Read the rest of this entry »

[SinglePic not found]Subaru of America, Inc. made a surprise introduction today, revealing the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback® at its media conference at the New York International Auto Show. The fourth-generation of the World’s First Sport Utility Wagon® is a roomier and more capable interpretation of the vehicle that launched the crossover trend 15 years ago. Distinguished by bolder and crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and economy with the introduction of an all-new chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission). Capability is enhanced with a segment-first swing-out roof rail and crossbar design and an improved 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Read the rest of this entry »

[SinglePic not found]Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced the unveiling of the all-new Legacy sedan (U.S. specifications) at the New York International Auto Show (press days on April 8 and 9, open to the public from April 10 through 19). The new sedan will be introduced in the U.S. market as the 2010 Legacy.

In the 20 years since the introduction of the first Legacy model, FHI has remained committed to enhancing both sporty handing and safety technology and has made significant improvements to this fifth-generation Legacy sedan. Featuring Subaru’s core technology, symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), along with FHI’s original Horizontally-Opposed (BOXER) engine, the all-new Legacy sedan draws together superb driving performance and vital environmental considerations, while providing increased room and unparalleled comfort. The new Legacy sedan also features the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission) and a new engine cradle design. Read the rest of this entry »

Previously, Euro NCAP made three separate ratings available for each vehicle. From now on, Euro NCAP will publish a new overall rating for every vehicle that will cover Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and a new area of assessment: Safety Assist. Under the new testing regime, vehicles are awarded a single overall score from one to five stars. The assessment incorporates all previous aspects and includes the recently introduced Rear Impact (Whiplash) tests. In addition, the availability of ESC and speed limitation devices is considered. The overall rating is based on the car’s performance in each of the four main areas and the scores are weighted with respect to each other. Over the next three years, stricter requirements will be introduced increasing the emphasis on all-round safety performance and demanding higher levels of achievement in each area. Read the rest of this entry »

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