2005 Subaru Outback Earns 5 Star Crash Test Rating

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. PRESS RELEASE
The new Subaru Outback received the highest possible safety rating for both frontal and side-impact crash tests for both driver and passenger seating positions. Subaru is the only car company that features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line.

The 2005 Subaru Outback 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. "We are very pleased with the results of the all-new Subaru Outback in the NCAP crash tests", stated Fred Adcock, executive VP, Subaru of America, Inc. "As always, safety is a top priority for Subaru and one of our strengths as we transition to a premium brand in the marketplace."

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) offers consumers vehicle safety information, primarily front and side crash test results, and more recently rollover ratings, to assist consumers in their vehicle purchase decisions. The test results are released to consumers via an easily recognizable star rating system - from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest. Every year the agency selects new vehicles to test 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 are conducted to compare vehicles for the NHTSA Consumer Information Program.

The all-new 2005 Subaru Outback brings occupant safety to a new level. Built on a new version of the company's proven Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, the 2005 Outback 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 also the driver's distance from the steering wheel. The system determines front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection.