Subaru’s new generation Outback has been named Sport Utility of the Year by influential United States automotive magazine, MOTOR TREND. The title makes Subaru the first brand to win consecutive Sport Utility titles, following last year’s success with Forester.
Subaru's Outback SUV
MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie, said “The 2010 Subaru Outback offers a unique combination of comfort, efficiency, versatility and value. It boasts car-like refinement, drivability and gas mileage on the road, yet is as capable in the rough stuff as all but the most off-road focused sport utilities. Thoughtfully engineered, cleverly detailed and competitively priced, the Subaru Outback is a terrific all-rounder with broad appeal.”
Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America Inc. said: “We are doubly proud and honored to receive the MOTOR TREND 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
“To win the 2009 award for the Forester was wonderful enough, but to have won for the 2010 Outback this year is truly an outstanding achievement. The Subaru Outback is an icon of performance and capability and was the original SUV alternative. Now with its improved power, economy and increased dimensions it is the complete package.”
Speaking of Subaru of America’s sales success in 2009, Doll noted: “The success of our business is founded not only on our outstanding products, but also on the commitment and dedication of our retail sales network and great sales and marketing programs. We are absolutely thrilled that MOTOR TREND has added their validation to the Subaru brand.”
Living up to Subaru’s legendary safety record, the Outback offers cutting-edge safety technology, including Subaru’s ring reinforcement safety system, front, seat-mounted side, and side-curtain airbags and ABS. Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, which incorporates stability and traction control systems with a roll-over sensor, is also standard equipment.
The Subaru Outback was recently named a Top Safety Pick by the U.S. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).
To judge contenders for the award, MOTOR TREND’s editorial staff conducted an exhaustive three-phase testing process. Phase one of the process includes a full tech check and weigh-in, then full track testing to establish baseline data for acceleration, braking, and handling.
Phase two involves three days of road loops offering a range of road surfaces and traffic conditions to evaluate ride and handling, engine and transmission smoothness and responsiveness, wind and road noise, and ergonomics.
A dirt-track section tests traction, stability, and braking control systems. In phase three the judges debate and deliberate. This year, the editors updated and expanded the judging criteria to six new categories: Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Intended Function, Efficiency, Safety and Value.
MOTOR TREND’s Sport/Utility of the Year is not a comparison test and is only open to all-new or substantially upgraded vehicles that have gone on sale in the 12 months from November 1 of the previous year.
About Subaru
Every Subaru sold in New Zealand features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a horizontally opposed boxer engine and Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability programme as standard. In New Zealand Subaru Forester is the safest ANCAP rated SUV based on a maximum 5-star Occupant Safety Rating and a 3 (out of maximum 4-star) Pedestrian Safety Rating. The Subaru Impreza is the safest ANCAP rated passenger car based on a maximum 5-star Occupant Safety Rating and a 4 (out of maximum 4-star) Pedestrian Safety Rating and an aggregate ANCAP score of 62.42 out of a possible 73.
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