MISSISSAUGA, ON, /CNW/ - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the new 2010 Subaru Legacy as one of only two cars tested that received a rating of "acceptable" in recent tests to assess how well bumpers resist expensive damage in minor collisions. The IIHS evaluated 17 midsize cars - and rated 15 of them as marginal or poor for bumper protection.
According to IIHS findings, a design improvement to the Legacy bumper makes the cost of repairing minor bumper damage less than half of that expected with the previous model. The 2010 Legacy's front reinforcement bar is a little taller, more than 6 inches wider, and more than 1 1/2 inches higher off the ground. This kept the Legacy's bumper engaged with the barrier during the test, preventing it from sliding underneath. In addition, the bumper bar extends to the corners to help protect headlights and fenders.
"The Legacy's performance shows what automakers can do when they pay attention to damage prevention in the low-speed crashes that happen every day," said Institute Senior Vice President Joe Nolan. "The Legacy leapfrogs the competition for bumper protection. These common sense bumper changes will help keep repair costs down in low-speed crashes."
Already an IIHS Top Safety Pick for overall occupant protection, the Legacy is only the fifth car ever to earn an acceptable rating for its bumpers from the IIHS. Legacy is also the first car the Institute has tested that limits damage to the bumper system in all four tests, and the first car with all four damage estimates under $1,000 USD.
The Institute rates bumpers good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in four tests - front and rear full-width impacts at 6 mph (approximately 10 kph), and front and rear corner impacts at 3 mph (approximately 5 kph). Each vehicle is run into a steel barrier that mimics the design of a car bumper, with the barrier's plastic absorber and flexible cover simulating typical cars' energy absorbers and plastic bumper covers. These tests are designed to drive bumper improvements that lead to better damage resistance in real-world crashes.
For more information about this and other IIHS safety tests, and test results for the full line of Subaru vehicles, visit the IIHS website at [url=http://www.iihs.org]http://www.iihs.org[/url]. To learn more about every Subaru and Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, go to [url=http://www.subaru.ca]http://www.subaru.ca[/url].
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada.
For further information: Elaine Griffin or Jen Giller, (905) 568-4959
