Last year, the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) introduced its new small overlap
frontal crash test. Of the 13 small crossover vehicles and SUVs participating,
many received a rating of “acceptable,” but only one 2014 model received a
“good” rating and the Top Safety Pick+ rating: the 2014 Subaru
Forester.
In the small overlap frontal test, a vehicle travels at 40
mph toward a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier. A dummy representing an average-size
man is positioned in the driver seat. The test is designed to replicate what
happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an
object like a tree or utility pole.
In earning the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating, the 2014
Forester received top ratings in front, side, rear and roof-strength tests. To
garner a Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn four out of five “good” ratings,
with the fifth being no worse than “acceptable.” The 2014 Forester however,
received a “good” rating in all five tests, making it the first small SUV to
ever receive such honors.
To take a look at the 2014 Subaru
Forester, head on down to Sheehy Subaru of
Springfield and schedule a test
drive.
