Subaru’s collision safety tests clearly rank highly in assessments conducted throughout various countries around the world. Yet Subaru believes that even the best assessment results mean nothing on the road if users are not assured of a certain level of safety. Rather than simply aiming for the highest figures in a simulated test environment, cars must be manufactured to provide the best collision safety performance in the event of an unforeseen accident under unexpected conditions. This is Subaru’s approach to ALL-AROUND SAFETY, and the numerous safety assessment awards received over the years are testament to Subaru’s safe driving record developed over decades.
NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has carried out NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) safety tests since 1979, providing information on the safety of cars to consumers to allow them to make a decision on which model to purchase. These tests are generally known as the government 5-Star ratings, which originally provided data on frontal impact collision tests. Side impact collision tests were introduced in 1996 (for 1997 model years), and roll-over protection tests in 2000 (for 2001 model years). Crash tests are rated from one star to five, with five stars the maximum score possible.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses — deaths, injuries and property damage — from crashes on the nation's roads.
To qualify for a 2014 Top Safety Pick award, models must earn a good or acceptable rating for occupant protection in the small overlap front test, plus good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. To qualify for a 2014 Top Safety Pick+ award, vehicles must earn a basic, advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention in addition to meeting the criteria for 2014 Top Safety Pick.
Euro NCAP is an automobile collision safety test programme carried out in Europe by an independent consumer organisation established in 1997. The safety of cars sold within Europe is inspected using collision tests. By releasing the results publicly, the organisation can provide information on the safety of cars being sold in the European market to users, while also ensuring that manufacturers develop safer cars. There are three Euro NCAP ratings for cars tested before 2009: adult protection, child occupant and pedestrian protection. Three collision tests, consisting of frontal, side and pole tests, are carried out by Euro NCAP for adult protection and child protection ratings.
JNCAP has assessed the safety of cars sold in the Japanese market every year since 1995, with results available publicly. JNCAP started based on the American NCAP for providing information to allow users to choose the safest car for their needs and to assist in the manufacture of safer cars. Testing was originally carried out by the National Organization for Automotive Safety & Victims' Aid (OSA), and while it is now administered by the National Agency for Automotive Safety & Victims' Aid (NASVA), the testing remains largely unchanged except for several newly added test items. The safety of child seats is also tested.
ANCAP is a car safety assessment program carried out by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), which was established in 1924. Providing support for testing are the Office of Road Safety in each Australian state (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia), the New Zealand government and the FIA Foundation, an organisation formed under FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile).
