Safety & Security

Don’t just count airbags!

You need to consider balance - Symmetrical All Wheel Drive is an integral part of the Subaru driving experience. Symmetrical All Wheel Drive enhances control by taking advantage of the traction offered by all four tyres distributing power. Which means driving on low friction surfaces like wet or snowy roads and muddy tracks becomes much safer.

Stability is also important and that is why all Subaru models come standard with a high level of collision avoidance technologies – an electronic driver assist system called Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). This is not just Electronic Stability Control (ESC) but a complete system of safety measures.

Subaru’s VDC system is made up of both stability and braking technologies:

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • TCS Limited Slip Device (LSD)
  • Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Brake Assist

So in extreme situations - like when you have to swerve or brake suddenly - VDC is there to help. The VDC system is constantly analysing through an array of sensors, the parameters that affect vehicle stability of all new Subaru models whilst they’re in motion.

Understeer or oversteer challenge even the best of drivers. The ESC technology incorporated within the Subaru VDC system aids the driver in maintaining control during cornering and emergency manoeuvres. When the road conditions are particularly challenging such as a muddy track the VDC Traction Control System and TCS Limited Slip Device kick in, minimising wheel spin and transferring power from the wheels that slip to the wheels with grip.

Turning to protection, every occupant and employer can feel that much safer knowing that all current Subaru models have been awarded the maximum five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety from either the respected and independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) or (Euro ENCAP). Such a high safety rating has a lot to do with the innovative advancements that we’ve made an integral part of all Subaru models. Some Subaru models feature high-strength front seat frames, whilst others feature sports bucket seats. Both provide enhanced protection against whiplash in heavy rear-end collisions. All rear seatbelts come with Automatic Emergency Locking Retractors, and the front seatbelts feature pretensioners that hold you securely in place in an accident.

The ring-shaped passenger safety cell, standard in all new Subaru models, is made to absorb impact – and features steel reinforcements, crumple zones and a strong, rigid build designed to help reduce injury in the event of an accident. The chance of injury to the front occupants is further reduced by the ingenious positioning of the engine – low enough to slide below the cabin in a severe frontal collision. Plus the energy-absorbing collapsible steering column, and pedal intrusion limiting system help minimise driver injury in a heavy frontal collision.

SRS1 airbags help protect passengers from a heavy impact. Dual front, front side and curtain airbags come standard in all new Subaru models, with some variants also offering a driver’s knee airbag.

Subaru design engineers take special care to optimise driver’s field of vision from the driver’s seat, without compromising the protection of all your occupants.

The result is a strong passenger compartment, with outstanding visibility – helping you to avoid accidents in the first place!

1. SRS: Supplemental Restraint System. Effective when used in conjunction with seatbelts.