Snow Banks No Match for Subaru Impreza and Outback

RAYNHAM, MASS. (01/10/2012)(readMedia)-- Whether it is snow in New England or ice in the Midwest, the 2012 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback and 2012 Subaru Outback wagon are among the most winter-weather-competent vehicles on the market today, according to Kelley Blue Book. Both Subarus recently made an appearance on the auto authority's list of the Top 10 Winter Cars for 2012, just in time for consumers to hit Subaru dealerships before the dead of winter.

In compiling its list of the Top 10 Winter Cars, Kelley Blue Book purposely chose to include a variety of body styles, including SUVs, wagons, trucks and cars. The most important factor for including a vehicle on the list, however, was the presence of all-wheel drive, a critical feature for drivers tackling treacherous New England roads during winter's fiercest storms. The Subaru Impreza and Outback's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive systems helped them make up one-fifth of Kelley Blue Book's winter-weather champions.

"It doesn't matter how long your commute is or how adventurous you get; if you drive in the Snow Belt, all-wheel drive is going to help you avoid an accident at some point during the winter," said Chris Dunn, general sales manager of Raynham, Massachusetts Subaru dealership Mastria Subaru. "Subaru is known for its all-wheel drive not only because its entire lineup features the technology, but because its system is consistently considered one of the best. The Outback and Impreza provide two very capable yet different body styles to enjoy it in."

All-new for the 2012 model year, the Subaru Impreza took the number two spot on Kelley Blue Book's Top 10 Winter Cars list, coming in second only to Land Rover's new luxury Range Rover Evoque SUV. All of the Impreza's trims come equipped with the Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, but what pushed it near the top was its new 2.0-liter, 148-horsepower engine. The new powerplant helped the Impreza improve its highway fuel efficiency by 30 percent compared with its outgoing model. At 36 mpg, the Subaru is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle currently available in the United States.

Sitting at the number 10 spot, the 2012 Subaru Outback features a Vehicle Dynamics Control system in addition to its all-wheel-drive system to help maintain traction on slippery streets. To help drivers further combat the bitterness of winter, Subaru offers Outback buyers an All-Weather Package that includes heated seats, heated side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer, all luxuries that won't go underappreciated during a Massachusetts winter.

While Subaru's most recent recognition comes for its safety relative to inclement weather, its vehicles have earned a reputation for their overall safety as well. In December, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) declared all 2012 Subaru models to be 2012 Top Safety Picks. For the third year in a row, Subaru was the only automaker to have its entire lineup chosen. A vehicle must earn the top score of Good in front, rear, side and rollover crash tests in order to be named an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

"Subaru puts the quality of its vehicles above all else, and that's what attracts buyers to the brand," added Dunn. "Especially in New England, where drivers have relied on Subarus for decades to get them through the winter months, the Subaru name is synonymous with capability in all conditions."

About Mastria Subaru:

Since 2004, Mastria Subaru has served its customers with outstanding Subaru service, sales and parts. With a customer-first attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile, Mastria offers Massachusetts Subaru fans a wide selection of Subarus, whether it is an Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza or Tribeca. With a state-of-the-art Subaru service center, their dealership is well equipped to service all your vehicle's repair needs. Located at 1255 New State Highway in Raynham, Massachusetts, Mastria can be reached by phone at 888-820-9015 or online at www.mastriasubaru.com, and they can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MastriaSubaru.