Subaru Stays at Head of the Class in TrueCar.com's July Performance Scorecards

RACINE, WIS., (08/29/2012)(readMedia)-- School may just be getting back in session for some, but Subaru has been making the grade all summer in TrueCar.com's Performance Scorecards. The company aced the extensive overall performance test for the third month running in July, again earning an A+. Subaru was the only automaker to receive that top grade, besting runners-up Toyota and BMW, which both received an A, and Jaguar Land Rover, which earned an A-.

TrueCar.com's monthly Performance Scorecards assess automakers on eight different criteria, covering areas like sales, pricing, incentives, market share, customer loyalty and days in inventory. While sales are only part of the equation for the Performance Scorecards, Subaru dealers have done their part to boost the Japanese automaker's grade this year, selling 189,487 units in the United States through July for a 23-percent increase year-over-year.

"Strong sales numbers are of course important, but what TrueCar.com's report does is factor in things that aren't as widely measured, like return customers and discounts, to see whether an automaker is really running on all cylinders," said Lonnie Poffenberger, Sales Manager of Gentile Subaru, a Subaru dealer in Racine, Wis. "We're proud to not only offer the most reliable and versatile vehicles in the industry, but also the attractive pricing and incentives that make it easier for our customers to become Subaru owners."

Along with most students, Subaru hopes to maintain its high grades next month, and it could get a boost when the all-new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek rolls out to dealers. The XV Crosstrek is based on the new Subaru Impreza, but has three more inches of ground clearance, giving it a total of 8.7 inches to pass over small snow banks or other obstacles. Smaller than the Forester SUV and Outback wagon, Subaru's newest model slots into the automaker's lineup as another versatile crossover option for shoppers of the brand.

Like all of Subaru's vehicles with the exception of the new BRZ sports car, the XV Crosstrek will come standard with all-wheel drive to provide sure footing from city streets to gravel roads. The model will also house one of Subaru's trademark Boxer engines, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that will generate 148 horsepower. As much as the XV Crosstrek will be at home on roads less-traveled, the crossover has the fuel economy to commute through urban cityscapes as well, returning up to 33 mpg on the highway.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek will be available in two trims, Premium and Limited, with both featuring standard roof rails and fog lights, as well as Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming. Upgrading to the Limited trim will get buyers leather-trimmed upholstery, a rear-vision camera and heated front seats. Meanwhile, a moon roof is available on both trims for drivers that want to fully embrace their surroundings, and an optional voice-activated GPS navigation system can make last-minute excursions feel like they were planned in advance.

"The new XV Crosstrek is arriving right when the first cool breezes remind Wisconsin drivers of the long, snowy winter ahead," added Poffenberger. "It's the perfect crossover for active professionals who might commute to Chicago or Milwaukee during the week, but want to leave the beaten path on weekends and enjoy the excitement of exploring off the grid."

About Gentile Subaru:

Providing a stress-free shopping experience and a wide inventory of new and used Subaru vehicles like the Impreza, Outback, Forester and Legacy, Gentile Subaru has the service and selection to please any Wisconsin Subaru shopper. Located just south of Milwaukee, Gentile Subaru employs a dedicated team of Subaru experts to help its customers find, finance or service their car, wagon or SUV. Visit their dealership at 6801-A Washington Avenue in Racine, call them at 866-994-9835 or browse their inventory online at www.gentilesubaru.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GentileSubaru.