Subaru's Compact yet Capable XV Crosstrek Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

RACINE, WIS. (10/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Justified or not, larger vehicles often give drivers a stronger sense of safety, but buyers need not upsize to get the confidence-inspiring ride they desire. The latest example is Subaru's new compact crossover, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, which was recently named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

While small compared to most crossovers, the XV Crosstrek proved it can protect its passengers just as well, or even better, than its larger competitors, earning top scores of "good" in the IIHS' moderate overlap front test, side impact test, rear impact test and roof strength test. The new Subaru's compact size also allows it to nimbly navigate tight spaces, like city parking spots, while its modest weight and efficient drivetrain help it return up to 33 mpg on the highway, the highest rating of any all-wheel-drive crossover in America.

"The XV Crosstrek may cut weight and size compared to the competition, but it doesn't cut corners when it comes to safety," said Lonnie Poffenberger, Sales Manager of Gentile Subaru, a Subaru dealer in Wisconsin. "Also, unlike many other compact crossovers, it has legitimate all-conditions capability because of its all-wheel-drive system and raised ground clearance, so passengers are protected from the weather as well as potential collisions."

Subaru's XV Crosstrek shares its chassis with another 2012 Top Safety Pick, the Subaru Impreza, and the automaker is hoping its new crossover can match the success of the compact car. Redesigned for the 2012 model year, the Impreza has seen its sales increase 155 percent year-over-year through September, with sales last month rising 212 percent compared to September 2011, totaling 4,992 units.

Part of the latest Impreza's appeal is its newfound fuel efficiency. With an all-new drivetrain and design that reduced weight compared to its predecessor, the new model is capable of returning up to 36 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle on the market.

That impressive fuel economy doesn't come at the expense of versatility, however. Available as a sedan or a five-door hatchback that offers up to 22.5 cubic feet of cargo space, the Subaru Impreza can carry five passengers and all their gear. Drivers can also stay safely connected with standard Bluetooth hands-free phone calls, while the available voice-activated GPS navigation system and leather-trimmed upholstery can up the comfort and convenience factor.

"The Impreza is just as comfortable saving gas in the city as it is carrying everything you need for a weekend of cross-country skiing," added Poffenberger. "Wisconsin drivers have long relied on Subaru to get them through winter, and as another season approaches, vehicles like the Impreza and XV Crosstrek will ensure they don't have to sacrifice anything to get the all-weather traction they want."

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.