Subaru's New BRZ Proves It Is Safe as Well as Sporty

BALTIMORE, MD (09/12/2012)(readMedia)-- Safety may not be first on the priority list of most sports-car buyers, but Subaru engineers have ensured that their all-new 2013 BRZ coupe can protect in a crash just as well as it handles on the track. The automaker's only rear-wheel-drive vehicle was recently named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), proving that buying a car for its performance doesn't necessarily mean giving up protection.

To earn its Top Safety Pick, the 2013 Subaru BRZ achieved top scores of "good" in the IIHS' front, side-impact, roof-strength and rear crash protection tests, showing that the lightweight sports car's stiff chassis can hold up just as well as the rest of the brand's lineup. The BRZ is the sixth Subaru to be named a 2012 Top Safety Pick, joining the Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Forester and Tribeca.

"The BRZ may differ from the rest of the lineup because it has rear-wheel drive, but it still inherited the Subaru trait of being extremely safe," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Subaru, a Subaru dealership in Baltimore, Md. "What's most impressive is that the BRZ passed the IIHS' stringent tests with such a lightweight body, meaning the car remains incredibly nimble through the turns."

Having just reached dealerships this past spring, the BRZ is the latest model to join the Subaru lineup, but it won't be the newest face in showrooms for long. Based on the popular Impreza hatchback, the all-new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek will bring added capability and bolder looks when it goes on sale later this month.

Raised three inches above the standard Impreza to reach 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Subaru XV Crosstrek is built to tackle the trails, donning extra body cladding on the wheel arches and rocker panels. Off-road prowess is only part of the package though, because the XV Crosstrek is also surprisingly efficient, returning up to 33 mpg on the highway with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine.

Inside, Subaru's new compact crossover offers ample room for outdoor gear as well, featuring 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space when the back seats are occupied and 51.9 cubic feet when they are folded flat. Despite the XV Crosstrek's rugged tendencies, the vehicle is designed to be as convenient and comfortable as it is capable, presenting buyers with options like a voice-activated GPS navigation system and leather upholstery.

"The XV Crosstrek is filling a gap in the market for a compact vehicle that is not only truly trail-worthy, but also fuel efficient and accommodating," added Ryland. "It is perfect for drivers that like to explore both the mountains and the urban jungle, because wherever they're going, they'll go further for their dollar."

About Russel Subaru:

Serving Baltimore area motorists for years as part of Russel Automotive, Russel Subaru offers its adventurous Subaru customers a diverse inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles backed by stellar customer service at every turn. Dedicated to maintaining lifelong relationships with Maryland Subaru lovers, Russel Subaru offers free loaner cars, free lifetime car washes and free shuttle service to every one of their customers. Browse their inventory online at www.russelsubaru.com or in person at 6624 A Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore, MD. They can also be reached by phone at 866-980-7196 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandSubaru.