2016 WRX the safest performance compact on the planet

The new 2016 Subaru WRX launches this summer and it will be even safer. What makes the performance sedan safer than the outgoing model?

 

Subaru will feature the new-generation EyeSight safety system on the 2016 WRX for the first time here in the U.S. Up until now, it’s only been available on the new Legacy sedan and Outback Wagon. Subaru did launch the 2015 WRX S4 in Japan with the advanced prevention crash system and it now comes on the U.S. spec 2016 performance sedan.

Subaru’s EyeSight safety system and driver assist technology is now available on WRX when equipped with the Sport Lineartronic automatic transmission. Lane Keep Assist has now been added to the 2016 WRX EyeSight system which uses the vehicle’s electric power steering system to help the driver keep the vehicle within its lane when driving on the highway.WRX Limited (with Sport Lineartronic transmission) when ordered with EyeSight, comes in a package with Navigation and Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The upgraded tech package also includes a harman/kardon amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system plus Keyless Access and Push-Button Start with Pin Code Access. WRX models equipped with EyeSight also come with Steering Responsive Fog lights.

What makes 2016 WRX safer?

This system is one of the best safety systems of any automaker and was rated the highest of any system and excels in crash avoidance. EyeSight uses two charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras mounted inside the car on the upper edge of the windshield. The EyeSight system processes stereo images to identify the vehicles traveling in front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. The video information is relayed to the EyeSight computer, which is also networked with the car's braking system and electronic throttle control.

EyeSight will bring WRX to a complete stop

Below speeds of approximately 19 mph, EyeSight is capable of detecting pedestrians in the WRX’s path and can activate to mitigate or even avoid the collision. Under certain circumstances, EyeSight is able to bring the car to a complete stop, thus avoiding a collision.
The new generation Subaru WRX is a IIHS Top Safety Pick for the first time. Last year, WRX had been rated a top pick, and then in May, IIHS gave the 2015 WRX/STI the award for good performance in each of the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations, including the small overlap front test. This is the first time IIHS has rated the WRX and WRX STI, and both came through the test with flying colors.

This is a result of Subaru engineers improving the already effective ring-shaped reinforcement frame used in all Subaru vehicles. Subaru's ring-shaped reinforcement frame has been used for more than a decade and has proven very effective. The 2015 WRX/STI was enhanced even more to provide better protection in the structure increasing cabin rigidity and absorbing impact energy from any direction. This is the design that gives the superior protection that enables all their vehicles to keep achieving these safety awards year after year.

 Other safety features on 2016 WRX

The new generation 2016 WRX also gets a driver’s knee airbag, reversing camera and better visibility, with wing mirrors located on the doors, reducing blind-spots. All this safety equipment combined with EyeSight helps the 2016 WRX maintain Subaru’s commitment to become the number one automaker in overall vehicle safety. The 2016 Subaru WRX is one of the safest performance compact sedans on the planet.

Subaru Earns a 5 Star Award from the Japan New Car Assessment Program !

Five 2015 Subaru vehicles win 2015 JNCAP “Five Star Award” 

Subaru has five models, the 2015 Outback, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Levorg that have achieved JNCAP’s top safety rating. Why is Subaru rated so high?

 

Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, announced that the 2015 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Forester, WRX and Levorg won the top rank “Five Star Award” from Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP). 

All five Subaru vehicles earned the maximum five star overall rating in the 2014-2015 JNCAP crash safety evaluation tests conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victim’s Aid (NASVA) in Japan.

Subaru scores high in pre-crash safety performance

Subaru vehicles have been highly rated by JNCAP for their pre-crash safety performance as well: the 2015 Outback, Legacy, Forester, WRX S4, Levorg, Impreza, Subaru XV and Subaru XV Hybrid, equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system, have earned the top rating of Advanced Safety Vehicle-Plus (ASV+) under the JNCAP preventive safety performance assessment introduced in 2014.

When Nobuhiko Murakami, Corporate Senior Vice President Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), unveiled the new European Levorg sports tourer last month, he made an interesting statement to the press. He said, “We aim to become the number-one brand for overall safety.”

EyeSight could be a game-changer

Subaru’s new EyeSight safety system could be an auto-industry game changer. This is due to the system moving from keeping occupants safe, to crash avoidance. Business Insider said, “That's big, and here's why: If enough automakers succeed at designing cars that can successfully, and autonomously, avoid a collision, accident rates will fall, and eventually so will insurance premiums.”

Look for Subaru to continue to enhance its primary, active, passive, and pre-crash safety technologies under its “all-around safety” principle. The 2015 Subaru Outback, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Levorg have achieved JNCAP’s top safety rating. It doesn’t look like Subaru will stop advancing their safety systems and will become the overall safety leader around the globe.