The Subaru Outback and Legacy models are now safer than ever before. And that’s saying something when you consider that number of awards and safety ratings that these cars have already notched up.
Brian Joss – The all-new Subaru Outback and Legacy models were launched in 2014. Both of these cars proclaimed Subaru’s ongoing pursuit of safety. Just two years later, Subaru has introduced even more safety and driver-focused features to these vehicles.
Now on sale in South Africa, the 2016 Legacy and Outback models benefit from a suite of safety features under the latest Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection system. Using a radar system fitted to the left and right rear combination lamps, three new features have been enabled: rear cross traffic alert (RCTA): When reversing out of a parking area in which rear visibility is blocked, this new feature warns drivers of traffic approaching from the side. This is a standard feature on the Legacy and Outback and works best in conjunction with the standard Rear-Vision Camera. The system is activated as soon as ‘reverse’ gear is engaged. Vehicles can be detected from up to 70 metres away but the audible warning alarm will only sound when the equated Time to Collision is 3,5 seconds.
Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist (LCA): This feature has been developed to watch over your shoulder and warn you of potential danger. Using the radar, the system monitors your blind spot and when it senses that a vehicle is approaching on the right or left hand side, a warning light will appear in your side mirrors alerting you to the vehicle(s) presence
In a bid to further improve night vision and safety, High Beam Assist (HBA) has also been added to the new Legacy and Outback models. High Beam Assist makes use of an HBA camera located in front of the interior mirror. Paired with this technology is the anti-dazzle interior mirror which detects ambient light in the cabin and adjusts the mirror brightness to ensure safer and focused night time driving. Also applicable to the 2.5 and 3.6 litre Outback and Legacy Vehicles is the new emergency stop signal (ESS) function. Under sudden and hard braking, the hazard lamps rapidly flash to warn the vehicle behind in a bid to prevent rear collisions.
Whilst safety is paramount, the Legacy and Outback models have been fitted with more user-friendly Smartphone integration with the introduction of Siri Eyes-Free. Now standard across the entire 2016 Subaru range in South Africa, Siri Eyes-Free works in conjunction with the standard voice recognition system. For those drivers without Apple devices, the cars’ still allow hands-free interaction using the normal voice recognition feature to control the telephone, audio and climate control systems.
The cars are offered with Subaru’s comprehensive 3 Year / 75 000km Maintenance Plan and a 3 Year / 100 000km Warranty.
Both the Outback and Legacy have been awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP, JNCAP and ANCAP safety-ratings and have also received the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick.
