Mastria Subaru

RAYNHAM, Mass., Jan. 10, 2012 - Whether it is snow in New England or ice in the Midwest, the 2012 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback and 2012 Subaru Outback wagon are among the most winter-weather-competent vehicles on the market today, according to Kelley Blue Book. Both Subarus recently made an appearance on the auto authority's list of the Top 10 Winter Cars for 2012, just in time for consumers to hit Subaru dealerships before the dead of winter. 

In compiling its list of the Top 10 Winter Cars, Kelley Blue Book purposely chose to include a variety of body styles, including SUVs, wagons, trucks and cars. The most important factor for including a vehicle on the list, however, was the presence of all-wheel drive, a critical feature for drivers tackling treacherous New England roads during winter's fiercest storms. The Subaru Impreza and Outback's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive systems helped them make up one-fifth of Kelley Blue Book's winter-weather champions.

"It doesn't matter how long your commute is or how adventurous you get; if you drive in the Snow Belt, all-wheel drive is going to help you avoid an accident at some point during the winter," said Chris Dunn, general sales manager of Raynham, Massachusetts Subaru dealership Mastria Subaru. "Subaru is known for its all-wheel drive not only because its entire lineup features the technology, but because its system is consistently considered one of the best. The Outback and Impreza provide two very capable yet different body styles to enjoy it in."

All-new for the 2012 model year, the Subaru Impreza took the number two spot on Kelley Blue Book's Top 10 Winter Cars list, coming in second only to Land Rover's new luxury Range Rover Evoque SUV. All of the Impreza's trims come equipped with the Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, but what pushed it near the top was its new 2.0-liter, 148-horsepower engine. The new powerplant helped the Impreza improve its highway fuel efficiency by 30 percent compared with its outgoing model. At 36 mpg, the Subaru is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle currently available in the United States.

Sitting at the number 10 spot, the 2012 Subaru Outback features a Vehicle Dynamics Control system in addition to its all-wheel-drive system to help maintain traction on slippery streets. To help drivers further combat the bitterness of winter, Subaru offers Outback buyers an All-Weather Package that includes heated seats, heated side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer, all luxuries that won't go underappreciated during a Massachusetts winter.

While Subaru's most recent recognition comes for its safety relative to inclement weather, its vehicles have earned a reputation for their overall safety as well. In December, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) declared all 2012 Subaru models to be 2012 Top Safety Picks. For the third year in a row, Subaru was the only automaker to have its entire lineup chosen. A vehicle must earn the top score of Good in front, rear, side and rollover crash tests in order to be named an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

"Subaru puts the quality of its vehicles above all else, and that's what attracts buyers to the brand," added Dunn. "Especially in New England, where drivers have relied on Subarus for decades to get them through the winter months, the Subaru name is synonymous with capability in all conditions."

RAYNHAM, Mass., Dec. 12, 2011 ? Subaru is aiming squarely at the adventurous driver with a new crossover due to reach Subaru dealerships late next year, and the automaker recently confirmed that it will be called the XV Crosstrek. Based on the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza that recently went on sale, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek will add a dose of testosterone and an off-road suspension package designed to lure away drivers that would otherwise choose models like the Jeep Wrangler.

With 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the XV Crosstrek will bring Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system to the unmapped roads of America, giving hikers, bikers and skiers a new way to get to the trail head. That off-road capability is matched with a stylish exterior, which features flared fenders and an aggressive-looking front end.

"Subaru has created a great alternative to larger or heavier off-road vehicles, packing similar capability into a more practical package," said Chris Dunn, general sales manager of Massachusetts Subaru dealership Mastria Subaru. "The XV Crosstrek will be just as at home in the urban jungle as the real one, and you won't have to struggle to find a big enough parking space."

The Subaru XV Crosstrek will feature the new 2.0-liter BOXER engine that already achieves 148 horsepower and 36 mpg on the highway in the Impreza, meaning the new crossover should sip fuel rather than gulp like other off-road options. Inside, there is room for five or, with the back seats folded flat, enough camping gear for a week away from civilization.

Building on Subaru's off-road resume, the XV Crosstrek will join the Subaru Outback wagon, which has proven to be a favorite with Massachusetts drivers and industry experts alike. Kelley Blue Book recently awarded the 2012 Outback with a win in the Wagon category of its 2012 Best Resale Value Awards, an annual accolade based on predicted resale value after five years of new-vehicle ownership.

Kelley Blue Book predicts the 2012 Subaru Outback will retain 58.3 percent of its value after three years and 38.7 percent after five years of use based on a range of factors, including vehicle and sales data, market conditions and expectations of the future economy. Thanks to its robust chassis, its ability to swallow cargo and its weather-beating all-wheel-drive, the Outback has long been a favorite for New England drivers seeking a vehicle that has the capabilities of an SUV, but not their thirst for fuel.

"Subaru hit a home run with the latest Outback," Dunn noted. "It's big on the inside without being needlessly big on the outside, and it's built to last, which is why it will hold its value so well. A five-year-old Subaru is just getting started."