SUBARU MAGAZINE Issue 004
WHY SAFE IS THE NEW BOLD SUBARU: YOUR NO.1 FOR SAFETY TOP TIPS FOR CARAVAN TOWING
NEWS & FEATURES
CUSTOMER STORIES
SUBARU DEALERS
DRIVING CONFIDENCE. MILE AFTER MILE. 70 years of engineering passion. An unwavering commitment to safety. And innovative technologies that really set our cars apart. Subaru in a nutshell? We’re all about safety, capability and reliability. Right across our range of stand-out SUVs, Crossovers, Hatchbacks, Estates and Sports Coupés, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible protection and performance – to keep you and your family safe while delivering driving confidence in all conditions. This is our promise to you, because we know what’s important to our customers. It’s why we build vehicles that are Better Where It Matters. Of course, there’s a little more to it than that… We have a long and proud history of automotive excellence – delivering impressive performance on and off road, all around the world. Mud, rain and tricky terrain have become part of our DNA. All that experience means that, whatever the weather or road conditions, Subaru’s core technologies enable our cars to live up to our brand’s exceptional standards of delivering outstanding safety, capability and reliability at all times. Wherever you go and whatever you drive, you can rely on your Subaru to give you complete confidence, ultimate enjoyment and ongoing peace of mind – year after year, mile after mile.
CONTENTS
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SUBARU RANKS FIRST FOR SAFETY FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING
LOW-RISK LIVING
GOLD: THE ULTIMATE SAFETY ASSET OR A SHINY RELIC OF THE PAST?
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MEET BIORID II: THE WHIPLASH CRASH DUMMY THAT’S GOT YOUR BACK
ONLY ONE WINNER
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SUBARU V CRASH BARRIER.
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EURO NCAP TESTING: WHY SAFE CARS ARE GETTING EVEN SAFER
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FUTURE: PERFECT?
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DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION: HOW CARS THAT TAKE CONTROL ARE HELPING DRIVERS
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WHY I NOW PREFER A LIFE LESS RISKY
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SUBARU: LOOKING AFTER EVERY PASSENGER
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BACK TO THE FUTURE: WHY ARE WE OPTING FOR NOSTALGIC POP CULTURE?
Published by Subaru UK The Gate, International Drive, Solihull B90 4WA United Kingdom
A 25 YEAR LOVE AFFAIR
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SPRING HAS SPRUNG… IT’S TIME FOR JULIAN TO ROLL UP HIS SLEEVES
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ONE MAN. 21 SUBARUS. 25 YEARS
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SUBARU DEALER OF THE YEAR: KEITH PRICE GARAGES
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ON THE ROAD FOR CHARITY
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SUBARU NETWORK EXPANDS TO MEET NORTHERN IRELAND DEMAND
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FIND A DEALER
SUBARU MAGAZINE
Welcome to the fourth edition of Subaru Magazine. At the time of writing (April 2020), the world is gripped by the Coronavirus pandemic. The progression of the virus has been swift, it’s impact devastating. It’s a hugely testing time for so many.
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THE AWARD-WINNING FORESTER E-BOXER
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TAKE THE SAFE OPTION
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SHEER PULLING POWER
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ONE CAR. ONE BIG ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
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CELEBRATING A WORLD RALLY LEGEND
THE BRAT PACK
And yet throughout the challenges presented by the current climate, we remain heartened by the response of our employees, dealerships and the Subaru community to the national crisis. A number of Subaru dealerships have remained open to serve the needs of Britain’s essential workers and we’re hearing countless tales of dealers supporting the vulnerable people in their local communities. Similarly, many of our employees are playing a vital role in their neighbourhoods and responding to the Government initiative to create a volunteer force to support the NHS. We know that many of you, too, are playing your part – and we couldn’t be more proud. The content in this issue was developed before the pandemic engulfed the UK. We proceed with publishing in the hope that we can provide some entertainment and brief respite for you in the midst of lockdown. In issue 4 we explore the hat-trick of top awards won by all-new Forester e-BOXER, the first self-charging hybrid from Subaru. For the second year running, we’ve been named Best Manufacturer for Safety Features in the 2020 Driver Power survey, the UK’s largest customer satisfaction survey – an achievement of which we’re immensely proud. You’ll also find a series of content – developed in partnership with The Guardian – that explores why, in today’s climate, safe is the new bold; a guide to towing with your Subaru; plus the usual combination of news, articles and features from our customers and dealerships across the UK. Stay safe and well. Chris Graham Managing Director, Subaru UK
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IN THE NEWS
THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING ALL-NEW FORESTER E-BOXER All-new Forester e-BOXER has been awarded a trio of outstanding industry accolades. These ‘best in class’ achievements are testimony to Subaru’s ongoing commitment to build cars that deliver outstanding safety, capability and reliability – vehicles that are truly better where it matters. All-new Forester e-BOXER is the first self-charging hybrid from Subaru, seamlessly blending Subaru’s core DNA with hybrid technology for the best of both worlds. Advanced safety as standard The safety of you and your loved ones has always been central to the development of our vehicles. We believe world-class
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safety is essential, not an optional extra – it’s why we make some of the safest vehicles on the road today. All-new Forester has a range of active and passive safety technologies fitted as standard. These include features such as EyeSight driver assist technology and our brand new Driver Monitoring System — recognised by What Car? as ‘the most advanced of its kind’. Outstanding capability in all conditions On road, off-road and in any weather, all-new Forester is built to perform. Thanks to the expert engineering that underpins them, Subaru SUVs are well-
known for their relentless capability. Always-on Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives the driver maximum confidence and control by continuously shifting power to the wheels that have the most traction, ensuring excellent roadholding at all times. Reliability you can count on Our cars are renowned for their reliability. You can rest assured that your Subaru will deliver driving pleasure for a very long time. Because it’s built to go the distance – year after year, mile after mile.
SUBARU MAGAZINE
A HAT-TRICK OF TOP AWARDS
2020 WHAT CAR? AWARDS
EURO NCAP
4X4 MAGAZINE
Technology Award - Subaru Driver Monitoring System.
Best In Class 2019 In The Small Off-Road/MPV Class.
Best Small SUV of the Year 2020.
According to What Car? 72% of drivers admit to being distracted when behind the wheel, making driver monitoring systems an increasingly important piece of in-car technology.
Forester e-BOXER has been recognised as the safest vehicle in its class in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) 2019 safety performance test.
What Car? praised Subaru’s Driver Monitoring System – the brand-new facial recognition technology fitted as standard in all Forester e-BOXER models – calling it ‘the most advanced of its kind’. In testing it proved to be more accurate at identifying when concentration was lost compared to other manufacturer systems.
The new model received the maximum 5-star safety rating, with outstanding scores in all four assessment areas (Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, Safety Assist). It also achieved the highest score ever (91%) in its class for Child Occupant Protection.
Alan Kidd, Editor of 4x4 Magazine, said: “Subaru’s new Global Platform is the gift that keeps on giving. It means the all-new Forester has a roomier cabin than ever, as well as being almost unbelievably entertaining to drive – and one of the safest family vehicles in the world. That’s a hat-trick to be proud of!
Euro NCAP is a voluntary vehicle safety rating system. This organisation publishes safety reports on new cars and awards a star rating based on the performance of the vehicle in a variety of crash tests, including front, side and pole impacts, and impacts with pedestrians. The top overall rating is five stars.
Find out more about Forester e-BOXER at subaru.co.uk
In addition to the clear safety benefits afforded by our Driver Monitoring System, What Car? also noted that the use of facial recognition software to set things like seating position, door mirror angles and even air conditioning to the driver’s preference is a real bonus.
Beating off strong competition, Forester e-BOXER impressed the judging panel at 4x4 Magazine across the board thanks to its comprehensive range of safety technologies, on-road driveability and outstanding off-road capabilities.
WHAT THE PRESS SAY “All-new Forester e-BOXER demonstrates excellent off-road ability, impressive ride and handling characteristics, and comes with lots of safety kit as standard.”
“Forester e-BOXER delivers comfort and capability in abundance. The inside has changed more radically and the cabin is notably smarter. The Forester e-BOXER rides and handles well—significantly better than the outgoing model—and deals with broken road surfaces with marked composure.”
“Rugged 4WD SUV offering greater practicality. Competent and robust, the Subaru Forester is designed for SUV buyers who value substance over style. The Forester remains a likeable and honest family car.”
Auto Trader
The Sun
Honest John
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FEATURE ARTICLE
The Subaru SUV range
SUBARU RANKS FIRST FOR SAFETY FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING It’s official: our owners say Subaru leads the way in safety. Car owners have given Subaru the seal of approval in the Auto Express Driver Power survey, saying that no other manufacturer offers better safety systems. Subaru was also ranked the 3rd best brand overall – out of 30 manufacturers.
Subaru constantly strives to build cars that are Better Where It Matters. We’re known for blending innovative technology with engineering expertise to deliver vehicles that provide outstanding safety, capability and reliability – cars that give their drivers and passengers peace of mind at all times, in all road and weather conditions.
Real-life ownership experiences
First for safety and interior & comfort
Conducted by Auto Express, Driver Power is the UK’s number 1 car ownership survey. Based on thousands of independent owner reviews of vehicles purchased during the previous 24 months, the survey rates customer satisfaction with a number of different aspects of buying and owning a specific model of car.
Safety is paramount for Subaru. For the second year in a row, we have been recognised as the ‘Best Manufacturer for Safety Features’.
We’re delighted that the hard work and our commitment to putting safety first has paid off. Subaru performed well in the 2019 Driver Power survey, and we’re continuing to build on that position. The headline results of this year’s survey are now in – with Subaru’s performance described as “deeply impressive” by the team at Auto Express.
Feedback and reviews submitted for the nation’s largest and most comprehensive survey show that owners rate Subaru highly in several key categories.
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In the 2020 Driver Power survey, Subaru is rated 3rd best brand overall, out of 30 marques – a climb of 3 places since the 2019 poll.
Car owners also ranked Subaru top for ‘Interior & Comfort’, thanks to “impeccably well-built cabins that offer great driver visibility, as well as impressive levels of comfort”. Superior practicality and reliability Reliability is, of course, an important consideration for car buyers. Subaru is famed for reliability among owners, and this is an area in which we performed exceptionally well. Subaru also scored
SUBARU MAGAZINE
drive a car that’s built to be Better Where It Matters – and nothing matters more than safety. We’re delighted that Subaru owners recognise our on-going commitment to build the safest cars on the road today, as well as praising the outstanding capability, practicality and reliability that our vehicles offer. We are immensely proud to be placed 3rd out of 30 manufacturers and will continue to work tirelessly to deliver against – and exceed – owners’ expectations.” highly in the ‘Ride & Handling’ and ‘Practicality’ categories. In particular, XV has the best-rated handling of all cars, while Outback has the best-rated boot space of any vehicle in the survey. Outback was also rated as the 2nd most reliable car in the entire survey. “Deeply impressive” performance Assessing the reviews, Auto Express reported: “Subaru’s performance in the 2020 Driver Power brand survey is deeply impressive. Taking the bronze medal in a fiercely competitive field of 30 manufacturers is a strong enough achievement in itself, but Subaru also shines in a number of key areas. Editor Steve Fowler commented: “This year marks another exceptional performance for Subaru, as Driver Power respondents told us they’re happy with almost everything that relates to life with these cars. Owners find them immensely satisfying to drive, enjoy their fantastic interiors, and can rely on them day in, day out. Owners also say no other car maker offers better safety systems. Given these results, it’s easy to see why Subaru owners tend to be a loyal lot.” Commenting on the results, Chris Graham, Managing Director of Subaru UK, said: “The results of this industry-leading survey clearly show that owners appreciate the importance of being able to choose and
“Given these results, it’s easy to see why Subaru owners tend to be a loyal lot.” The detailed performance scores that form the complete 2020 Driver Power survey are available at autoexpress.co.uk. The full 2019 scores – spanning the full suite of independent reviews, in addition to the new car ownership survey – are also available now: Top-rated customer satisfaction In the 2019 Driver Power survey, Subaru was also voted ‘Best Manufacturer for Safety Features’ – we were proud to register an industry-leading 95.9% satisfaction score from owners in this category. Subaru was rated 6th best brand overall. The in-depth detail of the 2019 survey results showed that Subaru drivers are more satisfied with their new vehicles, those less than two years old, than the owners of the majority of other brands ranked in the poll. Subaru was also rated above average in the used car satisfaction category, for vehicles 2-9 years old. Setting the standards
the performance of Subaru dealers when it came to vehicle order and delivery was ranked above the 2019 manufacturer average. Of particular note is the fact that Subaru dealerships scored 97% for ‘friendliness of the salesperson’ – the highest score of all manufacturers – as well as scoring highly for staff helpfulness and knowledge. When it came to owners’ experiences of Subaru dealerships regarding the service and/or repair of their vehicles, the aftersales survey showed that Subaru once again outperformed the 2019 manufacturer average. Across the categories of ‘courtesy of staff’, ‘timeliness to complete work’, ‘keeping you informed on progress and cost of work’ and ‘availability of courtesy car’, we consistently scored significantly higher than average. Strong and long-standing customer loyalty Subaru is proud to have achieved the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) of all manufacturers in the 2019 Driver Power survey. Often described as the gold standard metric for customer experience, NPS measures the loyalty of customers to a company. It’s used by businesses the world over to measure and track how they’re perceived by their customers. We achieved the highest NPS of all manufacturers for both new and used car sales, with 16% of Subaru owners saying they wouldn’t choose any other brand. This is something Subaru is renowned for and that we are incredibly proud of – so we’d like to thank our owners for their enduring loyalty. Find out more about our award-winning range at subaru.co.uk
We scored high marks for buying experience too. Owner satisfaction with
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GUARDIAN
TAKE THE SAFE OPTION
It’s time to ditch all those edgy fads. Alexi Duggins explains why playing it safe is a smarter step Has there ever been a more underrated word in the English language than “safe”? For something that is fundamentally a good thing, people can be weirdly dismissive about it. Eyes are rolled at workplace health and safety as though it’s somehow uncool to not lose a hand to poorly maintained machinery. Romcoms lazily wield it as an unflattering cliche: “Oh, I don’t know. My award-winning humanitarian of a partner is perfect in every conceivable way – but they’re just so … safe, you know?”
ILLUSTRATION: TOBATRON
Meanwhile, there’s no bigger cliche than being edgy just for the sake of trend-chasing. Over the past two decades, the fad for extreme sports has reached (and plummeted from) ever-crazier heights. Our fetishisation of high-risk, high-wire living has even spread to dining, with foodies flocking to increasingly ridiculous eateries simply because they look cool on social media. How many times have our friends told us they tried out a Hot New Place that wasn’t actually very good – while we pity their gullibility and coo soothing words such as: “Oh what a shame that insect-based menu wasn’t actually that delicious.” Spurred on by the peer pressure of social media and clickbait articles about patently daft new trends, people all too often act as if they’re playing a gigantic game of chicken. When they aren’t posting smiling holiday selfies from the post-nuclear wreckage of Chernobyl, they’re braving the latest Insta grooming trends that you just have to try – even if they leave you looking like you’ve had your eyebrows rubber stamped on to your face.
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The 21st century seems so unhinged, it feels as though it’s drastically in need of a friend to confiscate its phone and force-feed it a sensible mug of Horlicks. So as we enter a new decade, it’s time to wake up to the obvious truth that sometimes playing it safe might be the smarter option. Sure, it won’t necessarily make for great social media content or keep trend forecasters in business, but the tried and tested route at least offers proven enjoyment.
‘The safe option is the one that guarantees you a good time. It’s not being afraid to use your critical faculties.’ Because life is just too short to put up with rubbish stuff – and, let’s face it, 90% of everything is fairly rubbish. Most songs, most films, most attempts at sitcoms – they’re pretty far from brilliant. There’s a reason that, during the first quarter of 2019, UK media regulator Ofcom found that the most streamed TV programme was reruns of the 1990s sitcom Friends. Few things are worse than finding yourself four hours into yet another overhyped 12-part series, too deep to give up,
but pining for the simpler life you led before it was besmirched by a dozen hours of televisual dross. But there are things out there that are just unfailingly brilliant – melted cheese, beaten-track holidays, every Bill Murray film ever made. These are just some of the reasons that “safe” should be something we embrace. Another is the obvious fact that safety keeps you, well, safe. Just consider all the revolutionary advances in car safety technology. The safe option is one that doesn’t lead to you royally screwing up. It’s a guaranteed good time. It’s not being afraid to use your critical faculties, shun desperate fads and to do something that you genuinely know to be great. It’s suiting yourself, no matter the pressure to do the same stuff that everyone else is talking about. It isn’t always easy. But increasingly, playing it safe is the boldest thing you can do.
This article was originally published on theguardian.com as part of the Subaru and Guardian Labs Safe is the new bold campaign.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GUARDIAN
LOW-RISK LIVING We’re under so much pressure to be edgy these days that we often overlook safer, more rewarding options. Here are some user-friendly safety tips to help you navigate modern life Binge-watching TV
Foodie warning
We might be living through an extended golden age of television, but the explosion in edgy programming has also given us an awful lot of duds. So it can be all too easy to make a habit out of wasting 12 hours of your life. Protect yourself from another bad long-term relationship with a TV show by learning when to quit. Studios like to make a big splash on their opening, so if the first episode sucks, it isn’t going to get better from there on in. But what happens when you’re, say, four episodes in? One way to develop the discipline to quickly give up is to think of your time as an economic investment. Just because you’ve invested four hours, it makes no sense to invest more if there’s no likely payoff. Economists call this the “sunk cost fallacy”. Instead, focus on the future time you’ll gain rather than on the time you’ve already sunk.
Social media and TV cookery shows have conspired to make food even more of a feast for our eyes than our taste buds. But trying to assess food’s deliciousness with your eyes is like trying to appreciate music with your mouth. It’s important to take food-based Instagram posts with a pinch of (figurative) salt, as some restaurants try to capitalise on these trends by creating dishes based around how they’ll look on social media. Avoid regrets by engaging in real conversation: if you see friends posting about having eaten somewhere that looks great, get in touch to check they actually rated the taste of the meal. Just because someone shares a pretty photo, it doesn’t make it a food recommendation.
ILLUSTRATION: TOBATRON
The beaten track It’s easy to have that once-in-a-lifetime holiday: go somewhere you’ll never, ever want to visit again. Plenty of people willingly do this in the name of adventure or to prove their alpha credentials. But there is much to be said for the relaxing and restorative joy of the safe, welltrodden path – such as comfortable beds, rainproof roofs and nice food. The trick to taking your first step back to the beaten track is to refrain from judging other people for choosing the tourist trail and package holidays – then hopefully you’ll stop judging yourself.
Before you startup, stop The digital revolution has fuelled such a fixation with startups that it almost feels de rigueur to quit your job and
‘Develop the discipline to give up fast. Think of time as an investment.’ start your own venture. Alternatively, you might be tempted to devote yourself full-time to your side hustle. Before you consider whether or not to take the plunge, one question you should ask yourself is whether the thing that you’re really fetishising is the idea of being a risk-taker rather than the venture itself. So be sure to scrutinise your real motivations. For instance, are you following your passion or your ego? And bear in mind that sometimes our egos are actually fuelled by feelings of insecurity. Savvy tech is safe tech Each month brings a cacophony of new digital bells and whistles and it can be easy to simply dismiss them. So how do you sift useful tech from pointless tech? One tip is to ask whether or not the new app, gadget or feature will save you time, give you pleasure or make you safer. The latter question often gets overlooked. But when it comes to developments such as smart homes and in-car technology – including driver monitoring and assistance systems – making things safer is actually the main point.
This article was originally published on theguardian.com as part of the Subaru and Guardian Labs Safe is the new bold campaign.
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SUBARU OWNERS
Thomas’ Forester after the accident
SUBARU V CRASH BARRIER. ONLY ONE WINNER Subaru’s superior safety credentials are renowned and we’re justifiably proud of the rave reviews and awards that we have received. Especially when you hear stories like that of Thomas Sands and his wife Hazel, and how their car saved their lives. “Cars come to me”, reveals Thomas. “When I’ve needed the right car, something has always turned up”. Call it luck, fate or divine intervention, but a few years ago a Subaru came into Thomas’ life – and undoubtedly saved it. Thomas Sands, a sprightly eighty years young, runs an aquatic centre in Romford, Essex. “I sell Koi and often go to shows around the country. On this particular evening, I was talking to a friend about one in Nottingham that I couldn’t attend. It was called ‘The Foresters’ – you get the Robin Hood link – and I googled it to see how it went. Well, up popped a Forester for sale in nearby Chelmsford and I was instantly intrigued!” Safety was just one of the boxes the Forester ticked after Thomas began his research. “I also needed it to have All-Wheel Drive as I live on a farm, with enough space to load my wife’s disability scooter, automatic because I’m lazy, and preferably black – my favourite colour!” It ticked every box and Thomas bought it on the spot. The Forester’s registration plate ended with BGT and she soon got nicknamed Bridget. “We absolutely loved Bridget from the start, she was unbelievably comfortable to drive and motorway cruising was a joy. Heated seats, full sunroof and so quiet. I actually didn’t know it was turbo-charged until my son pointed it out… I guess you’re never
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too old to own a Scooby!” Eight years on and 40,000 miles later came the fateful day of the argument with a crash barrier. “I was due to attend a trade show in Telford, 3 hours’ drive up the M1. We had reached Luton and I tried to pull off at the service station for a quick break. Unfortunately, it was closed so we carried on to Northampton. A slight lapse in concentration and the next thing I remember was one almighty whack”. The accident was horrific, the impact massive. Travelling on the inner lane at around 50mph, their Forester smashed into the crash barrier.
“Bridget’s construction kept us both in one piece. It probably saved our lives. I wouldn’t call it a lucky escape, I’d call it a Subaru.” The car took the full brunt of the blow. However, its ring-shaped reinforcement body structure, dual side-impact door beams and crumple zones absorbed the terrific impact, distributing the shock to the front. Bridget had saved their lives. Both Thomas and his wife ended up in Milton Keynes Hospital for 4 weeks with
Thomas and Hazel
broken ribs and whiplash. But no blood was spilled. As the firefighter who cut them out remarked, ‘You had one heck of a lucky escape’. Once recovered, there was only one car Thomas was interested in. Another Subaru. Absolutely, no argument about it. This time it was an immaculate Legacy purchased in Brighton. A little longer than his Forester, with a few more miles on the clock, we wanted to know what Thomas thought of it compared to his previous Subaru. “To be honest, it drives like a dream and I love it. So do others. In fact, we were in Birmingham recently and a smartly dressed young man came up admiringly as I was filling up. ‘Nice, you’ve got a Subaru’, he remarked. I watched as he gave it a once-over and walked into a nearby dealership. He was a salesman for Rolls Royce and Bentley”. For Thomas, no other car comes close. His family’s safety is absolutely paramount. And with Subaru’s ongoing commitment to safety – plus the range of active and passive safety technologies fitted as standard – he’s happily still around to say thank you. Find out more about Subaru safety at subaru.co.uk/safety
SUBARU MAGAZINE
IN THE NEWS
EURO NCAP TESTING: WHY SAFE CARS ARE GETTING EVEN SAFER Later this year, Euro NCAP is introducing even more rigorous safety tests for new vehicles to give consumers enhanced guidance about the collision safety of their cars. We explore the forthcoming changes and how they will further support Subaru’s already exceptional safety record. Euro NCAP (the European New Car Assessment Programme) is an independent initiative that helps consumers understand and compare the safety performance of new vehicles. By simulating real-world driving scenarios and assessing different accident impacts, testing centres can evaluate the safety performance of different cars. In each test, a vehicle’s performance is assessed and given a star rating from 1 (poor crash protection) to 5 (good crash protection, plus robust crash avoidance technology). Since 2009, tests have covered four key areas: • Adult Occupant Protection (assessing the protection offered to the driver and adult passengers) • Child Occupant Protection (assessing the protection offered to babies and children in the car) • Pedestrian and Vulnerable Road User Protection (assessing potential injuries to pedestrians and cyclists) • Safety Assist (assessing the performance of driver assist technologies) Constantly evolving safety assessments The 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating system continuously evolves as new technical innovations become available, so test standards are regularly updated and adjusted each year. This means the year of the NCAP test is significant when interpreting the results – put simply, the most recent test is likely to be the most demanding. In 2019, Euro NCAP tested 55 cars from 26 different manufacturers, including Subaru, with varying results. Later this year, several new tests spanning crash safety, crash avoidance and post-crash survival will be introduced.
What will the new Euro NCAP tests for 2020 cover? In Adult Occupant Protection, a new frontal offset test will assess how a car interacts with the crash test barrier, in addition to how well it protects its occupants. The side barrier impact test will become more severe, with a greater trolley mass hitting the car, and at a higher speed. This test will also assess far-side occupant protection and the interaction between vehicle occupants in such impacts. For the first time, points will be awarded for post-crash safety, with cars given higher scores for features that allow the safe and rapid rescue of occupants. The new offset frontal and side barrier impact tests will also influence the dynamic performance of the child dummies and the assessment of Child Occupant Protection. Impact tests for the assessment of Vulnerable Road User Protection remain unchanged. However, additional test scenarios will be run for Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, including their use during reversing and turning across the path of a pedestrian. In the Safety Assist test, cars will score points for seatbelt reminders and monitoring systems that detect if a driver is tired or otherwise impaired. The performance of AEB systems with respect to other vehicles will be tested at both low and high speeds. Subaru: safely leading the way At Subaru, safety is our priority. We began performing collision tests back in the early 1960s, long before industry-wide crash testing was required. Today all Subaru SUVs, plus Levorg and Impreza, have the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Our exceptional safety credentials have been recognised with several notable awards. All-new Forester e-BOXER was named ‘Best in Class 2019 in the Small Off-Road/ MPV Class’ in the Euro NCAP 2019 safety performance test, achieving outstanding scores in all four assessment areas. It also registered the highest score ever (91%) in its class for Child Occupant Protection. Subaru’s brand-new Driver Monitoring System, fitted as standard on Forester e-BOXER, won the Technology Award at the 2020 What Car? Awards, and was described as ‘the most advanced of its kind’. In testing, it proved to be more accurate than other manufacturer systems at identifying when concentration was lost. Forester has also won 4x4 Magazine’s award for ‘Best Small SUV of the Year 2020’. Beating off strong competition, it impressed the judging panel across the board thanks to its comprehensive range of safety technologies, on-road driveability and outstanding off-road capabilities. In addition, Subaru has been voted ‘Best Manufacturer for Safety Features’ in the Auto Express Driver Power survey, the UK’s no.1 car ownership poll, for the past two years – an achievement of which we are immensely proud. When it comes to leading the way in safety, we’ll always strive to be better where it matters. Find out more about Subaru safety at subaru.co.uk/safety
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FEATURE ARTICLE
FUTURE: PERFECT? As the technical progression of car design accelerates at an unprecedented rate, lifelong Subaru fan Paul Cowland looks at how vehicles might evolve. As someone perhaps best known for my unadulterated love of classic cars, you might be a little surprised to learn that I’m equally as BY PAUL COWLAND interested in where these wonderful machines are heading. Car makers have never had to respond as quickly to changing market conditions and trends, and what we’ve seeing coming out of forward-thinking brands in recent years wouldn’t have looked out of place in the sci-fi plots of just a few decades ago. What we can expect in future, however, almost looks extra-terrestrial by comparison. Alternative fuels The question at front and centre is how we fuel tomorrow’s vehicles. While we can still look forward to a few more years of filling up our petrol and diesel vehicles, the future is almost certainly electric. Either powered by renewables, or for those who dare to dream bigger, perhaps we’ll all be using a tank of hydrogen instead of petrol as we cruise off on our daily commute, emitting little more than a few harmless drops of clean water for our trouble. In the meantime, while the charging infrastructure starts to catch up with the growing demand for electric cars, hybrid drivetrains certainly seem to be the answer. Indeed, cars like the Forester e-BOXER offer a handy juxtaposition of the ability to seamlessly switch between electric and combustion whilst driving in traffic, while having the reassurance of a
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petrol motor to remove any range anxiety. As most of us acclimatise to true electric vehicles, this ‘halfway-house’ solution allows us to keep a foot in both camps. Autonomous control The augmented reality of head-up displays is becoming more common, giving you what only fighter pilots have enjoyed up until now; all of your vital speed and tech data directly in your line of sight, meaning you never have to take your eyes off the road. There’s another avionic-inspired change that’s also on the way; as we move forward, it won’t just be you piloting your vehicle and keeping you out of danger. If you want it to, your car will be ably assisting you, too. For many, the chance to slide into something resembling a small pod, reclining in a heated seat, while the sound system wirelessly transmits your chosen entertainment, represents commuting heaven. Some studies are suggesting that as many as 15% of cars on the road might be autonomous by 2030, with many manufacturers already beta-testing the software and hardware that might make it all possible. It’s clear to see the landscape of how we drive will certainly change within the next decade. Driver monitoring Already innovations such as Subaru’s brand-new Driver Monitoring System, fitted as standard on the Forester e-BOXER, are making sure that the most vital part of the car’s driving system – you – is performing as well as the rest of the machinery. Next generation cars will, no doubt, make sure that we’re alert, sober and fit to drive before letting us take control. And if we’re not? It’ll happily take the wheel instead. Forward-thinking route planning Currently used to some extent in navigation aids, the concept of ‘V2V’ or
‘vehicle to vehicle’ communication will become more useful as our roads get busier and more congested. Cars could have the potential to communicate their average speed and position to not only other vehicles in close proximity, but also to those in areas of slower moving traffic. This allows more efficient and dynamic route-planning – saving time, fuel and pollution. That said, your excuse for being late to work just went right out of the window! Car share On that front, what could be more efficient than allowing others on the same route to share your cabin as you drive? Many industry experts feel that the car purchase model itself will greatly change, moving away from outright ownership to something more akin to a ‘timeshare’ scheme. Each owner taking the car just when they need it, to pool costs and save resources, and to help users plan the most efficient journey as part of a greater ongoing transport system. In the future, your car will be the one giving you and your friends the lift. And there is still much to ponder further down the road. Our car bodies may act as batteries, thanks to innovative conductive materials, saving space and weight. Airbags will probably appear both under and outside the car to improve crash protection. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence, fallible human beings will become ever further removed from the car’s active safety controls to create an almost uncrashable machine. It will all happen eventually, I think. But in the meantime, let’s all enjoy driving ourselves around while we can! Particularly if you’ve had the good sense – and impeccable taste – to choose a Subaru.
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DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION: HOW CARS THAT TAKE CONTROL ARE HELPING DRIVERS With lack of attention behind the wheel one of the major causes of traffic accidents, advanced driver assistance systems have become the focus of vehicle safety design. And these devices are already proving their worth Who hasn’t found their attention straying behind the wheel? Modern life is riddled with distractions that fight tooth and nail for our attention – whether it’s noisy children, garish adverts, tiredness, traffic cameras, personal pressures, endless to-do lists or those digital devices and social media notifications that we forgot to switch to silent. We always seem to be spreading our attention too thinly or are exhausted from having to think 10 different thoughts. Driver distraction is a major cause of road traffic accidents. According to the UK’s Department for Transport, driver or rider error or reaction (failing to look properly, loss of control and poor manoeuvring) was cited as a contributory factor in 63% of fatalities in reported road accidents in 2018.
ILLUSTRATION: TOBATRON
This is one reason why the focus of vehicle safety design has shifted in recent years. Whereas in the past it was about applying materials and design to mitigate damage to occupants in crashes, it’s now about using the latest technology to prevent accidents happening in the first place. In short, it’s about cars that can take control when you have lost it. The shift in emphasis is often referred to as a switch from passive safety systems to active safety systems. Indeed, when it comes to cars, making things safer is one of the main drivers of tech developments. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) can aid concentration and alertness and encompass features including automated braking that relies on technologies such as radar, cameras and lasers. “ADAS has been a step change,” says Andrew Morris of Loughborough University’s Transport Safety Research Centre. “There was a consensus that human fallibility is hard to eradicate and that all passive systems can do is reduce damage. At that point, the focus shifted to prevention. New technology offers solutions in the shape of sensing and automation, which is a better
philosophy because it also protects vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.”
• L ane keep assist, which gently steers you back into your lane if you don’t correct.
Japanese carmaker Subaru has been at the forefront in the development of ADAS since 2013, when it introduced its “second pair of eyes”, the EyeSight system. This uses two sophisticated colour cameras mounted inside the car on the upper edge of the windshield above the rearview mirror. The system is capable of processing accurate stereo images to identify vehicles travelling in front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes and other objects such as pedestrians.
• Lead vehicle start alert, which warns you if the car ahead moves off and you don’t.
Using images generated by the cameras, EyeSight can run a suite of six ADAS: • Pre-collision braking, which flashes a warning on the dashboard and sounds an alert to make the driver aware of a potential collision, automatically hitting the brakes if you don’t take evasive action. • Pre-collision throttle management, which warns you if you accidentally select drive instead of reverse, when parked facing an obstacle. • Adaptive cruise control, which allows you to set vehicle speed and distance from the vehicle in front. • L ane departure and sway warning, which notifies you if you leave a lane without indicating.
In two 2018 pan-European safetyfocused surveys of European Subaru drivers with EyeSight-equipped models (a total of 3,440 owners), 31% said EyeSight had already prevented accidents and 94% said they felt safer when driving thanks to the technology. As with all the company’s core safety tech, EyeSight is continually evolving. For example, the Forester e-BOXER and Levorg now feature the EyeSight assist monitor, which provides a headsup display of EyeSight system warnings for drivers to see more clearly. EyeSight is fitted as standard to all Subaru models, save the BRZ sports car. In 2019, the Forester e-BOXER achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating for safety and was declared “Best in Class 2019 in the Small Off-road/MPV Class”. Other Subaru safety systems include its Driver Monitoring System, which can detect the driver’s eyes closing or looking away for an extended period of time and trigger audio and visual warnings. This could be a potential lifesaver given that, according to Thatcham research centre, at least one fatal sleep-related crash occurs
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every day in the UK. Subaru’s Driver Monitoring System won the Technology Award at the 2020 What Car? Awards. What Car? praised the system, calling it “the most advanced of its kind”. In the tests, it proved to be more accurate at identifying when concentration was lost, compared with other manufacturer systems. Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection also use sensors to spot potential objects behind the vehicle or in blind spots and RAB can even apply the brakes to avoid a collision. The efficacy of these kinds of active safety systems across the car industry is backed up by research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which estimates that ADAS systems helped to drive down the number of road accidents in the UK by 10% over a five year period. While driver distraction can be lethal, education and legislation – like the law banning handling a mobile phone – can only go so far. “Distraction can be seen as the inherent demand of the task and [also] the motivation to engage with it. Car manufacturers can deal with the first but not the second, which is the property of the individual,” explains Prof Gary Burnett, chair of transport human factors, Human Factors Research Group at Nottingham University. “You can’t eliminate distraction completely but moderating behaviour through sensible design has to be a sensible way forward. It’s about minimising it by exploiting further technological refinements in the shape of features like effective heads-up displays and efficient voice recognition and activation systems. There will always be distraction in a car, there are always external demands on the driver and it’s impossible to eliminate them until cars are wholly autonomous.” Full autonomy is some way off but, as of 2022, new safety technologies will become mandatory in cars and vans under EU law and are likely to be adopted in the UK – specifically lane-keeping assistance and advanced emergency braking. This will contribute to the long-term goal dubbed “Vision Zero”, of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries. But is eradicating all accidents possible through technology?
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“It’s very aspirational certainly and hard to achieve in the foreseeable future,” admits Morris. “However it’s a sound concept, a safe-system approach, which says if an accident happens for whatever reason we blame the system rather than the driver. And these systems will definitely become more effective as they are refined.” This article was originally published on theguardian.com as part of the Subaru and Guardian Labs Safe is the new bold campaign.
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WHY I NOW PREFER A LIFE LESS RISKY Having once lived life as a high-stakes game, Nirpal Dhaliwal has turned his back on the lemming-like pursuit of high-octane moments. He explains the rich rewards of embracing safety As a young man, I relished the sharp tang of risk; that piquant charge that accompanies the taste of a first, preferably illicit, kiss, or when stepping off a plane in an unknown city to find hazardous sport among strangers. Life was a high-stakes game in which it was always best to twist – never to stick. True pleasure, I mistakenly thought, came always at the chance of a painful price. Relationships, money, even my health, were all things I was happy to wager in this endless pursuit of an explosive experience. I even took up kickboxing for a while, addicted to adrenalised sparring with much more experienced fighters. I was happy to take a beating and risk my physical safety, just for the ecstasy of landing a single decent shot. I would be unable to eat my dinner in the evenings, my jaw too sore from the pasting I’d received, but still high from the memory of the combat. It was much the same with football. There was no such thing as a friendly five-a-side: I played with an intensity that suggested I’d bet my house on the result. On the pitch, as in the ring, I cultivated feuds – the closest to duelling that civilised modern life allows. My ankles, knees and groin still ache with
the injuries I sustained then. I thought I was carving myself a niche in the world with my thoughtless taste for adventure and daring physical risks, when, in truth, I was only following countless undifferentiated lemmings, leaping off a cliff en masse – be it to rock-dive or into bed with the latest coup de foudre. But while it looked varied on the surface, my everchanging kaleidoscope of high-octane moments had only one flavour: the zesty bite of the first hit. Much of that reckless hedonism was fuelled by what is commonly described as Fomo – the fear of missing out – the belief that the delights of life were few in number and taken by those who grabbed them first; a greed driven by the worry that others would gobble up all the fun I could’ve had. As I’ve seasoned with age, Fomo has given way to what has been widely dubbed Jomo – the joy of missing out. I’ve now lost interest in doing what others do and have instead cultivated my own unique and comforting palate, savouring depth, nuance and meaning in my project to live as a full human being. Instead of risking my physical safety with supposedly daring pursuits, I now opt for the gentle and much safer challenges of yoga. My body is no longer the way to test my spirit, but a route to a balanced mind and soul. Safety is, I’ve learned, the new sexy. And the new rebellion.
Within the cocoon of safety, I have found myriad other sensations. Feeling safe in oneself brings a new creativity and subversion, a renewed willingness to experiment. I’ve become bolder in other areas of life, exploring unusual career
‘Safety is not a euphemism for boredom, but a licence to explore the very extremes of who we are.’ options, outfit selections and eccentric romantic opportunities, without fear of what others will think or what the outcome will be. Safety allows one to mine deep into life, tapping both its richness and its darkest, most secret thrills. When it comes to relationships, I’ve learned to appreciate the value of a truly trusted and intimate partner and the security of mutual respect and openness. Similarly, I’ve given up being noisy and outrageous. As a youth, I loved to shock polite company, but now I prefer to associate with those who know me too well to be outraged. This hasn’t ossified my thinking but liberated it. In the safe company of close and unjudging friends, my ideas and opinions can go to their limits, freely discussed and challenged with those I know will not reject me for daring to offend or disagree.
Shallow, if scintillating, dinner-party repartee is no longer a substitute for meaningful conversations with those who genuinely understand and accept me. I no longer seek the excitement of new companions; instead, my existing friendships have grown deeper and more revealing as we’ve shared our innermost feelings and most challenging truths. We become more than just allies: we are conspirators in life. As I’ve grown more experienced and trusting in my own judgement, I feel safe to explore my very personal curiosities and interests, becoming more of an individual than I ever was before. Be it deepening my appreciation of Korean cinema, yogic esoterica or drawing with crayons, the sense of security in myself has brought about an unpredictable eclecticism as I focus on what I want as never before. Safety, I realise, allows for the most dangerous thing on earth: the expression of our deepest truths. We will test every boundary there is when we know we are safe. Safety is not a euphemism for boredom, but a licence to explore the very extremes of who we are, giving us the permission to be our authentic, unique selves. This article was originally published on theguardian.com as part of the Subaru and Guardian Labs Safe is the new bold campaign.
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FEATURE ARTICLE
SHEER PULLING POWER Craig Goulding, part of Subaru’s technical team, knows a thing or two about towing a caravan. He’s been doing it for 30 years and has probably visited every caravan site worth visiting in Britain. Most of the time he’s hitched up behind a Subaru, one of the most impressive pulling machines out there. While current Government guidance prevents caravanning enthusiasts from getting out and about this springtime, here are some tips that you’ll be able to put to use later in the year.
There’s something magical about hitching up your caravan and exploring some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights in the British Isles. From the rugged highlands of Scotland to the hidden treasures of Cornwall, summertime is the best time to discover why Britain is called Great. And yet towing a caravan can seem a little scary to some. Pulling a heavy object behind you certainly demands good concentration and control. This is where Subaru, with its permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, comes into its own. By constantly shifting power to the wheels that have the most traction, drivers benefit from exceptional road-holding and have the confidence, composure and stability to go anywhere with their caravan. Two models, in particular, are ideal for the hard towing miles, both on the road and across grassy, sometimes muddy sites. Outback has an impressive towing capability of 2,000kg and Forester e-BOXER – Subaru’s self-charging hybrid SUV – has a towing capacity of 1,870kg (one of the best in its class). Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ensures better traction on slippery tarmac or when pulling away from a muddy pitch. Craig recounts two occasions where his Subaru has come to the rescue of fellow caravanners who have got completely stuck in the mud, despite having a larger car up front. He tells us, “The real beauty of towing with a Subaru is that you just don’t have to think about it. It does the job whatever the weather, whatever the terrain. It’s about
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confidence and it gives you that in spades”. So, you’ve got the right car in front. But how easy is it to attach a caravan, what are the top tips for a pleasurable trip and what must you look out for when towing? First things first, check your driving licence to see if you’re eligible to tow a caravan. If you passed your test before the end of 1996, you can usually drive a car/caravan combination of up to 8,250kg. If you gained your license after 1996, it’s 3,500kg or less. If you’re unsure, you can check at www.GOV.uk. Next, plan your route carefully. That narrow canal bridge you’ve always taken with inches to spare may prove impassable with a wider caravan hitched up behind. Craig is an avid user of Google Earth, but any trip to an unknown destination requires a little more pre-planning. Attaching a caravan to your Subaru takes a bit of practice, but once you’ve mastered the process, it soon becomes second nature. A jockey wheel is used to lift the caravan onto the car’s tow ball and a breakaway cable is connected between the two, ensuring that the caravan comes to a halt should it become unhitched. The electrics are then attached and the handbrake is taken off. Everything is locked into place and you’re good to go. On the road, you’ll need to give yourself a little more time and space for everything – braking, accelerating and cornering. Don’t exceed 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on dual carriageways and remember, you’re not allowed to tow on
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CRAIG’S TOP RECOMMENDATIONS TO PITCH UP AND VISIT IN THE UK West Cornwall Rugged coastlines, quaint fishing villages and melting sunsets Loch Lomond Ancient forests, breath-taking mountains and glittering waters Henley-on-Thames Rolling, lush countryside and magical water meadows The Lake District the outside lane of a motorway. Never carry passengers in the caravan when you’re towing it and remember that your number plate must show your car’s registration number. If traffic is building up behind you, pull over and let the other vehicles pass. All common sense, really. Two things to look out for are ‘snaking’ and ‘pitching’. Snaking is when the lateral swaying movement of the caravan behind a car becomes excessive. Pitching occurs when the caravan’s front end moves up and down, pulling the rear of the car around like a seesaw. The best way to avoid both scenarios is to have a well-matched car and caravan, in terms of both weight and stance, and to load both carefully. Electronic and friction stabilisers can be useful here. Once you’ve arrived at your site, unhooking your caravan is pretty much the same as hitching up, except in
reverse. It’s important to remember to lock your caravan in place once you’ve unhitched it from your car. If you’d like a little more guidance before hitting the road, professional towing tuition and courses are available. You’ll be taken through all the basic information you need from hitching your caravan up to your car to reversing. Craig concludes, “Subaru is a cult car in caravanning circles. Raised ride height, permanent Symmetrical AllWheel Drive and sheer pulling power make our cars, especially the Outback and Forester e-BOXER, superior towing vehicles. When your next vacation comes along, the best place for your caravan is right behind a Subaru”.
Simply an area of outstanding natural beauty Snowdonia Beautiful scenery with magnificent views of Mount Snowdon The Norfolk Broads The mystical beauty of the rivers and great waterways The Yorkshire Dales Beautiful woodland, clear streams and majestic valleys The Antrim Coast Dramatic cliffs, stunning views and the Giant’s Causeway itself
Find out more about the Subaru range at subaru.co.uk
Craig’s Subarus on tour
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SUBARU OWNERS
ONE CAR. ONE BIG ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
Overlooking Lac de Roselend, near Beaufort in France
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The Alps are one big playground for those who enjoy challenging inclines, adrenalin-pumping hairpin turns and picture-perfect views. So when the mountains are calling, Peter and Diana Murray mount their bikes onto their beloved XV and take the route most scenic. There’s a knowing smile on Peter Murray’s face as he glances at his XV. “We purchased it from our local dealer, Culverwells in Robertsbridge, East Sussex at the end of June. Since then, we’ve actually done more mileage in the Alps than in the UK”. Hardly surprising really, when you get to understand how much travel means to Peter and his wife. “Investment in travel is an investment in yourself. It’s what we love doing and why we go back during the winter and summer to the Alps – both French and Swiss – as well as take-your-breath-away places like Canada”. Last summer was no exception. The call of the mountains came and the couple planned another trip to Tignes. Only this time it would be different. This time they would be snaking up the inclines in their new XV. “I had been talking to Marc at Culverwells for over a year. He knew the type of car I wanted and what I needed it to do. He planted the seed of the XV in my mind and five minutes into the test drive, I had bought it and was already traversing the mountain climbs and alpine back tracks in it!” For Peter, who lives in Surrey, it ticked every box he had on his list. A compact 4x4, high ground clearance, all-terrain and all-weather capability, automatic, no more than 2 litres, leather seats and a sunroof. “Knowing that we were keen cyclists, Culverwells even threw in a carrier rack for our bikes. We like to cycle every road and every climb the Tour cyclists hammer up and down. Only we take about 3 hours longer!” However, it wasn’t until the adventure actually began that the intrinsic benefits of owning a Subaru really shone through.
Peter and Diana
“We often stay at a small hamlet high above the lake at Tignes served by a steep road, single track in places, which can be particularly challenging in winter. Not for the XV. It was about as sure-footed and wheel perfect as they come. Not one false move or slippery second.
I always knew Subarus were renowned for their fantastic engineering and reliability, as well as their impeccable safety credentials. But being behind the wheel for the first time and discovering how well it drove and handled, especially on extreme terrains – that really did surprise me. Fearlessly confident is the best way to describe the XV. Protection and performance. I remember Marc explaining to me about its permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. How power constantly shifts to the wheels with the most traction, so you feel in control at all times. I kind of glossed over it then, but when you experience it for real… very impressive!” Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ensures all-round confidence no matter if you’re driving on or off-road and in any weather. It promises exceptional roadholding and grip when it matters most. But what about the XV’s multitude of safety features? Did they come into their own on Peter and Diana’s travels? “Very much so. Various bits of safety tech on the XV proved handy on some of the trickier roads we encountered. Like the SVRD [Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection] – that is really useful, it actually got us out of jail a couple of times. We got well and truly alerted when some vehicle appeared stealth-like behind us on a high pass overlooking Morzine. To get features like this as standard is just great. You can’t put a price on safety. No doubt, when we go back in the winter, the conditions will be totally different. They can be pretty hairy, believe me. But we have total confidence in the XV. I’m already looking forward to testing out X-MODE!”. Peter is referring to a feature that helps drivers negotiate challenging terrain with confidence. X-MODE takes command of the engine, transmission, Symmetrical AllWheel Drive and brakes to provide the best traction and grip in difficult conditions – all the driver has to do is steer. It’s fair to say, as a new owner, Peter is completely sold on his Subaru. His journey and adventures in the XV have just started. And rather like himself, the XV has an independent spirit that every traveller possesses. As he neatly summarises, “Travel is in my blood, and now I think Subaru is, too”.
Find out more about XV at subaru.co.uk/XV
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IN THE NEWS
SUBARU: LOOKING AFTER EVERY PASSENGER Ensure your four-legged friend is just as safe as you. Did you know that in a car crash at 30 miles per hour, an unrestrained Border Collie has an inertia force equivalent to the weight of a polar bear? The result is an impact force that could kill both you and your dog. Yet many people drive around every day with their dogs just sitting on the back seat – or even on their laps. At Subaru, safety sits at the heart of everything we do. We don’t just think about the driver and passengers – we also think about any pets travelling with you, too. When taking your furry friend out on your next adventure, it’s important to consider how you will keep your dog restrained. Rule 57 of The Highway Code states that animals should be suitably restrained, suggesting the use of a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard. In the excitement of a trip – and amidst energetic barking – it’s perhaps easy to forget; but failure to comply could result in a police prosecution. There’s even the possibility you may void your insurance. Driving uninsured could risk penalty points and a fine – even your licence. Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions. If you travel with your dog on
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the back seat, it needs to be restrained. Dog seat belt harnesses are easy to fit and use, ensuring pets are quickly and safely secured before you set off. If you normally travel with your dog in the boot, at the least you should use a guard that blocks access to the car’s passenger interior. A safer alternative is to use a dog cage or pet carrier. To avoid injury to your dog or passengers, make sure it’s securely anchored, with no possibility of movement. Why not explore our quality accessories to keep driving with your pets in the car safe. The Subaru luggage divider, for example, is also a dog guard and is specifically designed for your vehicle. Additionally, by fitting a Subaru cargo tray to line the boot area, you can stop your dog and their cage or carrier slipping or moving around en-route – whilst also keeping vehicle carpets clean. Don’t rely on simply telling your dog to ‘sit’. To find out more about suitable accessories for your Subaru, speak to your local dealer. Find your local dealership today at subaru.co.uk/find-dealer
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BACK TO THE FUTURE: WHY ARE WE OPTING FOR NOSTALGIC POP CULTURE? From rewatching 1990s TV shows to replaying classic computer games, taking the safe option when it comes to entertainment can help audiences rediscover themselves Never before has civilisation produced so much new pop culture. From the plethora of TV shows on competing streaming platforms to the seemingly infinite choice offered by online music and gaming services, the wealth of new material being released each month is staggering. Yet when it comes to cultural consumption, audiences are increasingly choosing to seek out classic, safe bets – forgoing the next big thing in favour of the last big thing. According to UK media watchdog Ofcom, the single most-watched programme in the first quarter of 2019 was the 1990s sitcom Friends. In the US, the top Netflix spot has long been held by the US version of the Office, which first aired 15 years ago. Meanwhile at the box office, sequels and reboots abound. Last year’s top five grossing films in the UK included the remake of the Lion King, Toy Story 4, Frozen 2 and Star Wars: Episode IX – the Rise of Skywalker. ILLUSTRATION: TOBATRON
Even computer gaming is stepping increasingly back into the past. Two of the biggest launches in recent years have actually been mini versions of the comparatively ancient 80s and 90s games consoles, Sega’s Mega Drive and Nintendo’s SNES/NES. “Without
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a doubt, people are going back to the classics,” says Iain Simons, director of the National Videogame Museum in Sheffield. “They pioneered so many of the things we have today.”
a beauty in the relative simplicity of older video games: “There’s something comforting about only having three lives in a game; there are only so many hours in the day.”
One obvious reason why audiences are opting for classic, safe bets is the sense of comfort they can provide in a world that feels increasingly precarious. This feeling of comfort isn’t simply a function of nostalgic familiarity, however. Today’s new TV shows often reflect our current dystopian mood and the fashion for grisly narrative plot twists and traumatic backstories. Think Black Mirror compared with Frasier.
‘Classic, safe bets can provide a sense of comfort in a world that feels continuously precarious.’
There are other reasons for playing it safe when it comes to pop culture. Partly, it can be about taking joy in simplicity amid the complexity of the world we live in. Our frantic pace of life makes spare time so rare that people are wary of not enjoying the little they have of it. “I can see the appeal in a safe bet, especially if you are going to spend a lot of money on tickets,” says Anna Smith, film critic, broadcaster and host of the all-female film review podcast Girls on Film. Likewise, Simons notes that there’s
Nostalgic cultural consumption can also remove the all-too common problem of too much choice. “The overabundance of content can make people feel overwhelmed,” says Cristel Russell, a professor of marketing at Graziadio Business School, who has conducted several studies into people’s re-reading of stories and reconsumption of media. “It’s like going to a restaurant and the menu being 20 pages long. You’re probably just going to order something you’ve had before.” One of Russell’s studies found that revisiting cultural favourites is such a deliberate act – as opposed to a habit – that she coined the term “volitional reconsumption” to describe it. She also found that nostalgic culture can
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offer something that new works can’t: a form of self-discovery. “The thing you’re watching hasn’t changed, but you have,” explains Russell. “You’ve accumulated all this knowledge and experience, so you’re not looking at it through the same eyes. When you revisit it, you get to see how much you have changed as a person.” Revisiting pieces of classic cultural entertainment can also give us bonding social experiences. For instance, events such as Secret Cinema, which screens old favourites in speciallycreated immersive worlds, thrive on the feeling of community and belonging you get when you bring fans of a movie together to celebrate it. “I think one of the keys here is the community aspect: we love to watch a cherished film with others, and laugh and cry together,” says Smith. “In a society that feels increasingly less community driven, in many ways this is an outlet for a positive shared experience.” There are other possible psychological benefits to reconsuming cultural works. Erica Hepper, a lecturer in personality and social psychology at the University of Surrey, has
researched the social emotion of nostalgia, including the reconsumption of works of art. One study involved letting participants choose an old, beloved song to listen to and then comparing their emotions with those of people who hadn’t done so. “Time and again, we found that people who listened to something that was nostalgic experienced all of these psychological boosts – they feel more connected to people, they feel better about themselves, they feel more optimistic,” says Hepper. “They also feel more motivated to achieve their goals. So nostalgia isn’t about being stuck in the past, it actually looks to the future.” Indeed, one of Russell’s studies showed that reconsuming cultural works can even involve more intense cognitive processes than watching something for the first time. To test this, subjects were made to wear eye-tracking equipment while watching a black-and-white Russian film twice. The equipment monitored both the movement of their eyes and pupil dilation, which can indicate the intensity of the cognitive effort they were undergoing. “Sure enough, on the second viewing, your eye gaze goes to different parts of the screen – you are taking it in in a different way,” says Russell.
She found that people were watching in a way that suggested they appreciated the film much more as a work of art on the second viewing. For instance, they were looking at all the creative details rather than just following the plot. Moreover, she found that people’s pupils were more dilated while doing so. “When you rewatch something, the cognitive effort involved changes. You are hyperresponsive – all of your senses are on. It is a much more intense process than watching something for the first time.” That intensity might seem counterintuitive, given how comforting nostalgic pop culture can feel. But as the trend itself illustrates, opting for comforting pop culture isn’t a passive act. Given the emotional and psychological upsides of the tried and tested, it’s no wonder we enjoy watching things again. And again. And again. This article was originally published on theguardian.com as part of the Subaru and Guardian Labs Safe is the new bold campaign.
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FEATURE ARTICLE
CELEBRATING THE THRILLS AND SKILLS OF A WORLD RALLY LEGEND Driving passion – it’s in our DNA. For over 70 years, Subaru has built an enviable reputation for innovation and engineering excellence. 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of an event that put Subaru firmly on the map, attracting respect and admiration from driving enthusiasts the world over. Rewind to March 1995, and the monumental challenge that was the World Rally Championship. Amidst a field of highperformance rally thoroughbreds including Toyota Celicas, Ford Escort Cosworths and Mitsubishi Evos, a young Scot fearlessly followed his line: a blur of blue in the now infamous Subaru Impreza sporting the registration plate L 555 BAT. If in doubt… Whether his car was hugging the ground or about to leave it, Colin McRae’s ‘if in doubt, flat out’ philosophy was uncompromising, thrilling to watch and more often than not – successful. The calculated risks he took may have resulted in some spectacular spin-off accidents – but his reward was the ability to achieve and maintain unbelievably fast stage speeds, oblivious of conditions or the terrain. In 1995 the pure talent paid off. McRae became the first Scot and, at 27, the youngest person to this day ever to win the World Rally Championship driver’s title. Despite being in the shadow of the world rally dominance of Toyota in the early 1990s, and with a far smaller budget available to the ProDrive Subaru team, McRae resolved that 1995, his third season in the World Rally Championship, was one he would win.
Early that year, things started badly. McRae’s first rally in Monte Carlo saw him crash out in the snow leaving double world champion and experienced Subaru driver Carlos Sainz to claim victory. Next, in Sweden, an engine failure forced McRae to retire, followed in Portugal by a thirdplace defeat behind Sainz. Following the Corsica leg, Sainz’s 30 points compared to McRae’s 20 looked completely unbeatable. But the Scot had other ideas, and fate was on his side. An unfortunate off-road motorbike accident left Sainz with a serious shoulder injury and, whilst recuperating, unable to take part in the New Zealand competition. Kiwi grit Two years before, in 1993, McRae had enjoyed his first WRC victory in New Zealand, driving a Group A Legacy to victory. His style and aggression suited the tough, fast gravel terrain. The following year he won there again. Now, in 1995, McRae faced his favourite environment – and with Sainz unable to drive. Thanks to an incredible effort supported by co-driver Derek Ringer, McRae managed to finish over a minute ahead of Toyota’s cars. The next two stages saw Sainz competing once again. Then, with two days left in the Catalunya stage and Toyota poised for victory, its team was dramatically ousted
Colin’s infamous Subaru Impreza
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for racing with non-compliant turbochargers. With Toyota gone, Subaru could now win just by crossing the line with both cars. In the spirit of competition, the team agreed to let McRae and Sainz continue to go head to head – but only for the penultimate day. The next morning, the team’s agreed plan for both drivers was to maintain their respective positions and finish safely. But… McRae had other ideas. Overtaking Sainz with a blistering drive to finish first, McRae found himself docked with a one-minute penalty in the final rally by outraged team bosses. Five jaw-dropping hours This was how, at the final Rally GB event at Chatsworth House, Sainz found himself back in pole position at the start, with an angry McRae snapping at his heels. For five jaw-dropping hours thousands around the track and over two million viewers at home watched McRae make his Subaru do things that looked seemingly impossible. Delivering the drive of his life and returning unheard of stage times, McRae seized his chance, finally overtaking Sainz to finish with a 30 second lead. The championship was his. A glittering rally career followed, including nine more WRC rally victories and three Safari Rally wins. But tragically, on 15th September 2007, McRae’s life was cut short. A helicopter crash in Scotland took the lives of the rally legend, his son Johnny and two family friends. As we reflect on his achievement 25 years on, it’s reassuring to know that the Subaru Impreza in which he captivated the world in 1995 is still in perfect running order, in the fond care of the McRae family.
Colin McRae
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SUBARU OWNERS
THE BRAT PACK
Giles Walker is an original member of the BRAT Pack. He helped set up the Subaru MV Brumby BRAT Club, which now boasts over 650 members worldwide. In Australia, it’s affectionately known as the Brumby. In America, they christened it the BRAT (short for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter). Over here, well, Giles prefers the UK name of the MV 1800 and combined a blend of the two to form the owners club ‘Subaru MV Brumby BRAT’. The Subaru MV 1800 is a compact pick-up that ploughed its own furrow around famers’ fields, forests and construction sites between 1977 and 1993. Light, rather handsome and certainly entertaining with a tenacious All-Wheel Drive grip, it would deliver bales of hay and bags of concrete without a second thought or a minute’s struggle in the mud. Not that Giles had that in mind when he first set eyes on one. “I had seen a couple on the road around Halifax and thought they looked a little ‘toytown’. But a friend came into work with one and praised it to the high heavens. At the time I had a trails bike and wanted a vehicle that could slog through the mud and bogs that I often encountered at trails events. So I took the plunge and bought one! What I remember most about that purchase was the previous owner’s parting words, ‘It won’t be your last’. How right he was”. Giles ran his various MVs around the country, with trails bike secured on the back, for many years to come. The MV bug had bitten hard and its appeal would last a lifetime.
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Giles Walker
SUBARU MAGAZINE
“Many modern cars take you from A to B and that’s it. But they feel so soulless. When you drive a Subaru MV 1800, you get something from it that’s difficult to describe. Yes, it’s amazingly capable and a great shifter of stuff, but it has a personality all of its own. Inside it’s pretty basic with vinyl flooring and seats and the keep fit windows, but it’s basically brilliant. Retro, cool, quirky, even a little crazy. It captures the heart like no other”. So what happened to the wonderfully monikered Subaru MV Brumby BRAT? Well, it slowly disappeared off the road and over the horizon, towing great memories and wonderful times. Giles explains, “It was never intended as a domestic vehicle, so when in Japan a catalytic conversion was required, it fell by the wayside. The last shipment was delivered to the UK in 1992”. However, being a Subaru fanatic (Giles has owned an amazing 35 Subarus over the years – and counting), he made sure that it wouldn’t be forgotten. “I would chat to a couple of other owners about our shared passion for the car, swapping stories and discussing parts availability. We even started up our own webpage, posting photos and such like. This soon became a Facebook appreciation page and the Subaru MV Brumby BRAT Club was born”. The Club and its fanbase has grown significantly over the last few years with members extolling the virtues of the 1.6 and 1.8 flat-4 Boxer engine models from as far as Australia, North America and closer to home, in Luxembourg and Switzerland. “The MV Brumby BRAT’s indestructible nature means that many are still viable and hard at work today. Others have been modified and jacked-up with WRX engines, bull bars, spotlights, stripe kits, paint jobs and new interiors. I’ve even heard of a couple used for drag racing”, continues Giles. “My passion, though, lies in restoration. Their now ‘classic’ status has led to soaring prices and recently some of the very best standard examples can fetch upwards of £11,000”. The Club itself has branched out from its virtual meeting place and can now be seen exhibiting at shows such as The Japanese Performance Show at Stoneleigh. “When you see all these rare beasts together, it’s quite a sight. Everyone stops and wants to talk about them. Maybe they think we’re a little crazy over them, I don’t know. Actually, I do know of one owner in America who bought his new and kept it in the showroom window like a museum piece!”
Members of the Subaru MV Brumby BRAT Club and their vehicles
We leave Giles in his workshop as he embarks on his latest restoration. The words ‘it won’t be your last’ echo off the walls as another BRAT is readied to join the pack.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GUARDIAN
GOLD: THE ULTIMATE SAFETY ASSET OR A SHINY RELIC OF THE PAST? At times of uncertainty, people view gold as a low-risk, reliable store of value. We take a closer look at the well-known investment safe haven Gold is the original precious metal. It is rich in symbolism but it’s also rich in function. Over millennia, it has been used for coins, jewellery, ornamentation, medals, electronic components, the basis of monetary systems and the titles of countless James Bond films. But, recently, people have been reminded of its historic use as a comparatively safe store of value.
numbers of investors bought into the precious metal during something of a rush to so-called “safe-haven” assets. These are lower-risk assets that are expected to retain their value or even grow in value when other assets fall – thereby helping investors to limit their exposure to losses.
Last year, the Dutch Central Bank raised a few eyebrows over content published on its website that highlighted the benefits of hoarding gold. “Shares, bonds and other securities are not without risk, and prices can go down. But a bar of gold retains its value, even in times of crisis,” its website stated. “If the [financial] system collapses, the gold stock can serve as a basis to build it up again.”
Other safe-haven investments include defensive stocks that are less vulnerable to economic downturns, such as utility companies, supermarkets and other businesses that provide everyday essentials. Likewise, bonds usually offer more predictable returns than shares, and certain currencies such as the Yen and Swiss Franc are also seen as safe-haven investments.
The bank was explaining why it still kept gold reserves. But during these times of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, its words sparked media discussions about investors buying up gold in a flight to financial safety.
ILLUSTRATION: TOBATRON
Unlike cash, the value of gold isn’t eroded by inflation. It is highly fungible and can easily be converted into hard currency wherever you are in the world. In extreme cases, such as in war-torn countries, if you lose everything else, you can carry a couple of small gold bars out with you. It also has a great heritage and global branding given that people have historically relied on it during times of political turmoil. “For thousands of years gold has been a store of value,” says Adrian Lowcock, head of personal investing at Willis Owen, the online consumer investing platform. In recent months, the value of gold has increased amid concerns about the global economy and the spectre of a full-scale trade war between the US and China. The price of gold hit £1,278 an ounce last September as large 28 |
“You want assets that perform when the stock market doesn’t,” says Lowcock.
But while gold arguably remains the best-known financial safe haven, its safety as an investment largely depends on what you’re looking for. One of gold’s chief disadvantages as an investment is that it doesn’t provide you with an income. It pays no interest or dividends, unlike shares or cash on deposit. The only money you make on gold is capital appreciation when the price goes up. However, in an economic environment where interest rates are very low (and bond yields are also very low), a lack of income from gold may not be that much of an issue. A bigger problem perhaps is that gold prices can and do fluctuate – and often considerably. In Davos, in 2010, George Soros famously said: “When interest rates are low we have conditions for asset bubbles to develop, and they are developing at the moment. The ultimate asset bubble is gold.” Soros’s call was pretty good: in August the following year, gold peaked. It hasn’t fully recovered since – and is now about 25% below what it was then. Indeed, if we take gold’s previous
high – in 1980 – it is still below that. So had you bought in early 1980 and kept it until now, you would not have made your money back over 40 years. But that’s the long term. What about the short term? Well, declines in the value of gold can be pretty rapid – not least because it has become more attractive to speculators in the past few decades. In the period between August 2012 and June 2013, gold lost almost 30% of its value. More recently, we’ve seen smaller, but still notable falls in the value of gold when tensions between Iran and the US have eased. So the idea that gold is risk-free is far from true. This doesn’t sound terribly safe. But, as Lowcock points out: “It can still be a good safe haven if its price is moving in a different direction to other assets.” However, he adds: “I would only have about 5% of my investments in gold.” It’s also worth remembering that all safe-haven investments have potential downsides. Indeed, the only safe haven that can’t lose you money is cash – although it can lose you value in high inflation environments and it generally provides a poor return in low inflation environments such as the one we’re currently in. Of course, economic fundamentals aside, centuries of symbolism mean that gold’s emotional and psychological value is unlikely to fade any time soon. And as our faith in our financial system is continually tested, perhaps it will one day come to symbolise the important value of safety as much as wealth. This article was originally published on theguardian.com as part of the Subaru and Guardian Labs Safe is the new bold campaign.
LEVORG. THE DRIVER’S DRIVER’S AWD TOURER. Designed forevery everydriving driving style while keeping Designed for style while keeping youyou andand youryour lovedloved ones protected, LevorgLevorg offers the 5-star capability capability and ones protected, offers thesafety, 5-starall-weather safety, all-weather exceptional reliability that Subaru vehicles are renowned for. and exceptional reliability that Subaru vehicles are renowned for. Find out out more moreabout aboutour ouroffers offers at at subaru.co.uk/Levorg subaru.co.uk/Levorg
FEATURE ARTICLE
MEET BIORID II: THE WHIPLASH CRASH DUMMY THAT’S GOT YOUR BACK
Anders Flogård, creator of BioRID II
The widespread use of crash test dummies has revolutionised automotive safety, providing vital biometric data to understand stresses on the body in different collision scenarios. But it’s measuring and assessing rear impacts – those responsible for whiplash injuries – that represents the most complex challenge for crash dummy technology. Meet BioRID II: the crash dummy specifically designed to help us understand whiplash forces and develop safer head and neck restraints. In recent years, rapidly evolving technology has played a key role in helping to dramatically improve automotive safety. Testing of the protection offered by today’s new cars is rigorous. But that wasn’t always the case. The first crash test dummy was created in 1949 by Samuel W. Alderson, initially to test aircraft ejection seats. Alderson introduced the first dummy specifically designed for the automotive industry in 1968. Before then, corpses were
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frequently used to assess the effects of collisions – but that was, by its nature, a messy and single use option. Increasingly sophisticated models have since been created and used to determine the effectiveness of everything from seat belts to airbags, plus a range of other safety features. The latest generation of crash test dummies incorporates sensors that can record hundreds of separate movements, gathering multitudes of data from each crash scenario.
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Developing the next generation of crash test dummies
Prioritising driver and passenger safety For Subaru, safety is paramount – so advanced safety features come as standard. We began performing collision tests back in the early 1960s, long before industry-wide crash testing became compulsory. Today, the BioRID II crash dummy is used by virtually all car manufacturers worldwide, because it’s specifically designed to help us better understand the forces involved with whiplash – one of the most common injuries in automotive accidents. First developed 20 years ago by Anders Flogård as part of his involvement with an engineering studies course at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, the BioRID II dummy features a life-like vertebral column that behaves in the same way as a human spine. Before BioRID II, a variety of crash dummies had been used to measure a wide range of parameters in a frontal collision, but testers had limited ability to interpret and evaluate forces from behind – something that became a significant problem. The need to evaluate whiplash experiences In the early 1980s, many car seats were so soft that they simply folded in half during a rear impact crash scenario – a passenger could slip out of their seat belt and out through the back window, ending up on the ground behind the car. By the mid-1980s, new safety requirements were introduced, forcing manufacturers to develop stiffer seats. But the requirement quickly had unforeseen consequences. “Stiffer seats that didn’t fold were manufactured, but these seats couldn’t distribute the energy forces during a rear impact collision. The unintended consequence was whiplash damage, which soon became one of the most common insurance injuries”, explains Flogård. Initially, automotive manufacturers were sceptical. Could a stiffer seat really cause neck injuries? Perhaps whiplash injuries were only being claimed when suitable insurance was offered? The medical profession, however, felt strongly that the injuries had undoubtedly arisen as a result of the body suddenly being exposed to an external force that throws the head from one position to another. Consistently consistent, crash after crash The invention of BioRID II enabled researchers to gather accurate whiplash test data for the first time.
It also enabled testing consistency, which is vital to ensure reliable data. “It is important that you get exactly the same results, no matter how long it is between the test sessions when the conditions are the same,” says Flogård, who is proud to see how BioRID II has helped reduce insurance costs and human suffering globally. The challenge now is not about refining the human-like characteristics of the dummy, but focusing instead on developing mathematical models that show how a car behaves during a crash without having to conduct a physical test. Future crash test dummy developments Today, Anders Flogård is still pioneering better crash testing in his spare time. Modern crash test dummies are now available in gender, build and age specific models, and he is working on the next generation of female crash dummies – to help verify virtual testing by different computer models. While BioRID II reduced the risk of whiplash injuries in men by up to 50%, the figures are lower when it comes to women – and scientists aren’t sure why this is. It could be due to women sitting in a completely different position to men when driving. Women also normally have less muscle mass in both their back and neck, which could potentially have an impact on seat adjustments for whiplash prevention. The greatest risk of permanent whiplash injuries is to single mothers in their mid-thirties. Researchers believe this is probably because they lack time for complete recovery due to looking after their children, and at the same time do not benefit fully from the car safety adjustments that have arisen as a result of tests related to BioRID II, which focused on male body dimensions. Advanced safety as standard Through his work, Flogård remains committed to improving safety for all passengers, regardless of their gender. Subaru is equally dedicated to building cars that provide the best possible protection. Today all Subaru SUVs, plus Levorg and Impreza, have the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. A range of active safety systems – fitted across the range as standard – give you the control and confidence to enjoy driving, whatever the weather or road conditions. Meanwhile, passive safety technologies ensure that our cars are designed to give you and your family the best possible protection if an accident is unavoidable. Find out more about Subaru safety at subaru.co.uk/safety
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SUBARU OWNERS
Abbie and her father David with their collection of Subarus over the years
A 25 YEAR LOVE AFFAIR ‘The Subaru Family’ is how the Scooby world and his wife now know the Lawrence clan. Ever since Abbie posted her throwback photo on Facebook, their enduring love affair with the brand has got as much attention as her dad’s 22B at a classic car show.
Abbie and her family, who live in the Scottish Highlands, don’t mind the recognition one bit. Abbie is genuinely excited when she remarks, “It’s awesome that so many Subaru fans have liked and shared my photos, not to mention those who’ve actually got in touch to find out more”. So how did the love affair begin? When did the Subaru adrenalin rush get into the family’s blood? You have to journey back a fair few years to discover where the passion started. David (Abbie’s dad) takes up the story. “I was contracting in the oil industry near Aberdeen. It must have been around 1995. One day a work pal turned up in a brand new Subaru Impreza Turbo, just like the one a young fellow by the name of Colin McRae was rallying. A run home in the car, followed by a test drive the next day at a local Subaru dealer, sparked something in me. Words could not describe the sensation; the power was phenomenal, the handling sensational, the throttle response unbelievable and…well…..I was hooked line, sinker and spoiler”. David purchased a minty green demonstrator car and for the next six months, life was well and truly lived in the fast lane. However, fate came calling when David’s wife, Mary, announced she was pregnant. Any thought of speed and explosive power disappeared as they put on their ‘sensible heads’ and reluctantly sold their ‘baby’. In June 1996, their beautiful bundle of joy, Abbie, was born. But the Subaru bug had bitten and a family weekend away a year
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later in Perth, Scotland twisted the finger of destiny once more. “We drove past a dealership called Anderson Cars and in the window was an Impreza. No words passed between myself and Mary, we just turned in. Unfortunately, we couldn’t have that particular one but the dealership soon found us a model with painted sill trims, a high level spoiler and the synonymous 555 registration nameplate”. So for the first two years of Abbie’s life, her child’s play was more Subaru Impreza Drivers Club weekends than teddy bears.
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“Of course, family always come first. Saying that, Subaru comes a close second!” “We had no worries about safety because the brand has always been renowned for its superior build quality, strength and robustness. Fast but safe was our motto”. The family’s passion ignited, every year they would purchase the latest model. The Joneses would have to keep up with them. “Stumbling across a dealership on a day out we ended up purchasing a brand new blue Subaru from Fiskens of Forfar. On collection day we had one very excited 3 year old Abbie who insisted on having her picture taken”. Through the noughties, Subaru became part of the family. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive was something no other brand could emulate and various dalliances with other marques always ended with a return to the superior control, traction and handling of a Subaru. By now, 18-year-old Abbie was unsurprisingly becoming a bit of a petrolhead. A 2011 diesel Impreza had caught her eye with its gaspinducing bonnet scoop and alloys, and it soon became her first love. At 22, another Subaru turned Abbie’s head, and she bought herself a brand new WRX STI. Dad was impressed but decided to raise the bar even higher. “When I first bought a Subaru, I missed out on all the limited editions and ‘collectables’. I did consider a Series McRae and a Catalunya, but plumped for an Impreza UK300 in the end. As our business grew and we had more disposable income, the thought of owning a 22B wouldn’t leave my head. Bored one Sunday, I googled it and couldn’t believe it when I saw one up for sale in Morayshire, a place we often visit. The next day, we went, we saw, we test drove. That was the clincher, the deal was sealed”. Last year, David estimates that he did over 1000 miles in his 22B, driving to shows and on group runs. The love affair had got serious and a red 2009 hatch WRX STI became the latest addition to the family. Twenty-five years, countless Subarus and now unexpected fame from a photo that has gone viral. We wanted to know which model was the family favourite. No hesitation from David, “The 22B”. Nor from Abbie, “My WRX STI”.
@subaruuk @subaruuk @OfficialSubaruUK
This love affair with Subaru will no doubt go on and on.
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FEATURE ARTICLE
SPRING HAS SPRUNG… IT’S TIME FOR JULIAN TO ROLL UP HIS SLEEVES Julian Norton, Subaru owner and star of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, has been preparing for a busy springtime in the Yorkshire Dales. The UK is gripped by the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping across Europe, but for me it’s almost business as usual. As a busy mixed practice vet, the service my colleagues and I provide to our local community is essential. Spring is in the air and, around Yorkshire, it’s also in the fields and hedgerows as snowdrops give way to daffodils and the fields become full of sheep with lambs in tow. There’s skipping and playing and wagging lambs’ tails as they suck, hungrily on mum’s milk, getting bigger each day. The days are getting longer and warmer as winter recedes. I spend plenty of time on these country roads and it’s crucial to have a vehicle that is comfortable, capable and fun to drive. The Outback is all these things and it’s seen me through the worst of the snow, ice and later the floods that winter threw at us. But springtime on the farm is the busiest and so my car, if anything, is put through its paces even more at this time of year. There are a multitude of sheep to be seen and not a day goes by without me seeing a ewe in trouble, struggling to give birth, or a sheep suffering from another obstetrical issue. Only this morning the phone was ringing, well before eight, with an anxious farmer and a ewe which was going into labour, so it was an early
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start. It was a reminder that problems occur at any time of the day or night. Time is always of the essence, so my Outback has to perform as efficiently as I do, even before breakfast! Its large boot is filled to the brim with my kit - wellies, waterproofs and gloves, lambing ropes and lubricant, syringes and medications. It’s a real workhorse as well as being a car for the family. Spring is also the time of year when cows are giving birth, so if it’s not a sheep that needs my help, it’s often a cow. There’s new life everywhere. More unusually, I had another emergency this week, which was completely different to the usual springtime calls. It was not a native species, but it still needed assistance. This patient was more at home in the high Andes than the green and pleasant slopes of Nidderdale, arguably the wildest and most varied of all the Yorkshire Dales. My alpaca patient, Cosmo, was not admiring the view. He was suffering from a severe case of colic. This is a nasty condition where the abdomen becomes extremely painful and there are lots of reasons, ranging from constipation or spasm to lifethreatening twists of the bowels. Cosmo’s owner told me the story as I arrived at the farm. He was lying down and unable to move, so I had to face a bit of off-roading before I could put my veterinary skills
Julian Norton
to the test. The grassy field was sloping precariously and there were ruts and boggy bits which I carefully avoided. Needless to say, I made it to the alpaca’s side without a problem. I examined him all over, inserted a tube into his stomach and listened to his insides. It sounded like there was a party going on inside, causing pain and an easy diagnosis of spasmodic colic. Painful as this was, the cure was a simple injection and within minutes, Cosmo was feeling much better. He rose to his feet and trotted home to the farm. Meanwhile, my next job was to savour the drive back to the practice to await my next call, wondering what other challenges this year’s spring would bring me and my Outback.
Find out more about Outback at subaru.co.uk/outback
SUBARU MAGAZINE
DRIVING CONFIDENCE. MILE AFTER MILE. 70 years of engineering passion. An unwavering commitment to safety. And innovative technologies that really set our cars apart. Subaru in a nutshell? We’re all about safety, capability and reliability. Right across our range of standout SUVs, Crossovers, Estates and Hatchbacks, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible protection and performance – to keep you and your family safe while delivering driving confidence in all conditions. This is our promise to you, because we know what’s important to our customers. It’s why we build vehicles that are Better Where It Matters.
To find out more, explore our range of product and technology videos at subaru.co.uk/videos
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SUBARU OWNERS
ONE MAN. 21 SUBARUS. 25 YEARS What makes someone keep coming back to Subaru year after year after year? Perhaps the best person to ask is Bill Nunn. He’s had 21 Subarus over the last 25 years and has loved every single one of them!
Superfan. Subafan! Whatever you want to call him, Bill is certainly one. He’s been driving Subarus for over a quarter of a century and his current 2.0-litre Levorg is number 21. We often celebrate a dealership’s anniversary, but it’s time to see one of our most loyal customer’s name up in lights! Introducing… Bill Nunn. We were eager to find out a little more about Bill, his love and loyalty for Subaru and the cars that have delivered sheer driving delight over the past 25 years. Bill, from Enfield, is a carpet seller. Not ordinary carpets, though. He sells vintage and antique designs to adorn the magnificent floors of historic buildings up and down the country. Much of his time is spent mile-munching on the country’s motorways, so a comfortable, composed ride is an absolute must. “I can go from visiting an amazing manor in the city one day to a sprawling country estate in the middle of nowhere the next. The journeys can be long and arduous, so I need something that is effortless in between. That’s where the Levorg comes in”. Bill’s Levorg combines estate car practicality with the confidence of permanent Symmetrical AllWheel Drive. It provides outstanding capability on all roads and in all conditions, and is fitted with the latest safety technology as standard. Protection and performance in equal measure. And of course, it has the famed Subaru reliability – an absolute must for Bill. “These days, I’m not lugging around the long rolls of carpet anymore. Just sample portfolios. But they can be bulky, too, so the Levorg’s large boot and spacious interior is just the job”. Back in the beginning when Bill was self-employed, he visited historic properties across the country – and it was during this time that he purchased his first Subaru. “It must have been around ‘94 or ‘95. I wanted something that wasn’t the usual mainstream. A 1.6-litre Legacy caught my eye, and my wife and I were totally smitten from day one. A year later, we upgraded to a 2-litre and our bond with Subaru was forged”. Each year brought higher mileage, so Bill swapped models many times to keep his car immaculate and in warranty.
Bill collecting his 21st Subaru from Dane Adams
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“It didn’t matter whether it was a Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Levorg – I never ever had a mechanical issue with any model. Reliability is key for me. I’ve always needed a car that can go the distance, mile after mile, and every one I’ve owned
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has delivered in spades. Equally important are the dealerships I’ve dealt with over the years. Always friendly, always on the ball, you could rely on them to sort out any issue”. Bill’s local dealership is Adams Brothers in Aylesbury. The dealership has been in business for 75 years and is now run by brothers Dane, Ben and Tobin. A traditional family business with old fashioned values, Bill has become firm friends with the brothers over the years. Friendship aside, though, it has been the impeccable service that has impressed him the most. He wouldn’t entertain the thought of looking elsewhere.
“You come back for a reason. It’s not just the car that I love, it’s the red carpet treatment I receive time and time again.” “When you’re not sure about something, they’ll always look into it. Nothing is ever too much of a problem. They value every customer and every customer trusts them implicitly”. Regarding his Levorg, we wanted to know more. What are its best features? What does he value most? “Reliability, performance and safety – just phenomenal. And for the hard miles I drive, the Adaptive Cruise Control is absolutely game changing. I set the car’s speed and distance from the vehicle in front and leave the system to do the rest. It constantly adjusts the engine, transmission and brakes to ensure I’m at a safe distance”. But that’s not all. “I‘ve got to say, I love the LED steering responsive headlights as well. On a late night journey home, I can see round corners better because they follow my steering rather than pointing straight ahead. Pretty handy in the pitch black”. Finally, we wanted to know, of all the Subarus he’s owned over the last 25 years, which one weaved its magic on him the most? “It’s got to be the 3-litre Legacy I had a few years back. When you heard its Boxer flat-4 engine heading your way…well it’s a rumble like no other”.
Find out more about Levorg at subaru.co.uk/levorg
Some of Bill’s beloved Subarus from over the years
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SUBARU DEALERS
SUBARU DEALER OF THE YEAR: KEITH PRICE GARAGES In January, Keith Price Garages was named both Subaru Dealer of the Year 2019 and Subaru Parts Dealer of the Year 2019. We take a look behind the scenes to discover what sets the business apart…
2019 AWARD WINNERS Dealer of the Year Keith Price Garages Ltd, Abergavenny
Special Achievement Aird Motors, Inverness Shire
Subaru Brand Specialist Samuel Hall, Geoff Cox
Best New Dealer Simpsons Subaru, Witney
The team at Keith Price Garages with Regional Sales Manager, Robin Williams
As the first garage in Wales to achieve the Investors in People award, and subsequently the quality award ISO 9002 too, Keith Price Garages is no ordinary family business. Nestling on the outskirts of the picturesque market town of Abergavenny, South Wales, the dealership was originally founded by the late Keith Price in 1968. Wife Jenny joined the team in 1974, taking the reins when Keith sadly passed in 2014. One of the first dealerships to take up a Subaru franchise when the marque launched in the UK, the business is an enthusiastic advocate of the Subaru brand, enjoying a large and unerringly loyal customer base. From the early years of selling smaller 4-wheel drive pick-ups and utilitarian 4-wheel drive cars, today the forecourt and service workshop see the full Subaru range daily – from the latest Subaru e-BOXER self-charging hybrids to classic Impreza WRX STIs. Jenny explains, “We are now dealing with a very knowledgeable clientele who probably know as much about the product as some of us! Fortunately, sales manager Jon and the aftersales team have a passion for everything Subaru, and can advise the savviest of
customers with confidence. Someone here is always willing to help out a customer, even if it means returning a call when we’re closed”. The business has been built on the quality of its aftersales service. Visitors to the dealership can expect a cheerful smile, a good cup of coffee and comfortable seating. Customers can have vehicles collected or delivered, with a replacement Subaru courtesy car whilst work is being done. Workshops have state of the art facilities, including a separate MOT bay and a Pro-Align 4-wheel alignment area. Every vehicle is checked for free, whether it’s in for service, routine work or warranty. Keith Price Garages was awarded Dealer of the Year 2019 due to their outstanding performance throughout the year, excelling in areas including sales, servicing, parts and customer satisfaction. Chris Graham, Subaru UK Managing Director, said: “Keith Price Garages demonstrates just how important it is to understand what Subaru customers really value and to consistently deliver it. I’m delighted to see them win these awards”.
To find out more from the team at Keith Price Garages, visit www.keithpricegarages-subaru.co.uk or call 01873 564018
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Customer Care Dealer Adams Brothers, Aylesbury
Highest Volume Dealer S & S Services, Ayr
Most Consistent Performance Colin Appleyard Cars, Ashton-Under-Lyne
Most Improved Dealer Colin Appleyard Cars, Ashton-Under-Lyne
Parts Dealer Keith Price Garages Ltd, Abergavenny
Region 1 Dealer of the Year Aird Motors, Inverness Shire
Region 2 Dealer of the Year Unity Tredington, Tredington
Region 3 Dealer of the Year Simpsons Subaru, Swindon
Region 4 Dealer of the Year E O Culverwell Limited, East Sussex
Region 5 Dealer of the Year Desmond Eastwood Motors, Lisburn
SUBARU MAGAZINE
SUBARU OWNERS
ON THE ROAD FOR CHARITY
Mary Stevens Hospice is a charity close to Gemma Eves and her family’s heart. They provided unbelievable care and support when she tragically lost her husband three years ago. To raise money as a thank you to the hospice, Gemma decided to organise a Subaru charity drive with the support of her local dealership, Drive In Autocentres. She is too modest to agree, but we all think Gemma is a bit of a superstar. After losing her husband a few years ago, she started to fundraise for the charity that gave her so much love and care when she needed it most – Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge, West Midlands. As a Subaru enthusiast and 2010 WRX owner, the idea of a Subaru charity drive came to mind to raise even more money for this amazing charity, and she knew that many owners would be interested in joining her. “We wanted to do something a little different and a Subaru charity drive seemed like a great way to raise money and have a fun day out at the same time”. Gemma, who had bought her WRX from Drive In Autocentres in Halesowen, immediately contacted the dealership to see if they would be interested in helping out. They loved the idea and jumped at the chance to get involved. Dave Kelleher, Service Manager at Drive In Autocentres, was only too pleased to help. “We know Gemma is a big Subaru fan, so it was an absolute pleasure to help her. We gave out leaflets to all our customers and made sure we promoted the drive heavily on our social media platforms. We also provided some much sought after Subaru merchandise for a raffle. Such a great idea for a great cause”. The newly formed team then started to plan a route for the drive. Gemma decided
that she wanted to depart from her home in Hagley and end at Turweston Flight Centre in Brackley. “Of course, a Subaru can tackle any challenge in its way, but we didn’t want to make the drive too arduous, so we planned some service station stops along the way. I picked the Flight Centre because I knew my young boys, Ruaridh and Euan, would love it there. And it was less than 2 hours away, so no ‘are we nearly there yet?’ backseat comments!” Gaining publicity for the event was next on the agenda. So Gemma got friends and family onto the case, contacted various Subaru owners clubs and set up a Facebook page to spread the word. Dave also got in touch with one of his customers, a Subaru enthusiast who owns Pluto Photography Media, a photographic and video business. They offered their services to Gemma for free, taking photos and creating a video of the event – for which Gemma and her family were incredibly grateful. A rather dank and dark Sunday morning in January did nothing to dampen the spirits as a convoy of Subarus took to the road. Imprezas, Foresters and Outbacks snaked their way up the motorway, joined by several other participants en route – including the team from Drive In Autocentres, with an XV and the all-new Forester e-BOXER, stretching its legs for the very first time. A line-up that certainly turned a few heads along the way!
Gemma and her Subaru
The drive was straightforward and trouble-free, the Subarus effortlessly munching the miles. Eventually, the convoy arrived safely at the Flight Centre, around 3 hours after they set off. The vehicles were parked up for everyone to admire. The drivers then retreated to the Flight Deck Café for refreshments – as well as the views. The raffle also took place, with various Subaru goodies handed out as prizes. “Seeing all the Subarus parked up next to the light airplanes was a fantastic sight”, Gemma continues, “And seeing how much the kids enjoyed the drive made it extra special. I just know they’re going to be part of the next generation of Subaru enthusiasts”. Gemma and her boys then delivered their collection box back to the Hospice, having raised nearly £200 for patients and their families, including a kind donation from the dealership. “It’s something I’m going to do again next year”, concludes Gemma, “and I’m already thinking about where we can take the convoy to”. Wherever this remarkable lady chooses, you can be sure we’ll be with her every single mile of the way. The Mary Stevens Hospice has been taking care of families since 1991. Find out more at www.marystevenshospice.co.uk
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SUBARU DEALERS
SUBARU NETWORK EXPANDS TO MEET NORTHERN IRELAND DEMAND
John Barr & Peter Eakin with Subaru National Sales Manager, Alex Sheward
Subaru has recently appointed two new dealers in Northern Ireland. Eakin Bros in Maydown and John Barr Cars in Antrim join Northern Ireland’s longest serving Subaru dealer, Eastwood Motors in Lisburn, to bring the network to full strength. The new appointments reflect the growing appeal of the Subaru brand to newcomers, and also extend Subaru’s coverage for existing owners, ensuring customers are never far from friendly assistance on the Emerald Isle. Recently relocated from Claudy to Maydown, Eakin Bros first opened their showroom doors way back in 1923. Over the years the dealership has always been manged by the family, with the third-generation, John and Peter Eakin, now at the helm. “We’re delighted to be on board with Subaru,” said Peter Eakin. “We have invested £1 million in newbuild premises on the outskirts of Londonderry and have trained sales and aftersales staff on hand for our customers. Our family have 97 years in the business and three generations on site daily to ensure we deliver friendly, knowledgeable help and advice. Subaru’s 40 |
John Barr & Peter Eakin
The Northern Ireland Trio
new e-BOXER self-charging hybrids are fantastic cars and carry on the Subaru traditions of superior safety, capability and reliability. We’re thrilled to be joining the brand at such an exciting time”. John Barr Cars is also a family business, run by husband John and wife Claire – and it’s expanding rapidly. “Everyone visiting our dealership is assured of a friendly welcome to our new Antrim site,” said John Barr. “We’re in a purpose-built facility just 1000 yards from Junction 1 of the Motorway, opposite the JI Retail Park. The reaction to Subaru from our existing customer base has been fantastic, and it’s great to see so many new customers trying - and buying - our range of new and preloved Subarus”. Long-standing Subaru dealership Eastwood Motors has welcomed the new appointments in Northern Ireland.
“New dealer representation is good for Subaru’s many customers in Northern Ireland. It’s great to see two such high quality businesses, that have each invested heavily in the brand, joining the Subaru family,” said Des Eastwood. Subaru UK Managing Director, Chris Graham, summed up the sentiment: “I’m delighted. These are both quality family businesses, reflecting the strong values we hold as a brand in the UK. We’re confident customers old and new will enjoy dealing with the teams at Eakin Bros and John Barr. It’s an incredibly exciting time to join the franchise, and I know we can all look forward to many years of successful business together”.
Find your local dealership at subaru.co.uk/find-dealer
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FIND A DEALER No.
DEALER NAME
POSTCODE
PHONE
No.
DEALER NAME
POSTCODE
PHONE
1
A F Noble & Son
EH26 8EZ
01968 441188
37
Howards Subaru
SA31 2BE
01267 853638
2
Adams Brothers
HP20 1JH
01296 752794
38
Ian Grieve
FK1 4JD
01324 441657
3
Aird Motors Subaru
IV4 7BP
01463 548417
39
Jeffries of Bacton
IP14 4HP
01449 424736
4
Ashburton Motor Works Ltd
TQ13 7RB
01364 681458
40
John Barr Cars
BT41 4NT
02894 525886
5
Autosales
DD8 5AP
01575 392432
41
K T Green Ltd
LS21 3DA
01133 464898
6
Autovillage Subaru
GL51 9SG
01242 850612
42
Keith Price Garages Ltd
NP8 1EP
01873 564187
7
Bagot Road Garage
JE1 1BP
03303 118428
43
Kinghams
CR0 1BE
02080 035795
8
Bell & Colvill (Horsley) Ltd
KT24 6DG
01483 494015
44
Lawrence of Kemnay Limited
AB51 3RN
01467 423459
9
Budgen Motors Subaru
SY1 4AB
01743 404992
45
Leisure World Subaru
DL10 7JB
01748 841796
10
Bulldog Twyford
RG10 9EU
01189 117988
46
M.R.Gair Ltd
ZE1 0PZ
01595 492506
11
C S G Pollitt Limited
EX2 8PN
01392 339455
47
Maidstone Subaru
ME15 9FB
01622 755531
12
Cambridge Subaru
CB2 9NE
01223 633706
48
Maple Garage Ltd
HU11 4NA
01964 782297
13
Central Garage (Newport) Ltd
PO30 5UX
01983 623169
49
Maple Leaf Garage Ltd
NN11 9DY
01327 272748
14
Central Motors
TA20 1EP
01460 601492
50
Monza Subaru
RH20 3DD
01903 444763
15
Colin Appleyard Cars Ashton-under-Lyne
OL6 7QL
01618 228402
51
MTC Subaru
PE7 2AJ
01733 822943
16
Colin Appleyard Cars - Huddersfield
HD1 3PA
01484 829014
52
Mylchreests
IM2 1HE
03303 334337
53
Newman & Reidy
NN6 0HJ
01604 659882
17
Constitution Motors
NR3 3TE
01603 954124
54
Perkins
CM77 6SA
01371 483379
18
Croxdale Subaru
DH6 5HS
01388 881052
55
Proven Subaru
GU27 2AP
01428 853296
19
Culverwells
TN32 5DG
01580 363077
56
Redstone Subaru
LL15 1NJ
01824 526266
20
D Salmon Cars Weeley
CO16 9JT
01255 388706
57
Regent Subaru
LL52 0AP
01766 482216
21
Dales Subaru
BB18 6TG
01282 882817
58
Richtoy Subaru
DN15 9RN
01724 245882
22
Dalgleish
TD1 2BZ
01896 478802
59
Roxby Subaru
SO31 9GQ
01489 222564
23
Dennis Common (Tustain)
NE66 2JH
01665 751515
60
S & S Services
KA8 9SX
01292 844296
24
Desmond Eastwood Motors Ltd
BT28 2SN
02892 755156
61
Simpsons Subaru, Swindon
SN6 7NA
01793 399508
25
Dorset Sports Cars Ltd
BH21 6RD
01202 983353
62
Simpsons Subaru, Witney
OX29 9UF
01993 627832
26
Drayton Subaru
CH63 4JZ
01515 156883
63
Stan Palmer Ltd
CA1 2RW
01228 371383
27
Drive In Autocentres
B63 2SA
01384 505335
64
Stokesley Motors Ltd
TS9 5AG
01642 694553
28
Duques Garage Ltd
GY8 0DP
03303 334343
65
T.I.M. UK Motors
NG5 1DZ
01156 761522
29
Eaglesham Garage Ltd
G76 0LH
01355 443056
66
Trelawny Subaru Cornwall
TR20 8HX
01736 664697
30
Eakin Bros Ltd
BT47 6UQ
02871 933889
67
Turners Subaru
SN10 5TZ
01380 323584
31
Europa Subaru
S2 4AL
01142 244035
68
Unity Coventry
CV7 7EF
01676 591674
32
Fife Subaru
KY15 4SX
01334 441387
69
Unity Leicester
LE2 8TB
01162 149060
33
G & M Motors
DA13 0AG
01474 444762
70
Unity Tredington
CV36 4NN
01608 433163
34
Geoff Cox Subaru
DE5 8LG
01332 425954
71
West Heath Garage
GU14 9RR
01252 888912
35
Hammond
IP19 8HX
01986 244054
36
Helensburgh Subaru
G84 7PJ
01436 584328
72
Woodford Motor Co Ltd - Woodforg Green
IG8 9DX
02080 035791
Dealer details correct at time of printing. For the most up to date dealer list, please visit subaru.co.uk
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SUBARU MAGAZINE
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5 32 36
38 1
29
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23
30 63
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69 7
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70 37
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62 61
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25
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14
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19
50
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