ANCAP crash test results

Subaru Liberty | 2009 on

Front+side+head+knee airbags

Occupant protection score: 34.80 out of 37

Model history and safety features

The rated model of Subaru Liberty was introduced in Australia in 2009. This rating is based on crash tests of a Subaru Outback. ANCAP was provided with evidence that the Liberty gives comparable occupant protection.

Dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains are standard equipment. Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) are also standard. Advanced seat belt reminders are fitted to all seats. A rear view camera is available.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point (lap) seat belt.

Occupant protection:

The Subaru Liberty scored 13.80 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. Protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver.

The vehicle scored 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test and a further two points in the optional pole test.

Frontal offset crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4 pts, chest 3.44 pts, upper legs 4 pts, lower legs 2.36 pts.

The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The accelerator pedal moved rearwards by 70 mm. The clutch pedal moved upwards 50 mm. The steering wheel hub moved 38mm forward, 1mm downward and 16 mm sideways. The front ("A") pillar moved 5 mm rearwards. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash the driver door opened with normal effort once the rear door had been opened.

The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. A knee airbag protected the driver's knees. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.

Side impact crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4 pts, chest 4 pts, abdomen 4 pts, pelvis 4 pts.

The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with this test and the vehicle earned a further two points.

Injury measurements

Body region		Offset crash test at 64 km/h (v4.1)		Side impact crash test at 50 km/h (v4.1)
		Driver	Passenger	Driver
Head HIC		316	264	10
Acceleration (g for 3ms)		45.2	40.6	12.8
Neck - Shear (kN)		0.46	0.64	-
- Tension (kN)		1.49	0.95	-
- Extension (Nm)		21.7	17.7	-
Chest Accln (g for 3ms)		41.900	41.300	-
Compression (mm)		25.90	20.70	8.20
Viscous criterion (m/s)		0.07	0.06	0.04
Abdomen - Force (kN)		-	-	0.280
Pelvis - Force (kN)		-	-	0.570
Upper legs - Force (kN)	Left	1.50	0.18
	Right	0.95	0.14
Knee displ (mm)	Left	2.01	0.55
	Right	1.38	0.46
Lower legs - Force (kN)	Left	3.11	1.33
	Right	2.79	2.13
Index (Upper/Low)	Left	0.46 /0.77	0.33 /0.19
	Right	0.36 /0.39	0.48/0.39

Bonus points (maximum 5)

Pole test: 2 pts

Seat belt reminders: 3 (see table below for details)

Modifiers - deductions from offset test scores

Head		No deduction
Chest		No deduction
Upper leg	Variable & conc. loading	No deduction
Lower leg		No deduction
Foot score		Score 4 points

Note: Steering column and pedal movements are measured relative to the driver's seat.

Modifiers - deductions from side impact test scores

Chest

No deduction

Safety features

These specifications are subject to change. Please check with manufacturer for the latest specifications.

Driver airbag	S
Passenger front airbag	S
Side airbags, front seats - chest protection	S
Side airbags, front seats - head protection	S
Side airbags, rear seats - head protection	S
Driver knee airbag	S
Seat belt pretensioners (Front/rear outboard)	S/X
Antilock (ABS) brakes / Electronic brake distribution / Brake Assist	S/S/S
Electronic stability control (ESC, VSC, DSC, ESP, VSA)	S#
3 point centre rear seat belt	S
Active head restraints - front seats	S
Intelligent seat belt reminder - driver	S
Intelligent seat belt reminder - front passenger	S
Rear seat belt status indicator	S

Key:
S = standard on all variants
O = optional on base variant. May be standard on higher variants
V = not available on base variant but standard or optional on higher variants
X = not available on any variant
# = ESC required by ANCAP for 5 star rating from 2008.

Pedestrian protection rating:

There is scope to improve the leading edge and side edges of the bonnet.

Child head impacts	9
Adult head impacts	7.09
Upper leg impacts	Zero
Lower leg impacts	6
Total (out of 36)	22.89

ANCAP printable version (PDF, 171 KB)

Page created: 2 September 2009