The Subaru Forester Scores Second MOTOR TREND SUV of the Year Win

• Subaru is the only three-time winner of Sport/Utility of the Year.
• The 2014 Subaru Forester's competition included 12 other all-new or significantly updated SUVs.
• Subaru is the only automaker with back-to-back wins as well as the most wins in the SUV category.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is thrilled to announce that the Subaru Forester won MOTOR TREND's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2014, making Subaru the only three-time winner of this award with the most wins in the Sport/Utility category. This is a repeat performance as Subaru has had three winners in the past six years of competition: the 2014 Forester, 2010 Outback and 2009 Forester. The 2013 XV Crosstrek also ranked as a finalist in 2012.

"The 2014 Subaru Forester beat a highly competitive field of SUVs because it met our award's six criteria," said MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief Ed Loh. "Smart design, thoughtful engineering, and a compelling performance on road and off were the keys to the Forester's win. Our editors were particularly impressed by the powerful yet efficient turbocharged engines, the intelligent and sporty CVT transmission, and the excellent visibility and interior package found within the Forester. Practical, affordable, efficient and fun to drive - Forester truly ticked every box."

In addition to the Subaru Forester, the 2014 MOTOR TREND Sport/Utility of the Year competition included twelve other all-new or significantly updated SUVs:

"This true SUV in the compact SUV segment has been breaking sales records across Canada since it first appeared in dealerships this spring," said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. "Winning MOTOR TREND's 2014 SUV of the Year is another feather in the cap of Subaru's award-winning lineup. We anticipate more and more Canadians will put Subaru on their shopping list."

MOTOR TREND's Sport/Utility of the Year is not a comparison test, and is only open to all-new or substantially upgraded vehicles that have gone on sale in the 12 months from November 1 of the previous year. 

To judge contenders for the award, MOTOR TREND's editorial staff conducted an exhaustive three-phase testing process. Phase one includes a full tech check and weigh-in, then full track testing to establish baseline data for acceleration, braking, and handling. Phase two involves three days of road loops offering a range of road surfaces and traffic conditions to evaluate ride and handling, engine and transmission smoothness and responsiveness, wind and road noise, and ergonomics. A dirt-track section tests traction, stability, and braking control systems. In the third phase the judges debate and deliberate. The judging criteria includes the following categories:

Design Advancement - well-executed exterior and interior styling; innovative vehicle packaging; good selection and use of materials.

Engineering Excellence - total vehicle concept and execution; clever solutions to packaging, manufacturing and dynamics issues; cost-effective tech that benefits the consumer.

Performance of Intended Function - how well the vehicle does the job its planners, designers, and engineers intended it to do.

Efficiency - low fuel consumption and carbon footprint, relative to the vehicle's competitive set.

Safety - a vehicle's ability to help the driver avoid a crash, as well as the secondary safety measures that protect its occupants from harm during a crash.

Value - competitive price and equipment levels, measured against those of vehicles in the same market segment.

While still maintaining its strong reputation for safety, performance, dependability and versatility in the compact SUV segment, the 2014 Forester is an evolution rather than a revolution in its redesign. This compact SUV debuts a bold exterior design and roomier interior along with improved performance and impressive fuel economy. Standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive also continues to set Forester apart from segment competitors.

Priced from $25,995, Forester will jump to the head of its class in full-time all-wheel-drive fuel economy as Forester 2.5i models newly equipped with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) achieve manufacturer-estimated fuel economy ratings of 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. A new 2.0-litre direct injection twin-scroll turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine producing 250 horsepower will be introduced on Forester 2.0XT models, while the naturally aspirated version will continue with the 2.5-litre horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine producing 170 horsepower.

The 2014 Forester has received a Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester is the first vehicle to ace every aspect of the challenging small overlap front crash test conducted by the IIHS. The Forester is the only one of 13 small SUVs to earn an overall rating of good in the test.

This recognition from MOTOR TREND validates the sales success of the 2014 Forester, which is up 45.3 percent year to date over 2012.  Forester's strong sales performance mirrors the growth of the brand overall, which is up 21.1 percent year to date as Subaru works towards another historic all-time annual sales record, enjoying its tenure as Canada's fastest growing Japanese automaker.

For more information about the award, judging process, and the contenders check out the December issue of Motor Trend or visit www.motortrend.com.

About Motor Trend Magazine:

Motor Trend, a publication of Source Interlink Media, LLC, was founded in 1949 and has a circulation of 1.1 million and a total readership of 7 million. Internationally recognized as one of the leading brands in automotive publishing, MOTOR TREND comprises Motor Trend Magazine; the award-winning website motortrend.com; the Motor Trend YouTube Channel; Motor Trend Radio; Truck Trend; Motor Trend Classic; Motor Trend International Auto Shows; Motor Trend en Espanol; and the renowned Motor Trend Car, Truck and SUV of the Year Awards program.

About Source Interlink Media

Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, home theater and other niche activities. The division's strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.