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Lexus, Mazda and Subaru top Consumer Reports Brand Report Cards

A revised methodology in devising its annual Car Brand Report Cards has seen Consumer Reports award Lexus its top overall ranking for 2013. For the first time ever, the institute broke out individual brands from their larger corporate umbrellas, meaning car makers like Lexus and Scion were judged independently from parent company Toyota. That strategy worked out well for Lexus, as the luxury brand earned a top report card score of 79 for the 2013 model year.
The institute has recommended every one of the Lexus models it has tested to date, and said that the company's products won out thanks to "a foundation of plush and very reliable vehicles."
Meanwhile, Mazda and Subaru tied for the second-highest scoring report cars, with scores of 76. Subaru earned praised for sporting models like the BRZ, which CR testers apparently had a lot of fun driving (naturally), while the Mazda products were lauded for their blend of practicality, sportiness and efficiency. Both of the Japanese brands offered good handling, fuel economy and versatility, said Consumer Reports.

Subaru Viziv Future Concept conceptualizes the future

Well, here's a rugged little thing. It's the latest in Subaru's Viziv series of concepts, unimaginatively called the Viziv Future Concept. But never mind the name, what we have here is a forward-thinking SUV that packs a new hybrid powertrain, downsized turbo engine, and reworked version of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. That said, there's little to learn about these reworked systems, with Subaru's own press blast saying a whole lot of nothing about the new technologies found within the Viziv. Only the updated AWD system gets an explanation, with Subaru saying the "propeller shaft has been eliminated by mounting the single motor concentrically on the rear axle in a compact layout. In addition to AWD capabilities, a flat floor is realized for an expansive, comfortable interior space." What does the Viziv mean for Subaru? It's hard to say. Initially, this concept looks like a neat take on a next-generation Forester, but let's also remember that Subaru plans to re-join the three-row SUV segment soon with a proper replacement for the Tribeca. In any case, it's a tough-looking thing, and something we could easily see fitting in with Subaru's range of rugged all-rounders. Related Video: Subaru VIZIV Future Concept (world premiere) Subaru VIZIV Future Concept is a SUV-type concept model embodying the future vision of car development for "enjoyment and peace of mind" that Subaru wants to provide to customers. Along with a package of design features that motivate the owner to get out and get active, this car gives a look at next-generation technologies that will further enhance the reputation of Subaru for "enjoyment and peace of mind" in driving. Among them are the automatic driving technology resulting from the ongoing evolution of EyeSight, and the power unit combining a downsized turbo engine with a hybrid system. Subaru remains focused on providing cars that enrich the lives of customers, as the start of an exciting new chapter. The Subaru VIZIV Future Concept gives a glimpse at the future Subaru has in mind for the brand. 1. Design The design concept is "Subaru & Active Life". Giving concrete form to the Subaru Dynamic & Solid design theme, the design clearly shows the value of "enjoyment and peace of mind", while generating the urge to go out and actively discover the wide world. Exterior The body as a three-dimensional solid form is given a clear polished surface enhancing the impression of high density and sturdiness.

Subaru Forester, Legacy and Outback earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced its more rigorous standards for the Top Safety Pick+ crash test rating back in September, and has recently called out some new models that have attained this highest rating. Last year, the TSP+ category was created for vehicles passing the then-new small overlap crash test; this year the top award has been amended to include crash prevention technology.
Thanks to its EyeSight technology, the Subaru Legacy, Outback and Forester are among just 22 vehicles to have been named a 2014 TSP+ by the IIHS. Without this technology, all three vehicles - and the Impreza and XV Crosstrek - were still named a Top Safety Pick (without the +).
To test the crash prevention technology, the IIHS uses two tests (one at 12 miles per hour and one at 25 mph) to see how well the systems do to lessen the severity of an impact. or prevent an impact altogether. Vehicles are then given a rating from Superior (best), Advanced or Basic, and cars that do not offer forward collision warning or auto braking are not given a rating in this category. To be named a TSP+, a car must achieve at least a Basic score for crash prevention, but all three Subaru models earned a perfect score to receive a Superior rating. Scroll down for Subaru's press release.