Kiplinger's Puts Its Money on the Subaru Outback in the Wagons Segment

February 25, 2013 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
WARWICK, R.I., February 25, 2013 — With so many vehicles to choose from, shopping for a new car can be overwhelming for many buyers. To make their search easier, Kiplinger's Personal Finance has come out with its latest Best in Class Car Values list to help consumers choose the best model in each segment. The Subaru Outback took home top honors in the Wagons category once again, as it has every year since its redesign for the 2010 model year.

For its Best in Class Car Value awards, Kiplinger's evaluated each vehicle on performance, value and safety, crediting the Outback's interior space, off-road capability, standard 173-horsepower engine and its rank as an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ for its category win. The Outback wasn't the only Subaru to make the list, however, as the new Subaru BRZ was named Most Fuel-Efficient in the Sports Car category, while the Subaru Forester 2.5X was recognized as Best Resale among small crossovers.

"Subaru models are growing in popularity and becoming more mainstream, and awards like the Best in Class Car Values from Kiplinger's help drive home what great buys they are," said James Kieffer, general manager of Balise Subaru, a Rhode Island Subaru dealership. "When it comes to purchasing a vehicle that offers safety for peace of mind, as well as the best value for your dollar with fuel efficiency and depreciation, it's clear that Subaru vehicles should be at the top of any driver's list."

In an effort to expand its lineup to appeal to even more motorists, Subaru will showcase two new models at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show, including the redesigned 2014 Subaru Forester. Featuring a slightly larger platform and more interior space, the all-new Forester will be available at U.S. dealerships this spring. The compact SUV will sport several new features, including an optional rearview camera, a power liftgate and the EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes active safety technologies like Pre-Collision Brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning.

Subaru will also be debuting its new VIZIV Concept in Geneva. Named for the phrase "Vision for Innovation," the Subaru VIZIV Concept is a capable crossover, but its forward-thinking design and technology is expected to make it stand out from the rest of the lineup. As a potential future-generation vehicle, the VIZIV Concept's bolder styling may hint at the Subaru brand's direction in the coming years.

"The VIZIV Concept's new design language and intuitive technologies would be a continuation of Subaru's move toward more style and convenience in recent years," added Kieffer. "While the brand's existing vehicles are beloved for their capability and reliability, the VIZIV's aggressive lines could bring an exciting new dynamic that would really attract a lot of new drivers."

About Balise Subaru:
A trusted Rhode Island Subaru dealer, Balise Subaru offers motorists a large inventory of new and used Subaru vehicles ranging from the capable Subaru Forester to the high-performance Subaru BRZ sports car. Customer service is a top priority at Balise Subaru, and their friendly team makes sure everyone leaves their dealership satisfied regardless of whether they are shopping for a new car or in need of expert maintenance and repairs. Contact the Balise Subaru sales team at 401-352-5909, browse their inventory online at www.balisesubaru.com or visit their showroom at 1300 Post Rd. in Warwick, R.I. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaliseSubaruWarwick.