The Subaru Forester has been named MOTOR TREND magazines 2014 Sport/Utility of the Year.
The U.S. specification Forester previously won the award in 2009 and Outback in 2010, meaning Subaru is the only brand to have won the award three times.
MOTOR TREND Editor-in-Chief, Ed Loh, said The 2014 Subaru Forester beat a highly competitive field of SUVs because it best met our awards six key criteria.
Smart design, thoughtful engineering, and a compelling performance on road and off were the keys to the Foresters 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.
MOTOR TREND's Sport/Utility of the Year is only open to all-new or substantially upgraded vehicles that have gone on sale in the 12 months from November the previous year.
To judge contenders for the award, MOTOR TREND's editorial staff conducted an exhaustive testing process. The judging criteria include six categories: design advancement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value.
The U.S. spec Forester, which went on sale in March 2013, was developed with the goal to maximize its value as a true SUV.
Featuring Subaru's renowned symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system at its core, the fourth generation Forester boasts a higher level of driveability as well as enhanced safety and environmental performance. combined with much improved capabilities as an SUV, offering fun-to-use versatility and fun-to-travel driving performance.
In May 2013, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS, a non-profit organisation supported by auto insurers in the U.S.) awarded the best possible ranking of 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK + to the Forester currently sold in the North American region.
This info and more can be found at: http://www.subaru.com.au
