To utilise the vehicle’s performance in the best possible way, a highly
rigid body is required, while a lighter body is also essential for
increasing driving performance. For an ideal balance of both of these
qualities, Subaru has created a highly rigid and lightweight body by
comprehensively using aluminium materials and high tensile steel plates
throughout the vehicle. A degree of flexibility has also been
incorporated to allow the chassis, and suspension movements in
particular, to perform better.
For better safety in the event of an accident, Subaru has implemented
its own technical development based on examinations of actual accidents.
One of the most significant results that benefits protection in all
directions is the “Ring-Shaped Reinforced Frames”. Each pillar,
including the centre pillar, body side frames and floor crossmember are
positioned in a ring-like layout, all connected to form a protective
shell. This cage-like design firmly encompasses the driving area that is
the cabin. In addition to this is the structure of the front of the
vehicle, only made possible by longitudinally mounting the
Horizontally-Opposed Engine. The side frames extend straight from the
cabin to the position of the bumpers in a symmetrical manner to create a
frame layout that absorbs energy from frontal collisions effectively.
These qualities all ensure that the Ring-Shaped Reinforced Frames
provides a balance between protecting against collisions and controlling
energy dissipation, from any direction. The result is the world's
leading safety levels.