Subaru Outback Wins Interior of the Year Award

SYDNEY – April 13, 2010: The new generation Subaru Outback has received the 2010 Ward's Auto Interior of the Year Award in the United States, for the popular-priced car under US$29,999.

The awards list features winners in pricing and vehicle type categories, as well as special award winners for design, versatility and brand expression.

"We are thrilled that the 2010 Outback has been recognised by Ward's Auto in their 2010 Auto Interior of the Year Awards," said David Sullivan, Car Line Manager, Subaru of America, Inc. "During the design process, we spoke with numerous customers about what they wanted in a vehicle and we used their feedback to develop a car that is not only comfortable, but also includes interior features such as an electronic parking brake to open up console space and 60/40 reclining rear seatbacks.

“Coupled with 29 EPA mpg (8.1 l/100km) on our 2.5i CVT model, and over 71 cubic feet (2.010 cubic metres) of available cargo space, the changes made to the Outback's interior have definitely resonated with consumers as sales have doubled each month over the same period as last year."

A team of eight Ward's editors evaluated 40 vehicles that have either all-new or significantly upgraded interiors this year. The vehicles - both car and truck - were divided into segments, with one winner named in each category.

Judging criteria included aesthetics and design harmony, comfort, driver information, ergonomics, fit and finish, materials, safety and overall value.

"For years, the focus on safety and functionality has given us drab, uninspired vehicle interiors," said Ward's AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter. "This year's winners show style and original design is becoming as important inside the vehicle as it already is to the sheet metal outside. The new Subaru Outback is an efficiently designed package that delivers more room for passengers, more cargo space and an extra four inches (10.16 cm) of rear-seat legroom, compared with the old Outback," Winter continued.

The awards will be presented during a ceremony held as part of the Ward's Auto Interiors Conference on May 19 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan