Subarus have long been noted for their safety, but it appears the new 2008 Impreza has just moved the bar a notch higher. The rear doors have an additional "catch" down low to help prevent a cave-in under hard impact.
The Mazda3 also has similar feature, and I've heard it may also be found on recent Subaru Legacys and Outbacks. It's good to see these types of items usually found on more expensive brands trickle down to lower priced vehicles...
kurtamaxxxguy says:
10:03 AM, 06/13/07
Good to see, fer sur.
These are also in the discontinued Malibu Maxx, near the rear bottom of the rear door's frame.
ateixeira says:
11:28 AM, 06/13/07
Window frames, too. They're really trying to make this model more refined.
flicmod says:
04:05 PM, 06/13/07
My girlfriend has an 02 Protege and when I opened the rear door, i noticed it had this feature. And I just walked out and checked my TSX. It has it too. I think these things are more prevalent than one may think.
bbechtel16 says:
05:39 PM, 06/13/07
Lightweight passive safety, I'm all for it!
rsholland says:
05:43 PM, 06/13/07
Flicmod
Could be, as that's not an area I look at when checking out cars. I will be more aware of it now though.