Subaru has announced that its new generation Subaru Forester and EXIGA have received the top six-star crashworthiness ratings for occupant safety in testing conducted by the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP).

JNCAP testing is conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism along with the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims Aid.

The little we have been able to dig up on JNCAP testing, suggests that it evaluates occupant protection under high-speed full-frontal, offset frontal and side collisions.

Brake performance is also tested in wet and dry conditions, with stopping distances and vehicle stability being evaluated when emergency braking from 100km/h.

Both the Forester and Exiga received a six-star rating for driver’s seat and front passenger seat protection and a high Level Five rating for pedestrian head protection.

Last year, the Subaru Impreza was awarded JNCAP’s Grandprix award for its high occupant safety rating.

We first saw the Exiga in the flesh at this year’s Melbourne International Motor Show, where it was announced that Australia will become the first export market for EXIGA, when it is launched locally around December.

GALLERY » MIMS 2009 - SUBARU EXIGA