The all new Subaru WRX STI has been awarded the well regarded 'Top Safety Pick' status by the U.S.A's Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The accolade is the highest possible vehicle safety ranking awarded by the IIHS, a not-for-profit organisation which is supported by car insurers there.

Subjected to five different types of IIHS crash test designed to evaluate occupant protection in the event of a collision, the new Subaru WRX STI earned the top rating of 'Good' in all categories, thereby fulfilling the criteria required of any 'Top Safety Pick'.

The IIHS crash tests include high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, and evaluations of seat and head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The organisation also conducts the demanding 'small overlap front test'.

The test replicates a crash, which occurs when the front corner of the drivers' side collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or pylon at 65km/h.

This is not the first time Subaru has recorded the impressive results as its other models - including the Outback and XV - were also named as 'Top Safety Picks' by the organisation.