Subaru Launches Police Sales Assault

Symmetrical all-wheel drive specialist, Subaru, has launched a serious assault on the police car market targeting both unmarked and high-visibility liveried use.

Already favoured by several forces, the iconic Impreza will be joined by the sporting executive Legacy and crossover Forester in a three-pronged attack.

This follows Subaru winning approval as an official supplier by the Police Information Technology Organisation.

In addition, the first decaled demonstration Forester has just hit the highways complete with all the equipment required for the official police-spec ‘Utility 4x4’ category.

Acknowledging the importance of this initiative, Subaru has appointed specialist motor services outsource, Landar Ltd, to establish a Police Sales Unit.

Headed by Programme Manager, Lance Jenkins, this will provide dedicated sales and operational support.

This unit has already received orders for a number of unmarked Imprezas and Legacys by various constabularies and Lance has now begun a charm offensive on fleet managers from more than 40 police forces throughout the UK.

He said: "The performance, agility and reliability of the Impreza is already well known by many forces but few appreciate how ideal the Forester is for rural use and as an all-terrain multi-function vehicle.

"The Legacy is also very attractive as a low-profile ‘stealth’ car where covert surveillance and eventual pursuit is required. It will be my job to get the Subaru on more shopping lists and to raise its profile among the constabularies."

Subaru’s Police Sales unit will also offer interested forces extended vehicle loans for up to six months under a new ‘try and buy’ programme.

While the entire Subaru range is available for police demonstration, the new-look ’06 Forester 2.5 XT is the first liveried vehicle to begin trials.

It features a 230 PS turbocharged engine which is good for a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds yet has a 200 mm-plus ground clearance and full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive, making it a formidable pursuit vehicle should villains decide to leave the highway.