Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Winter 2009/2010 Legacy | Page 14

TECHNOLOGY GO HANDS-FREE FOR CAREFREE CONNECTIVITY New legislation makes hands-free connectivity a must – luckily, Subaru has the optimal solution. New driver distraction and cellphone usage laws are slowly spreading across Canada, prohibiting hand-held cellphone use while driving. As recently as October 26, 2009, Ontario was Canada’s fourth province to pass a ban, joining Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Quebec. Alberta, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island are considering similar bans while BC’s government just announced plans to ban texting while driving. BC’s new law will also limit new drivers from talking on their cellphones entirely while experienced drivers would only be prohibited from using hand-held cellphone devices. The new legislation arrives on the heels of damaging recent studies. According to Transport Canada, driver distraction is a contributing factor in almost 20% of all collisions. More than that, the study also found that drivers who use cellphones are four times more likely to be in a crash. So what can you do to stay safe and stay in touch? Luckily, there are some acceptable methods to stay connected while driving. Hands-free technology is the answer for the multi-tasking driver. While behind the wheel, drivers can use a cellphone with a headset or earpiece, or a permanent microphone feature that connects to the vehicle’s audio system or to a dedicated speaker. Unfortunately, headsets and earpieces can feel uncomfortable and make hands-free connectivity more difficult than it has to be. Any system that is fully integrated with your vehicle should be easier to use and provide clear voice dialing features for safer and more convenient communication. Since the new legislation makes hands-free technology a must-have feature for many car buyers, Subaru has responded by offering voice-activated blueconnect® hands-free systems and Bluetooth® connectivity systems on many Subaru models (see sidebars). Subaru’s Bluetooth® systems make the road a safer place by wirelessly routing calls through a permanently mounted microphone and the vehicle’s audio system or through a dedicated speaker – so drivers can keep their eyes on the road (and hands on the wheel). Because Bluetooth® is a universal standard, most Bluetooth®-enabled cellphones will function with Subaru Bluetooth® systems. AVAILABLE SUBARU SYSTEMS GETTING CONNECTED BLUETOOTH® HANDS-FREE SYSTEM Select 2010 Impreza WRX STI models and Forester models equipped with the Multimedia Option include a Bluetooth® hands-free calling system integrated with the navigation and audio system. After automatically connecting to your compatible mobile phone, a convenient one-touch call answer button lets you comfortably speak into the microphone without any unnecessary distractions. VOICE-ACTIVATED BLUETOOTH® HANDS-FREE SYSTEM All 2010 Legacy and Outback models equipped with the Multimedia Option feature a new voice-activated Bluetooth® hands-free calling system also integrated with the audio and navigation system. Calls coming through on your mobile phone can be accessed via the touchscreen or steering wheel controls. BLUECONNECT® The fully voice-activated blueconnect® Bluetooth® hands-free system – customized exclusively for Subaru – now comes standard on select models and is also available as an accessory on many others throughout the 2010 lineup. This selfcontained system offers multiple phone pairing for up to seven phones, storage for up to 32 names, three different language options (English, French and Spanish) and voice-recognition technology. 2010 IMPREZA 2010 LEGACY 2010 FORESTER 2010 OUTBACK 2010 TRIBECA Voice-activated navigation-integrated system – Limited Package with Multimedia Option, 2.5GT – Limited Package with Multimedia Option – Navigation-integrated system WRX STI Sport-tech Package – 2.5X Limited Package and 2.5XT Limited, both with Multimedia Option – – Voice-activated blueconnect® Accessory* 2.5i Sport Package, 2.5i Limited Package, 3.6R, also available as an accessory Accessory* 2.5i Sport, 3.6R, also available as an accessory Limited Package, Premier Package, also available as an accessory *Available early 2010 on select models.