That is the reason why I had to send my SVX back to NZ, as it wouldn't have qualified.
All passenger vehicles ex Japan (except 4Wd SUVs) imported into NZ must now meet the 1996 Japanese Frontal Impact Crash Standard.
However, I checked with Subaru here in Japan about my '93 SVX. Their response was that ALL JDM SVX models would meet the 96 standard but one was never tested so they couldn't provide a written confirmation. The '97 JDM models were exempt from the test as only 500 were made and thus considered a 'low volume' vehicle.
Those models from Chassis No. CXW-005001 onwards had dual airbags, which is most probably why they are approved.
Meanwhile my SVX sits in storage in NZ.
I will be sending my 23 year old Isuzu back to NZ next year without any problems though as vehicles over 20 years old are considered "classics" and exempt from the above requirement.
