SUBARU claims significant improvements have been made to the structural safety of the new Forester. Side strength has been increased about 20 per cent over the previous model by using a centre pillar (B-pillar) with a larger cross section. The structure of the B-pillar uses a new high strength lightweight construction method called "tailored blanked welding", which involves two steel plates laser welded together prior to stamping. This method is said to retain the strength of a single, one-piece stamping but at a vastly reduced weight. The B-pillar also features a bead and hole that controls the point of deformation in a side impact. Crash compatibility with other (larger) vehicles has been attended to through strengthening in the front frame, toe board, body base and side frame areas, while newly developed hydro-formed subframe and side frames are said to protect occupants by absorbing and dispersing impact energy.