Subaru Forester

Now the firm hopes to change that with a new version which offers the previous model's car-like driving appeal and off-road ability, and also has less boxy styling. It certainly looks more mature than the original, with smoother contours and larger headlights, while a deeper rear window and bigger tailgate opening make it more user-friendly.

Inside, things have improved, but some switches feel brittle, the dashboard's cubby has a cheap feel and there's too much grey everywhere.

Out on the road, the new car feels just like the old one - and that's no bad thing. Under the upright bodywork is a four-wheel-drive Impreza chassis: rally-winning hardware, in other words. This gives the Forester similar driving characteristics to the saloon, with great steering feel and chassis balance and superb grip. It does not disgrace itself off-road, either, having good traction on slippery slopes and, in non-turbo models, selectable low range transmission. The only trade-off is a lower ride height than on conventional 4x4s.

At launch, two models will be available. The Forester X features a 2.0-litre 123bhp unit using Subaru's traditional flat-four 'boxer' layout, while the XT version adds a turbo and an extra 52bhp, bringing the output to 175bhp.

That makes the turbocharged car a real flier which is incredibly quick off the mark thanks to its all-wheel-drive transmission, as well as assured and responsive at speed. The 0-60mph dash takes only 7.9 seconds, while a slick-shifting gearbox and powerful brakes boost driver confidence.

By comparison, the 2.0 X is disappointing. It drinks more fuel than most 2.0-litre estates, returning only 24mpg in town, but lacks the performance sparkle of its turbo brother. It's still a capable machine, however, and company car users will find it tempting against mainstream SUVs thanks to a 22 per cent CO2 tax rating - a whole nine tax percentage points less than a 1.8-litre petrol Land Rover Freelander.

Consider, too, those excellent driving characteristics and the Forester becomes an interesting choice for the shrewd buyer. If you don't mind being different, it may well 'wet' your appetite.