Subaru Forester prices

Prices have been annouced for the fourth-generation Subaru Forester SUV. Due to hit UK showrooms in May there will be three different engines to choose from with prices starting at £24,995 for the entry-level diesel.

The new car is more of a comprehensive facelift than an all-new model but Subaru promises that it will feature big improvements to efficiency and interior quality that will justify the small rise in prices over the outgoing model and to compete with the likes of the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.

Petrol versions start at £25,495 for the 2.0i XE and rise to £30,995 for the flagship 2.0-litre turbocharged model which comes with direct-injection technology and produces 237bhp. Go for the automatic model which comes with a CVT gearbox and the list price rises by £1,500.

More popular will be the 2.0D diesel model, which costs from £24,995.

All versions of the Forester will come with symmetical four-wheel drive as standard and even basic models should come with alloy wheels, air-con and cruise control all included. Top spec premium models are between £2,000 and £4,000 more than the standard car depending which engine you choose and are likely to include luxury equipment like full leather upholstery and heated seats.

Subaru is hoping that these competitive prices combined with a more favourable exchange rate will soon allow it to cut the on the road price of the XV crossover - which currently starts at £24,295 for the entry-level diesel to create more distance between the two.

Full technical details and specifications for the new Forester will be revealed in mid-April.