Why the Forester is really the genesis

It first appeared in 1997 when such models were far from the fashionable all-conquering beasts they are today. Rather, they were farmer’s vehicles or rugged transport for outdoor-types.

Nineteen years on, Forester remains true to the original. While today’s crossovers tend to appeal to on-message urban types, Forester is more at home in, appropriately, a forest.

That’s not to say it won’t suit as a road car, too. It rides and handles better than you might expect and it returns decent economy and 0 to 60mph times, but its chunky looks mark it out as a car much more at home in the countryside.

Forester is Subaru’s best-seller, which might be a surprise to those who love the all-action Impreza saloon car. In fact, early Foresters were based on the Impreza running gear.

Forester has developed strongly over the years and it has recently had a comprehensive makeover.

A new cabin, more soundproofing and, interestingly, steering-responsive headlights are part of the package now.

Every Forester is equipped with two core Subaru technologies: Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, giving surefootedness in all conditions; and the latest-generation four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engines, contributing to the low centre of gravity beneficial to balance, road-holding and handling.

So far, so good. The 2016 Subaru Forester has had an exterior and interior refresh. The new front with a new-look grille gives it a cleaner, more stylish appearance. The old model did look a little 1970s, so this fresher face is welcome.

The change is designed to emphasise the car’s relatively low centre of gravity, wide stance and exvellent stability.

Inside the cabin, there is a fresher look and more upmarket feel. Again, this is welcome because the old Forester cabin was a little too understated. It has a new 7in touchscreen ‘infotainment’ and navigation system which is as good as any of its rivals.

Some of the changes are hard to appreciate such as the thicker glass, for example, which make for a quieter ride. Additional soundproofing material has been added around the dashboard, minimising noise from wind rush and the engine.

It comes with a choice of three very good engines - two petrol and one diesel - which feature Subaru’s trademark flat-four ‘boxer’ layout. It comes with manual gears or - unusual in the SUV sector – a constantly variable transmission (CVT) auto called Lineartronic.

All get Subaru’s four-wheel drive system which gives great all-weather grip. It also gives the Forester excellent off-road ability, and few in this class are as accomplished in the rough stuff. There is no cut-price two-wheel drive version either because Forester is a proper off-road vehicle.

There are prettier SUVs and there are more road-friendly SUVs. But there aren’t too many chunky, bomb-proof SUVs around.

Subaru Forester 2.0D X

PRICE: £25,495

ENGINE: A 1,998cc four cylinder diesel engine generating 147bhp via four wheel drive

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 118mph and 0 to 60mph in 9.9 seconds

COSTS: Town 39.8mpg; country 57.6mpg; combined 49.6mpg

EMISSIONS: 148g/km

INSURANCE: Group 24E

WARRANTY: Five years, 100,000 miles

Key point: a well-priced and highly capable SUV which is reasonably priced and has strong chunky looks.

Rivals: Kia Sportage is cheaper and prettier but not a match for Forester when it comes to the rough stuff.

Land Rover Discovery: more capable but the Forester runs it close and it’s much cheaper than Discovery, too.

Suzuki Vitara: a better rival than you might imagine. Almost as capable and much cheaper.