Subaru
Subaru's reputation is built on its devotion to four-wheel drive and unique ‘boxer’ engines which give better weight distribution. Popular in rural areas, the three-strong range offers solidly built, dependable motoring, whatever the weather.
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Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester sits somewhere between a small off-roader and a large estate. This gives the benefit of a large luggage space and a high driving position. Thanks to the jacked-up suspension, the Forester performs quite well off road, and rides comfortably when on it. Four-wheel drive is standard on all models, and all feature dull but well built and well-equipped interiors. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is short of pace, so it’s better to go for the punchy 2.0-litre diesel version.
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Subaru Legacy
Only the estate version of the Subaru Legacy is offered in UK showrooms these days. Its available in standard trim, and as a jacked up "Outback", which rivals the Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo XC70. The Japanese company decided not to replace the old saloon with a new model, as it sold in such tiny numbers. The new look Legacy is not what you would describe as a pretty car - but it is roomy inside, well equipped, has a massive boot and feels like it’s been built to last a lifetime. It also has four-wheel drive across the range, so it can tackle muddier ground. However, it’s expensive to buy and run.
Subaru Outback
There's currently no saloon version of the Legacy available, only a pair of estates. The most popular is the Outback version, which offers the off road ability of an SUV, thanks to its jacked up suspension and armoured bodywork. It's comfortable and quiet to drive and extremely well built. There a distinctive sounding flat-four configuration diesel engine available, and even entry level cars have the kit and comfort to rival an Audi costing as much as £10,000 more.
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Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza earned a cult following with its legendary performances in the World Rally Championship. The high performance WRX versions are still the most attractive models in the range, but there's more to the Impreza than that nowadays. Few cars in its class are offered with four-wheel drive, but all Imprezas have it as standard, making it popular in rural areas. More sedate 1.5- and 2.0-litre versions are also available and it has a great reliability record.
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Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a front-engined, rear wheel-drive sports car from the makers of the Impreza WRX STI. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, the BRZ produces 197bhp and is capable of 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds. It's designed to provide the maximum amount of driving pleasure for the least possible cost, making the most of its very low weight and low centre of gravity. Affordable, comfortable and good looking, Subaru's new coupe is very impressive.
Subaru XV
The XV is Subaru's entrant into the highly competitive compact SUV or crossover class. The jacked-up suspension and practical hatchback body offers buyers a highly practical and comfortable addition to the Subaru range.
