Forester e-Boxer

For decades now, the yeoman qualities of Subarus have been appreciated by workers on the land and owners on the roads in general. You’re more likely to see a Forester rather than a Bentley being driven by the landed gentry: not because of price but because they are utterly tough and reliable. Eschewing flashy style for sensible solidity, these cars say as much about the good sense and good taste of their owners as the top quality of their engineering.

In the world of international rallying Subaru was a byword for dependability and success in the most gruelling conditions imaginable and the marque’s heritage is supported by numerous victories over the years. But all that is a narrow focus. Let’s move on. Now we must see the broader church and appreciate Subarus for what they really are: different, but in most ways better. It’s no wonder then that the Forester is a car which makes real driving adventures accessible as well as offering the sound practicality that your judgement tells you to go for.

Renowned 4x4 technology imparts leech-like grip, tenacious versatility and ‘go-anywhere’, do-anything confidence. There’s no ‘clever clever’ trickery here: just good honest ‘fit for purpose’ utility with all the added comforts one might desire, but not necessarily expect, in a car of this class and standing.

The £40,895 Forester e-Boxer 2.0i XE Premium Lineartronic uses a horizontally opposed 4 cylinder 2.0 litre petrol engine linked to a small 13.5Kw, ‘permanent magnet synchronous electric motor’. There’s 150PS at your disposal with three drive modes - engine, EV, and motor assist. You can also adjust everything to adapt to the conditions in which you are driving. And you can tow up to 1870 kgs as well.

Naturally, in a cabin that can only be described as ‘top quality’, you get a reversing camera, leather seats and a host of other comfort and safety (Eyesight Assist Monitor which gives you a wake up call if you are dropping off to sleep) features that you would expect in a car costing this much.

Presenting the styling blend of a purposeful SUV and the smooth lines of a modern estate, it’s as ’at home’ in the most elegant settings as well as the ’great outdoors’.