THE Forester X is refreshingly light to handle and has the pace and spring of a startled gazelle. Just what you would expect from Subaru, I guess.
The company's boast is that the new and strikingly styled Forester offers an unrivalled combination of performance and handling, estate car practicality and sports-utility, all-terrain ability.
Which is a mouthful when you say it, but a justified mouthful! What you get is an exhilarating, lively drive which is so impressive that were you blindfolded and taken on a trip in the vehicle, you'd be hard-pressed to distinguish it from a sporty saloon.
This latest model replaces the 1997 version and now has the road-presence to match its driving dynamics and a good-looking interior more akin to an executive-class German car than its mainly Japanese 4X4 rivals.
Now badged 'X' for 'crossover' and 'XT' for 'crossover turbo' the new Forester offers the choice of a 125 PS two-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or a 177 PS turbo with either automatic or manual transmission.
The range starts at £16,445 for the Forester 2.0 X - with the higher spec 'All Weather Pack' model costing £18,245. Automatic versions are £1,000 extra.
Equipment levels are much higher than the previous Forester with, for example, the addition of climate-control air conditioning for the 2.0 X and alloy wheels for the 'All Weather Pack.'
Meanwhile the Forester XT costs £20,995 on the road.
For me, that means both are regrettably out of my range, which is disappointing because within seconds of being behind the wheel I was smitten.
This car would be ideal for my wife and I and our two children, particularly as life always seems to be so rushed and fast-paced for us.
Improvements for 2004 include a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. All Foresters also benefit from slicker, lower-friction manual and automatic transmissions. Emissions and fuel consumption are also lower thanks to a fast warm-up device on the Forester X and ACVS on the XT.
In addition, all 2004 Foresters enjoy firmer-feeling steering with improved straight-line stability and greater resistance to road camber.
Slightly shorter but with wider tracks, the new Forester is also wider inside with much greater rear seat legroom thanks to a rear seat moved back and front seats moved forward and up, allowing passengers' legs to stretch further under the front seats.
Safety enhancements include active front head-restraints, a dual mode passenger airbag, optional head and chest protecting side airbags and a brake pedal that snaps away under severe impact, protecting the driver's lower limbs.
UK-inspired security measures range from deadlocks, keyless entry and shielded door locks to a sophisticated immobiliser and alarm.
These initiatives plus easier-to-repair accident damage parts have led to lower insurance costs for the new car.
Fundamental to the new Forester is the low centre of gravity afforded by its all-alloy horizontally-opposed engine and fully revised Impreza-based chassis with long-travel all independent suspension and full-time all wheel drive.
The low centre of gravity means the Forester can offer a similar high seating position and ground clearance to a conventional SUV but with outstanding handling and active safety.
The new Forester also offers terrific off-road and on-road stability.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Forester 2.0 X All Weather
Price: £18,245
Mechanical: 136bhp, 1,994cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-60mph: 10.9 secs
Combined mpg: 33.2
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 204g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust