THE business of testing cars can be a bit spooky at times.
The Subaru Forester XT is a sporty 4x4 that has a host of extras to handle bad weather. I'm lent one for a week and what happens? Five centimetres of snow fall from the heavens in defiance of global warming.
Who needs a specially designed off-road track within a snowball's distance of the Arctic circle when Mother Nature can provide the real thing right outside your front door?
So how did it handle the stuff kids dream of? Well Rudolph pulling Santa's sleigh couldn't have been more sure-footed.
Once the snow drift had been swept off the windows - no doubt a gizmo will be invented to do this soon - the climate control, heated door mirrors, heated front seats, de-icer washer fluid for the windscreen and headlamp washers did the rest.
What's more it wasn't the summer holidays before I was ready for the off.
Warm and able to see, driving in the snow did not present the usual nerve-shattering experience. The Subaru's permanent all wheel drive gave confidence in a blizzard where none should have existed.
The automatic version we tested had the benefit of what Subaru calls Active Torque Split - otherwise known as a damned good idea. Basically it allows a winter setting for added traction so that when snow or other difficult conditions cause one or more wheels to slip, it is corrected via electronic control to maximise traction.
But this car hasn't forgotten the Sport in its SUV classification. The electronic wizardry also provides a setting allowing the engine to rev higher before changing up. Useful when an upstart saloon needs a lesson in manners.
If the Forester could talk, it would claim to be a hot hatch and with good reason.
The two-litre turbocharged engine allows the XT to perform an impression of a pocket rocket akin to Rory Bremner's take on Tony Blair. 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 121mph (7.9 seconds and 125mph in the manual version) are impressive stats, especially when added to a combined fuel economy figure of 37.2mpg.
Indeed the latest Forester has more surprises than Cilla on a Saturday night.
The top draw turbo causes havoc at traffic lights. The Subaru's getaway leaves other motorists as startled as Ian Duncan Smith with a vote-winning policy. Attention is diverted towards this ballistic beast causing instant black spots where none previously existed.
The excellent torque at low revs produced by the engine means the car is tailor made for towing, while cruise control makes life easy on motorways. The steering is light and precise and the turning circle is very tight, making for easy manoeuvring.
Inside there is now a more executive feel, thanks to features like the new tactile dimple pattern finish on the fascia, the metallic look trim on the centre console and the soft padded cloth on the roof lining.
There are also a host of extras that make the Forester easier to live with, like two roof holders for sunglasses, a compartment for an umbrella, a 60/40 split rear seat, and a dinky fold out cup holder for the driver and front seat passenger.
One of the new standard features on the latest model is its self-levelling suspension, and there are a number of aluminium parts fitted to save weight, including the bonnet.
Despite being slightly shorter, the new Forester offers more passenger space. The rear seats have been moved backwards and the front seats forward and upwards to give more leg room, particularly for rear seat passengers who can now slide their legs under the front seats.
Comfort, style, speed and an all weather angel. The Subaru XT automatic is snow joke.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Forester XT Automatic
Price: £20,995
Mechanical: 130bhp, 1994cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 4spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 121 mph
0-60mph: 8.3 seconds
Combined mpg: 37.2 mpg
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 236g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint