A MODEL that claims to have pioneered the 'crossover' concept is at the forefront of Japanese producer Subaru's assault on UK sales this spring.
The Legacy Outback combines the comfort, interior space and superior on-road handling of a family estate with the off-road capability and ground clearance of an SUV.
And the latest Outback, launched last autumn, wasted no time in picking up a major accolade by being named Sport Utility of Year by a leading American motor journal.
The new, fourth-generation Outback is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor and is also more engaging to drive both on and off-road.
Buyers can choose from five different versions, starting with the £26,295 Outback 2.0-litre diesel SE and 2.5i SE petrol models while the flagship 3.6-litre R costs £32,835.
The 1,998cc diesel, which has a six-speed manual gearbox, produces 150PS while the 2.5-litre petrol unit, with its standard 'Lineartronic' automatic transmission, develops 167PS and the 3.6-litre five-speed automatic R offers 260PS.
Lineartronic is Subaru's new, in-house-developed CVT-type transmission and enables the engine to operate at the most efficient part of its rev-range - resulting in strong acceleration and improved fuel economy.
There's also fresh styling for the longer, wider and taller 2010 Subaru Legacy Tourer estate, with prices from £23,295.
Key to the Legacy's sustained appeal over two decades has been its practicality. Boasting a whopping 526 litres of stowage with the 60/40 split rear seats in place, the new model offers an additional 67 litres over its predecessor. Fold the rear pews flat and a cavernous 1,677-litre cargo hold is created.
In a revised engine line-up, buyers have the choice of Subaru Boxer engines - either 2.0-litre diesel or 2.5-litre petrol. A six-speed manual unit comes as standard with the diesel, while the petrol benefits from the Lineartronic automatic transmission.
Having already earned its stripes in Legacy, Outback and Forester models, Subaru's the boxer diesel engine is also now available in the stylish Impreza hatchback.
The sporty Impreza 2.0D offers customers a refreshing take on the small family car, combining spacious, hatchback flexibility and diesel economy with Subaru's trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system.
The newcomer clocks up a refreshing 47.9mpg on the combined cycle to give a potential range of 670 miles on a full tank while still capable of hitting 62mph from standstill in nine seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph.
Entry to the Subaru range comes in the shape of the Justy supermini, which comes with a 1.0-litre three cylinder engine and choice of two trim grades - the 1.0 R at £9,305 and the 1.0 Twin Cam at £9,995.
Both are comfortable, spacious, well equipped and capable of returning an average 56.5mpg.
Deals lasting until March 31 include a '333' offer providing three years servicing, warranty and roadside assistance on all normally aspirated Subaru Impreza models and £1,000 worth of accessories and half price Performance Pack on turbo models.
There are also 2.0D SureTrak special edition models of the Forester, costing £25,965, that offer more than £1,000 worth of extra kit.