THERE is currently a great debate raging within motoring circles as to what came first.
Forget the egg and the chicken discussion because this is a much more serious matter, for some anyway.
No, we are talking about the Subaru Outback or the Ford Model T.
There is even a suggestion that Noah tossed a coin as to whether to choose the ark or the Japanese workhorse when the heavens opened up.
In the end either option would have done the trick as the Scooby has almost as much space as any load-lugger you care to pitch it against.
Just for the record the Outback was first introduced to our roads some 14 years ago and has been doing well eversince, thank you very much.
Now in its fourth generation guise this hugely impressive and rugged estate has all the attributes to keep it ahead of the field.
Like many of its arch-rivals the Outback is now equipped to tackle everything and anything thrown in its direction.
Longer, wider and taller than previous models the all-new estate has grown into a substantial beast that deserves all the admiring glances it gains.
Subaru designers have certainly toned it up on the outside to offer a more muscular presence without ultimately looking like something glamour puss Jordan would drag home after a night on the tiles.
So, let’s be grateful for small mercies on that score.
The angular front end makes the Outback instantly recognisable even from a distance away while the large, gaping air-intake housed centrally on the bonnet distinguishes its sporting pedigree.
Two large fog lights are now slung low underneath the front bumper to enhance its visual appeal even further.
Side on, the raised waistline gives the vehicle further purpose and strength, providing the driver and passengers with additional knowledge that this is no shrinking violet no matter the road conditions.
The wheelbase has been extended and the extra space put to good use within the already well-appointed cabin area.
There is additional legroom both front and rear while the luggage compartment also gains from the extra couple of inches.
One of the previous criticisms of the Outback was the poor quality interior finish but this has thankfully been addressed head-on.
The plastics are much sturdier and richer than before while the cloth fabric offers better comfort and shape.
Equipment levels have also been improved beyond recognition with all models featuring cruise control, electric sunroof and dual air conditioning to name but a few.
My favourite – and clearly showing my age now – were the heated front seats which were superb during the recent cold snap.
There is nothing to beat toasted buns on a bitterly icy day although it does make leaving such a comfortable environment even harder.
While these toys are nice the Outback does have a serious technological side to it including self-levelling suspension and all-wheel-drive underpinnings to ensure maximum grip at all times.
And with much of Britain’s roads network resembling the surface of the Moon it is comforting to know that the Subaru will comfortably tackle any environment competently and without a second thought.
Tucked under the bonnet is the new 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine which delivers 150PS and is geared towards cleaner, more efficient motoring.
I have to say that the official fuel consumption figure of more than 44 miles to the gallon was easily achievable on most journeys.
Around town the Outback offered up bright and breezy care-free motoring while on the motorway it quickly changed into a mileage-muncher that ate up distances in jig time.
With a price tag of just under £28,000 I have to hand out the plaudits to Subaru for coming up with something totally unexpected.
At long last the Outback is an accomplished beast that deserves due consideration by any family who like to escape from the rigours of modern-day life.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Outback 2.0D SE
Price: £27,995
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual
Max speed: 120mph
0-62mph: 9.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 167 g/km
BIK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles