THINK Subaru and it tends to be the glitzy Impreza that gets the limelight.
The slightly more sensible Legacy and Outback are a little like forgotten members of the family that are consigned to the background.
It’s something of a shame as both deserve to enjoy a bit more recognition.
Currently the Legacy is only available as an estate, the Outback being a crossover version that sits higher off the ground and bridges the gap nicely between a standard estate and an SUV.
For all the company’s renowned engineering prowess Subarus sometimes feel a little lacklustre on the inside. It’s as if all the time and energy has gone into delivering a great driver’s car and what’s on the inside is an after thought.
However the latest Legacy and Outback stand out in the range for offering a more salubrious and stylish interior, the dashboard in particular being well thought out and arranged with a real premium kind of feel to it.
Of course if you are going to go for a ‘sensible’ car like this then one would imagine a diesel is the only option.
But if you’re prepared to let your heart rule your head then the range-topping 3.6 R Auto is something special.
Under the bonnet is a thumping great six cylinder 3.6-litre petrol engine that will ensure you have a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.
Smooth and sweet, it also packs a punch that’s somewhat uncharacteristic for a car one might normally associate with towing a caravan.
An amazingly versatile engine management system is described by Subaru as three engines in one and in all honesty this description is not too far off the mark.
It's called SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) and allows the driver to choose between 'economy', 'normal' or 'sporty' modes.
I spent the early part of my session at the wheel using the economy or 'intelligent' mode.
In truth I found it somewhat dull and sluggish and rather at odds with the fact there was a 3.6-litre engine under the bonnet.
Therein though lies the system's inherent cleverness, as this setting is really designed for pootling around town or cruising on a motorway. Smooth and sedate with a gentle throttle response the aim is to eliminate any unnecessary use of fuel.
Sport mode raises the bar somewhat, and effectively transforms the character of the engine in an instant, while at the same time offering a set-up that is suited to both overall use and more spirited driving.
Many cars offer this extra dimension contrasting sport and 'normal' settings but rather like the 'Spinal Tap' amplifiers that 'went up to 11' Subaru take things one step further.
Sport Sharp mode lifts performance to another level, so much so that compared to the intelligent mode it feels like a completely different car altogether - a real wolf in sheep's clothing if ever there was one.
With the Sport Sharp mode engaged you really start to feel the benefits of Subaru’s four-wheel-drive system, as well as the capabilities of the excellent suspension.
While it's not quite as agile or as sharp as the Impreza, it's a car that copes well with being driven hard, offering excitement a-plenty but still feeling composed and assured.
And if you fancy using it as a manual there’s a pair of large paddle shifts on the steering wheel that feel good to the touch and would not look out of place in an F1 car.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Outback 3.6 R Auto
Price: £35,795
Mechanical: 260bhp, 3,630cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 5-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 7.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 28.2
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 232g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles