IT'S strange how automotive classifications can change their meaning - ‘crossover' being a case in point.

Once upon a time a small band of estates with four-wheel-drive capability and high ground clearance were billed as crossovers, whereas now its scaled-down SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai and the many imitators that have followed in its wake.

As one of the original crossovers Subaru's Outback was always a popular choice, with rugged appeal a-plenty and all round capability due to Subaru's excellent four-wheel-drive system.

The current version maintains that tradition and as ever is based on the regular Subaru Legacy estate.

While falling short of being a favourite of the fashionistas the latest Outback, like the Legacy, looks good and perhaps most importantly for any car in this class is splendidly spacious throughout.

Best of all perhaps it has a functional and modern interior that has moved on considerably from Subarus of old where the interior seemed nothing more than an afterthought.

On the inside the Outback has a premium kind of feel combined with instrumentation that is well laid out and easy to navigate your way round. Very user-friendly for want of a better word.

Looking back another traditional downside with it was the lack of a diesel engine, essentially ensuring that removing it from a short-list of estate choices was a no-brainer.

And while it would be nice to have a bigger more gutsy diesel unit as an added option the 2.0-litre Boxer diesel remains a capable performer.

It is impressively refined and splendidly smooth and mated to a short-shifting gearbox, four-wheel-drive and an excellent suspension system makes for a driving experience that is both rewarding and fulfilling.

Additionally the overall set-up combines agile handling with a high level of comfort.

Economy is good too, with a combined fuel economy figure in the mid forties it helps make the Outback affordable to run.

While you don't tend to see them in their droves on UK roads the Outback is well worth a look as an alternative to a mid-market estate like a Mondeo or even some of the more salubrious contenders in the premium segment.