THE Subaru Legacy is more subtle and relaxed than its Tarmac-chewing Impreza Turbo brother but it still has superb handling and road-holding helped by permanent four wheel drive.

I remember doing a cross country trip in sleet and snow when I was testing the cheapest two-litre saloon some years ago and it was fantastic.

It kept me going when others were sliding and floundering and did so easily and safely. It is also one of the most reliable cars you can buy.

Even with that four-wheel-drive, many are cheaper than rivals' two-wheel-drive models and they also hold value better over time, so good cheap ones are quite hard to find.

Petrol engines are 2.0 and 2.5-litre flat fours and a 3.0-litre flat six, there is also an excellent 2.0-litre flat four diesel.

All are available in both stylish saloon and load lugger estate, and Outback estates have raised suspension for better rough terrain ability.

The light easy clutch compliments a slick changing gearbox and the brakes are well up to holding everything in check.

There is room for five in comfort, the boot is big and standard equipment is very generous. A five speed automatic is available throughout the range.