ONCE upon a time car buyers had just a handful of crossovers to choose from but now they seem to be here, there and everywhere.

Cars like the Subaru Outback, the Audi allroad and Volvo's XC70 really were trendsetters, pioneering the idea of a vehicle that represents a halfway house between an estate car and an SUV.

Crossovers tend to sit higher, more often than not offer four-wheel-drive and often come with plastic cladding to give them a more rugged look.

Subaru has always tended to favour a tried and tested reputation for capability over bling and the Outback has been a long-standing favourite for caravan owners and the country set.

One could argue the Outback has actually aged well as a result of not being a slave to fashion, though it does have a claim to fame as the family car of choice for the Brodys in the hit TV series Homeland.

Whatever the case it has always tended to be favoured by legions of loyal buyers who simply like it for what it is.

Launched in 1996, initially it featured a fairly traditional boxy design blueprint but the current model is a more curvaceous creation.

Okay, it might still be fairly plain compared to some competitors but it boasts looks that are certainly more than acceptable, some might find appealing, though they probably stop short of being described as alluring.

In some ways Subaru are one those quietly unassuming four-wheel-drive manufacturers who might be accused of not really shouting their attributes from the rooftops.

Maybe it's something to do with the fact the car-maker seems to be less to the fore in the UK market currently but there's no disputing its enviable reputation for four-wheel drive capability, enhanced no doubt by the performance of the legendary Impreza rally car.

Augmented by the firm's adherence to its unique boxer engines, which aid weight distribution, Subaru are certainly known for well engineered cars which offer great grip and a decent drive.

The firm undoubtedly suffered as a result of not having a diesel engine for some time but a boxer diesel did eventually emerge and proved a welcome addition.

Until last year the Outback diesel was only available in manual form but a refresh for the model a while back saw a Lineartronic CVT - continuously variable transmission - mated to the 2.0-litre diesel unit for the first time.

It's a good marriage, which offers a more relaxed driving experience, as well as increasing the range's variety.

Personally, I've always found Subaru clutches a little on the heavy side, so if I were plumping for one I'd definitely be tempted by an auto.

Other changes brought in included a refreshed interior, a new radiator, new 17-inch alloys, new headlamps and new-look roof bars.

In addition the instrumentation benefits from greater clarity and the in-car computer has been upgraded.

On the inside it definitely looks better than its predecessor, though the interior generally still looks somewhat uninspiring.

It has a functional and almost spartan kind of feel that makes you wonder whether all Subaru's efforts go into engineering rather than ergonomics.

That aside the Outback delivers a good and engaging drive. It's one of those cars where you do feel genuinely connected to what's going on under the skin and the steering offers the kind of feedback that is lacking in many modern cars.

The boxer diesel is smooth, refined and pleasingly potent for what is a relatively small engine.

Some might feel the ride is on the firm side, though it felt sufficiently comfortable and smooth for me and one could argue that firmness is linked to the car's decent dynamics.

Added to that the Outback continues to be one of the most practical and versatile all-round family cars one could wish for. The cabin is huge throughout and there's acres of boot space too.

While the Outback isn't cheap, sitting somewhere between mainstream and premium offerings, it does come generously equipped, has a five star Euro NCAP safety rating and the added bonus of four-wheel drive as standard.