WITH a hybrid nod to the increasingly electrified motoring world, Subaru's famed, two-litre, horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer' engine has been given a new lease of life for the latest version of the evergreen Forester SUV.

Now dubbed the Forester e-BOXER, the latest all-wheel-drive model combines the marque's renowned all-weather, go-anywhere ability with improved refinement, enhanced driving dynamics, and the latest safety technology.

Prices start from £38,995 for the Limited model, rising to £42,995 for the range-topping Touring variant and dealers are taking orders now.

Built on the evolved Subaru Global Platform, the new Forester showcases technical advances across its chassis and powertrain.

There's a 10 per cent improvement in chassis torsional rigidity compared to the outgoing model and the four-cylinder engine benefits from 24 technical improvements, working in harmony with the hybrid system and a further refined Lineartronic transmission. There's also a new dual-pinion electric power steering system which is claimed to provide improved response and more natural feedback.

This new model features the latest iteration of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, representing a significant advancement in collision prevention safety.

The system now features a wide-angle monocular camera and new front radar providing enhanced recognition performance across its 15 functions, including five new features which include an Emergency Driving Stop System - a first for Subaru - which activates if the driver becomes incapacitated.

The software-based safety improvements are complemented by significant hardware changes, including the introduction of front seat centre airbag and passenger seat cushion airbag, as well as a revised front bumper beam layout, optimized to dramatically improve collision energy absorption efficiency.

Interior refinement has also been elevated with cabin noise reduced by 39 per cent new front seats, a new 1.6-inch full HD infotainment system with improved operability which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as enhanced navigation supporting both Apple Maps and what3words.

Generous levels of standard equipment across the three-model range include Memory Driver Seats, power adjustable heated front seats with a memory function for the driver and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

The mid-range Forester Field, priced from £40,440, also gets privacy glass, heated steering wheel, a powered gesture tailgate and satnav while the flagship Touring model adds 19" alloys, heated rear seats, power sliding UV glass sunroof, and black leather interior trim

All versions share a generous boot capacity of 508 litres, expanding to 1,720 litres with the rear seats folded.