LET'S face it, the flood of SUVs is a trend. And, as with most fashions, they snowball, gather force and are followed by ever growing numbers of people who jump on the bandwagon.

Until, of course the next craze comes along. Not that there's anything wrong with high-riders. But not everyone wants one - for some, an estate car with off-road ability and ample luggage space fits the bill better than a Chelsea tractor.

Such a model has been made for the last 30 years by Subaru, the innovative Japanese firm that some years ago dominated the international rally scene.

Slightly taller than the average estate, the Outback isn't going to win any beauty contests, but neither is it the Elephant Man of the car park. Its beauty lies under its somewhat anonymous skin.

With permanent four-wheel-drive, horizontally opposed flat four Boxer engine and CVT automatic gearbox, it's very much the individual with few direct rivals, but a very loyal following.

To underline its versatility and rugged nature, the Outback gets plastic cladding on the bumpers, doorsills and wheel arch extensions, together with raised suspension and roof rails.

Power is from the 2.5-litre flat-four engine that kicks out a quite reasonable 166bhp which manages admirably to haul its sizable body, thanks to ample torque and a well-suited gearbox which comes with steering wheel paddles to give added involvement.

Subaru have created seven steps in the Lineatronic continuous variable transmission which goes a long way to banishing the ‘drone-like' hum of this type of gearbox.

Press on hard and the engine does sounds somewhat busy but at cruising speeds refinement is good with an absence of mechanical and wind noise.

Economy isn't its forte. Our average was 33mpg with a best of 37mpg over a gentle country run. 62mph comes up in about 10 seconds and max is 130mph.

The Subaru really comes into its own over poor surfaces and long cross-country drives when its supple but well damped suspensions offers a near magic carpet ride ironing out road imperfections yet controlling cornering roll. Together with multi-adjustable electric front seats that offer good support, it's a relaxed mile-eater.

The 2.5i Touring, driven here, comes packed with kit, including glass, opening sunroof, electrically adjustable seats, rear parking camera, sensors front and rear, electric power tailgate and heated steering wheel and front seats.

The cabin design is smart and tough but lacks the classiness of Audi or BMW and the large central touchscreen, which looks great, is a bit fiddly and clunky to use. Soft touch plastic adorns most of the fascia.

No issues with head or legroom which is generous both front and rear. The boot, though quite shallow, is larger than average with space for 559litres of luggage and upto 1,848litres when the rear seats are folded.

On the safety front, the Outback has their own ‘EyeSight' technology with a couple of cameras in front of the rear view mirror which check the road in front for any obstacles or pedestrians.

It's certainly a niche model, but one that oozes integrity and character. And the Subaru's solid qualities and overall ability together with a reasonable price tag earn it a wider than expected appeal.

£42,490

2.5litre,166bhp 4 call petrol engine driving 4 wheels via automatic gearbox

120mph

10.2secs

32.8

27

191g/km

51%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.0