SUBARU is a brand that is famous for its world championship rally exploits but its tough Forester SUV is the company's real winner.

More than five million have been sold worldwide over the past 28 years - over 400,000 in Europe - and that is because the spacious SUV has long been a model favoured by the likes of vets, farmers and builders who need a tough no nonsense vehicle.

A reliable workhorse and family car, the Forester has all you need and a lot of frills that you don't and that is why it is very popular in rural communities.

This new sixth generation model arrived earlier thisyear and it remains true to its values while introducing more tech and comfort features.

It is even more capable than before and itsmore muscular look combines the company's famous all-wheel-drive system with an upgraded e-Boxer mild hybrid power plant.

The SUV also comes with an X-MODE terrain selection set-up and class-leading ground clearance of 220mm, which makes it ideal for tackling the rough stuff.

Prices start at £38,995 and the 2.0-litre flat four petrol unit is the only engine choice. Nine colours are available and there are three trim options of Limited, Field and Touring.

With only 136 PS on tap performance is not spectacular with zero to 62mph acceleration taking 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 116mph.

That won't bother most owners who buy the Forester for its overall ability in any weather or road conditions.

It can be thirsty at an average 24.9mpg and less if you push it hard but it is a car I enjoyed driving with its three driving modes designed to match the terrain and conditions.

Subaru's X-Mode drive set-up features Normal, Snow/Dirt and Snow Mud settings and there is also Hill Descent Control. All that will be enough for most customers when they are combined with new safety features and the improved dynamics.

The EyeSight driver assist technology has beenupgraded and now has 15 functions including emergency stop and a new multi-view monitor combining images from four cameras for a 3-D top view.

You also get a very large touchscreen that is easy to use and a mobile phone charging pad.

There is space for five adults to travel in comfort with good leg, head and shoulder room and the driver enjoys good all round visibility.

The seats are comfortable and feel built to last from goodquality materials and there are bottle holders in all four door bins, double map/magazine holders in the front seat backs, a deep central container, various trays and slots plus a rear armrest housing another pair of cup holders.

As practical as ever the boot takes 508 litres going up to a maximum of 1,720 litres with the rear seats folded down and there's a rubberised protection mat for muddy boots and dirty dogs.

Base level Limited trim offers plenty for the £38,995 starting price, including all-wheel drive, roof rails, heated and powered seats, nine airbags, surround cameras and LED headlamps while an extra £3,000 for Field model adds rear privacy glass, a powered tailgate and sat nav.

My range-topping Touring trim model cost £44,100 and added 19-inch alloy wheels, heated rear seats, leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof that allowed in stacks of light.