Forester with space and pace

Well, all is not lost, because now you can combine the practicality of a compact SUV with the sprint and agility of a peppery hatch - thanks to the new Subaru Forester 2.5 XT.

Yeah, OK, so it's not cheap, but for R407,000 you get a fast, safe and sophisticated SUV like nothing else in its class.

Fitted with the same iconic 2.5-litre Boxer engine that blasts the boy-racer Subaru WRX from zero to hero in just a few seconds, the Forester XT beats segment leader Nissan X-Trail 2.5-litre by more than three seconds in the 0-100km/h sprint and the smart Land Rover Freelander 3.2-litre by two seconds.

But don't get me wrong. The Forester XT is not only about speed. It brags with best in class legroom at the back, a cabin that's substantially bigger than the previous model, a better ride, and a suspension set-up that has been tweaked to provide even better road-holding than previous models - and that's on gravel or tar.

Equipped with Subaru's rally-proven permanent all-wheel drive, as well as ESP and traction control, and a body-weight distribution of 56% front and 44% rear, it is not only faster, but safer through the corners and in emergency situations.

Right, so it's got grip and go, but what about looks?

Well, this too, is another top of the class performance, thanks to sexy features such as the dragster air intake scoop on the bonnet, bee-sting aerial, slim roof rails, sunroof, widely flared wheel arches, slit-eyed headlights, deep fog lights, tailgate spoiler and sporty 17-inch alloys.

The cabin, too, oozes sporty refinement, with full leather seating, aluminium pedals and trimmings, aircon, sound system, adjustable steering wheel and the Subaru trademark blue dials with pointers that twirl when you fire up the engine.

The boot is quite capable of accommodating all the bags, cases, toys and just about everything else a small family would want to take with them on a short holiday, or the monthly supermarket haul, or all dad's fancy golf kit.

Because of its sporty engine the XT can be quite thirsty, depending on how and where you drive it, but driven conservatively it should gallop about 500 kilometres on full 50-litre tank of fuel. (A thirstier, more expensive automatic transmission option is also available.)

The Forester has always been the top seller in the local Subaru range and it's easy to understand why. It's comfortable, spacious and the ride quality is outstanding… and that growling engine is an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Out on the road the XT handles like the blue blooded machine it is. The ride quality is superior and it sits beautifully on the road. It also feels smoother and more stable than the more station wagon-like earlier models, in spite of its higher ground clearance.

It's an easy vehicle to drive, with steering that is light but quite direct… with a feel that is not unlike that of a sporty saloon.

Unlike the high-lifting, ugly hand brake lever, the gear lever next to it is stubby and conveniently positioned and the shift is fast and smooth.

Subaru's have always been known for the fact that they stop as impressively as they go and if your reactions are sharp enough you can slam the XT to a halt in just seconds from a cruising speed of 100km/h.

Overall a lovely vehicle and recommended ahead of slightly less expensive better sellers.

Subaru's Forester has been in South Africa for about 11 years and it has consistently out-shone the opposition. The latest XT is yet again a pace-setter.

The price of the XT includes a three-year/100,000km warranty and a three-year/63,000km maintenance plan.