On the road: I’VE never had a problem with the look of a Subaru, any Subaru. It’s a personal opinion but I much prefer a car to look like it’s capable of doing the job intended of it, rather than appear like some fashion store trinket.

To that end, Subarus have always fitted the bill.

The latest Outback is no exception, sure there are curves here and there, but in the main it’s remained a solid-looking workhorse of a car since it first came to the UK in 1995.

While everyone else seems to be concentrating solely on SUVs in this sector, Subaru also believes there is a market for a mud-plugging estate.

The new car comes with a choice of 2.0 litre diesel and 2.5 litre turbo Boxer engines, both offering a greater return for your investment at the pumps.

Our petrol test car had plenty of oomph and that distinctive Subaru growl when you punch the accelerator. Need to tow? There then there is more than enough torque to cope with pretty much anything you want to hitch it up to – up to a maximum of 2,000kg.

If you treat her gently, once up to speed the Outback becomes something of a refined beast. There is tyre noise, but this, in my opinion, is just the product of a lack of noise elsewhere.

What impressed me most was the ride, so often a major bug bear when I have driven a Subaru before.

OK, it’s not silky smooth, but it’s a major improvement on what has gone before and it’s the first time I have emerged from a long journey without feeling like I have been put through some kind of physical workout.

On the inside: THE interior is something of a mixed bag. However, there are still more pluses than minuses. For a car costing £30,000-plus some of the materials might come across a little low rent, but then there are other aspects more in keeping with its price bracket.

It’s easy to get comfortable thanks to the electrically adjustable seating and the instruments are easy to understand.

The Outback comes with a touchscreen infotainment system and like many others of this ilk it can be a little hard to operate while on the move, so maybe you shouldn’t. Once you know your way around it, life becomes a little easier.

What do you get: ALL Outbacks are well kitted out with an impressive array of equipment.

Our Lineartronic badged car came with Subaru’s new EyeSight safety assist technology – an advanced collision avoidance system which monitors the road and traffic ahead and is billed as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers.

In addition, we got front fog lamps, LED taillights, power folded and heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, leather seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, 7ins touchscreen and push-button start.

There was also a six-speaker audio system, steering wheel mounted audio controls, 18ins alloys, sunroof, protective body cladding, whiplash reducing seats, hill start assist, power boot, heated front seats, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth and satellite navigation.

How practical is it: WITH good ground clearance – 200mm ride height - tough-looking body adornments and that oh so capable power plant, the Outback is probably more at home off road than on it, and it’s impressive enough on the latter.

When the going gets really tough you can also switch to X-Mode, which sounds like you get the aid of a Hollywood Superhero, but in reality means it improves the car’s ability to tackle unpredictable conditions and terrain.

The Outback also majors on space. Whether in the front or back, you won’t have any complaints. It’s easy to get in, get comfortable and load up thanks to an intelligently designed boot. That boot has 559 litres of space initially, increasing to 1,848 litres when you drop the seats thanks to a lever in the boot.

Running costs: DESPITE improvements in fuel economy, the Outback will still cost you more to run than some other vehicles. Most people will probably favour the diesel over the petrol. Our green pump car returned a combined fuel economy of 40.4mpg.

CO2 emissions are a less than friendly 163g/km.

Verdict: The best looking, best handling and best equipped Outback yet.

Alternatives: Audi A4 Allroad, Volvo V60 Cross Country