Subaru Forester review

It's simple. One powertrain and three trims. No options bar non-white paint. Call it one compulsory, unless you fancy joining the UN.

Limited is the base trim, at £38,995. That price seems very fair given you get AWD, steering responsive LED headlights, roof rails, powered and heated seats, big screen, full driver-assist and safety systems and surround cameras.

Add £3k for Field trim, and you net a powered tailgate, privacy rear glass, 'synthetic leather' seats and satnav.

Another £2k, so £42,995, is Touring trim. Its wheels are 19s in place of 18s, its trim leather with suede inserts. It adds a glass sunroof and heated rear seats.

It's just a pity the fuel consumption is so poor. That'll be a big cost, and the small fuel tank adds inconvenience.

This isn't going to be a company car, not with CO2 at 182g/km. But it's a farmer's car: Subaru offers a £1,000 discount on its own finance schemes to members of the NFU.

Warranty is three years/60,000 miles. We asked Subaru UK why, if the cars are as reliable and durable as the company and owners say, it doesn't offer longer. We were told the UK arm is in touch with Japan but has nothing to say at the moment.