THE 4x4 market is changing by the month with a rapidly expanding new generation of go-anywhere vehicles – most of which have an eye on low emissions plus a mix of ease of driving and practicality. And one of the most interesting choices is the Subaru Forester which is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of the British motoring arena. The reason being that the Forester is not just another macho mug-plugger with more PC body styling but an interesting mix of estate and full 4x4 powered by the renowned boxer or horizontally opposed engine. And now the range includes boxer diesels which give the Forester a formidable market boost due to the fact that it is surprisingly economical and its carbon emissions are not off the clock. It also comes with full 4x4 credentials with permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive. A true description of Forester is an all-wheel-drive crossover station wagon. It has been manufactured since 1997 when it shared its platform with the Impreza range, being one of the first real crossover models before the term really became generally known in Britain. And it has been doing the job very efficiently for years. The diesel option of the latest version of the Forester is by far the most significant in Britain and offers a rare chance to drive a horizontally opposed diesel 4x4. The engine's placing and layout aids the car's low centre of gravity and allied to the excellent suspension setting it corners remarkably flat and can be handled like a sports saloon. And unlike many 4x4s it is surprisingly easy on the pocket with nearly 45mpg being attainable plus low for its type carbon emissions of 170g/km. But for me it is the match of the boxer diesel plus a slick six-speed manual transmission that makes this model such a treat to drive and live with. Its only minus point is the fact that there is not an automatic version of the diesel. We may see one yet. As far as practicality is concerned Forester is bang on track. The boot is cavernous, but if you need a flat load area you only have to pull two catches on the rear seats and the backs spring forward to give a totally flat load area. And high marks have to go to the satnav mapping on this model. Not quite up to Mercedes standard but definitely getting there. FAST FACTS Subaru Forester 2.0D XS NavPlus Price: £28,995 Mechanical: 150ps, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via six-speed manual gearbox Max speed: 116mph 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds Combined mpg: 44.1mpg Insurance group: 10 CO2 emissions: 170g/km BIK rating: 26% Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles | 
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