THE Forester is at the very heart of Subaru, morphing from high-rise estate car into a no-nonsense SUV.

There are no airs and graces here.

This is a respected car held in affection that has evolved slowly into this fourth-generation version.

With its evolution, a loyal following that has eschewed any pretentiousness has stuck with it, no doubt because of its ruggedness and the plain fact that it is fit for purpose.

This is not a school-run car as such, hardly likely to worry Range Rover and the like, although it will transport up to five adults in comfort and in spacious surroundings.

Subaru sales have been weak – largely due to a period of unfavourable exchange rates with Japan. Last year, it sold 2,000 cars in the UK, whereas in its heyday that figure was around 12,000. It was, in Subaru’s own words, the “darkest period”.

With the demand for turbo-nutter cars like its Impreza waning, it made sense to make the switch the Forester from worthy wagon to SUV.

Subaru will in future be much more about SUV than STi.

Since the Forester was introduced in 1997, European sales in the SUVC segment have increased eight-fold.

More now than ever, the new Forester has the ease of use and practicality that appeals to customers looking for this type of vehicle.

But unlike the vast majority of SUVs out there, the Forester really can walk the walk. Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive system offers users all-terrain capabilities, and there’s a generous amount of ground clearance to help clear obstacles.

I tried out the off-road ability on a quite demanding course and found myself thinking that the Forester could tackle a whole lot more if put to the test.

The Forester, with its chunky, boldlooking exterior is unmistakably a Subaru from all angles, but the company’s designers have managed to create a streamlined appearance without losing the car’s leftfield identity. An obvious change has been the redesign of the Forester’s cabin. For many, this has been long overdue, and the result is a bigger, higher-quality interior.

And then there’s the car’s engine line-up which, like its transmission, is peculiar to Subaru. By opting for a ‘flat four’ boxer arrangement, the Forester boasts a lower centre of gravity – good for cornering and stability.

Subaru’s commitment to the boxer format extends to diesel power, and this 2.0-litre unit has been the subject of some mild fettling to maintain its competitive edge. And while the diesel unit is expected to be a popular choice, hardcore Forester fans will be pleased to see the introduction of a turbo petrol unit as the flagship model.

This turbo unit and the entry level non-turbo petrol motor can be had with Subaru’s continuously variable transmission (CVT). As an alternative to a conventional auto gearbox, the CVT does a good job of delivering smooth power uptake.

Other under-the-skin changes to the Forester have had an equally positive influence on the car’s character. Changes to its suspension help in promoting a ride that impressively resists pitch and roll all the while providing a good level of feedback for the driver when driven briskly.

On the road, the 240bhp turbo petrol model accelerates from 0 to 62mph in only 7.5 seconds and Subaru’s persistence with CVT gearbox technology has paid off.

Petrol versions may account for half the sales – a remarkable proportion in this sector.

However, the 147bhp diesel is the more frugal choice. In manual gearbox guise, it’s an easy car to drive briskly and one that’s equally at home grinding through urban traffic or slowly making its way across a field.

Generous levels of equipment and practicality round off the Forester package. Rear seats split and fold to further boost the car’s load carrying capacity.

There’s the usual mod cons even in entry-level trim, with navigation, high power headlights, leather upholstery, power opening tailgate, sunroof and other premium level safety and comfort items available, depending which of the three trim levels you choose from.

The Forester remains an unconventional choice in a heavily populated market. It may be a workhorse, selling under the slogan “For Subarural Life”, but it’s also an all-weather cruiser for all seasons in all environments.

Fact file

Subaru Forester 2.OD XC

PRICE: £26,995

ENGINE: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 147bhp

TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving all four wheels

PERFORMANCE: top speed 118mph, 0-62mph 10.2 seconds

ECONOMY: 47.9mpg

CO2 RATING: 156g/km