Subaru likes to think of itself as "a little bit different from the mainstream”.  It’s this leftfield approach that brings offerings like the new Outback on to the forecourts of its small but growing number of dealership forecourts.

The Outback fits the bill for customers seeking an estate car body with SUVtype ground clearance (or vice-versa), and comes with renowned four-wheel drive capability for when the going gets tough.

But the big news about this fourthgeneration version of its rugged allrounder is the new drivetrain – a 2.0-litre boxer diesel engine mated to Lineartronic CVT transmission for the first time.

Gutsy, with plenty of pick-up at low revs, the turbocharged engine is a proven workhorse. Its happy marriage to what is a refined and smooth automatic seven-speed gearbox makes a compelling case for those looking for a load-lugger that blurs the lines.

And if you feel like having some fun or need more acceleration, then you can flick the paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel.

This version of the CVT Lineartronic transmission has been chosen for its ability to work harmoniously with the boxer diesel engine, and to manage the increased torque created by the unit. The gearbox has been designed to work in tandem with the power band characteristics of the diesel engine; the variable nature of the transmission allows the system to select the correct gear from the ratios available to it, and offers controlled downshifts during deceleration providing the appropriate amount of engine braking.

The result is that the boxer engine is always ready to deliver torque to the driver when required Subaru engineers have been able to realise further improvements to the Outback, enhancing the car’s handling characteristics with upgraded suspension components and the latest incarnation of Subaru’s vehicle dynamics control.

With a slightly stiffer ride and reduced body roll, you can drive into a corner with confidence, while the Outback always feels like there’s plenty more to come as you cruise or climb to higher speeds.

Producing 150ps at 3,600 rpm and 350Nm between 1,800 and 2,400 rpm, the boxer diesel engine and CVT Lineartronic transmission powers the Outback to 62mph in 9.7 seconds and returns 44.8mpg, while recording CO2 emissions of 166 g/km on the combined cycle.

Subaru has listened to feedback and upped its game to give customers a more enjoyable experience behind the wheel and in the rear seats. There’s now a dark metallic finish to the centre console, new sports seats and a shift of the electronic parking brake to a central position.

With plenty of head and legroom in the back, you are unlikely to hear any grumbles, and when it comes to carrying large loads, then the Outback does a Tardis-like party trick.

A flick of two switches releases the 60/40 split seats to reveal a cavernous space big enough to swallow a fridge or even a wardrobe.

On the outside, the new Outback gets a revised grille shape, new 17-inch alloy wheels, larger fog lights and an updated headlight cluster.

There’s only one specification – SX – and it carries a price tag of £31,495. That may seem like a lot of money for what is a non-premium brand offering in this sector, but the Outback comes with a lot of kit and compares well with rival offerings. For example, you get a powersliding glass sunroof, heated powerfolding door mirrors, automatic headlamps and pop-up headlamp washers, heated ten-way electricallyadjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic airconditioning, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, hill hold assist, Bluetooth connectivity, CD player/radio/USB and auxiliary input with six speakers.

That’s not an exhaustive list, but gives you a good idea of the lengths to which Subaru has gone to meet customers’ demands in one single specification.

Sure, you can pay extra for a satellite navigation system or a proper spare wheel instead of the ubiquitous tyre repair kit, but everything else comes with the one price.

A manual, slightly cheaper version of the Outback will arrive at the end of the year, but I can’t help thinking that it can only be a poor relation to the Lineartronic offering.

Fact file

Subaru Outback

PRICE: £31,495

ENGINE: 2.0-litre boxer diesel developing 150PS

TRANSMISSION: Seven-speed automatic

PERFORMANCE: top speed 121mph; 0 to 62mph in 9.7 seconds

ECONOMY: 44.8mpg combined

CO2 RATING: 166g/km