The stylish and robust Subaru Outback estate is a luxury crossover vehicle competing in the D-Segment with the likes of the Volvo XC 70, and the Audi All Road, which puts it in fairly rarified company indeed.

The Outback has no doubt contributed to the fact that sales of Subaru Legacy and Outback models have more than doubled in the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year, with 94 units sold so far.

The shape is decidedly sporty with a swooping front end and bold front grille, flared wheel arches and side cladding. It’s got street cred in abundance but looks just as good all dirtied up in the mud and muck.

The car under review is the 2.5- petrol priced at €43,995 with the Subaru Boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD which gives ideal weight balance and distribution, making sure that the full-time AWD gives good grip and traction in all driving conditions.

Weight reductions all round mean more stable cornering and control and the car handles quite nimbly. Designers have lightened, but enlarged, the frame structure so it’s stronger and more rigid too.

Extended use of aluminium on the bonnet and rear gate also helps cut weight.

The suspension has been revised also to help improve stability and to reduce road noise. A self levelling system at the rear keeps the ride height constant, no matter what the road or load being carried.

The drive is comfy indeed whether on or off-road. The newly developed front seats distribute body weight better, and this reduces fatigue on long trips. The driver’s seat comes with electric adjustment; but the passenger has to do the job manually. Rear seats split 60:40 and the luggage area can take four large suitcases or golf bags. A full flat luggage space is also possible giving up to 1,649 litres of space with the rear seats folded flat.

The interior is stylish, but practical with great attention to even the smallest detail.

The computer readout shows all the usual things like average mileage and how many miles are left before you need to fill up. The small top centre dash screen has a curved ‘plastic’ protection screen and sometimes it’s difficult to read, depending on the sunlight filtering into the cabin. But it’s very clear to the passenger! It’s the only little crib I could come up with and that says a lot about the new Outback.

The review car came with a 4-gear shift automatic transmission and a Sportshift optional sequential drive. You just move the shifter across to the right side of the gate for the Sport mode. The shift knob is quite unusually shaped and is beautifully clad in chrome and leather.

Overall visibility is very good, especially due to the very low scuttle line. You can see all of the bonnet, which is something I like.

The dash and central console are the same as the Subaru Legacy. Instruments are enclosed in two big silver circles with numbers nicely spaced. They feature white on black with a grey circle inside the chrome surround. It’s both classy and neat. Lots of aluminium trim appears on the central console and around the cabin giving a bright and cheerful ambience.

A tandem sun roof is optional on the 2.5i but was in the review car.

The Outback is a go-many-different-places kind of vehicle with ground clearance of 200 mm which may tempt owners off the tarmac track.

Standard items include remote keyless entry, central door locks, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, side defroster, lumber support on driver’s seat, heated seat, roof rails, electric and heated door mirrors, front fog lamps, LED rear fog lamp, roof spoiler, alloy wheels and twin exhaust.

Safety equipment has standard ABS, EBS, six airbags, active headrests in front seats, ISO-FIX adapted child seat anchor, and the rear door is child proof.

During my time with the car it returned an average mpg of 33.9 which is very good for a car this size, especially with 4WD.