An extremely reliable and capable 4x4, the Forester gives the likes of the Nissan X-Trail and the Toyota RAV-4 a run for their money. When it comes to value for money, it is probably the best car in its class. There’s a lot of space in the cabin, with more than enough room for five, and the boot room is impressive. The seating system is versatile; you can fold the rear ones down to increase the load space. The quality of the cabin is worth noting; there is plenty of standard equipment. On the road, the Forester is a solid and competent driver. The elevated driving position makes for excellent visibility. Add in fine handling, sharp steering and supple ride quality and you have a car that delivers on a lot of fronts. However, the Forester really shows you what it’s made off when taken off-road; the powerful engines and excellent chassis help it to cope with rough terrain surfaces, while the supple ride keeps you well cushioned from lumps and/or potholes.

•  Some complaints that the clutch can give you trouble after 96,500km

•  High practicality levels; spacious interior and a huge boot

•  It’s a durable, robust, and strong machine

•  Drives well on the road and is impressive when taken off-road

•  The ride quality is supple and smooth on the move

•  There’s a decent amount of standard kit, considering the price

•  There are parts of the cabin that look and feel cheaply made