We're big fans of the current Subaru Forester, with its jacked up estate car looks hiding the mechanicals out of the Impreza. The new Subaru Forester shown at the Frankfurt Show is obviously externally different to the current model. The styling has been revised to give the car a bolder look with more road presence than the boxy version we have currently, with the majority of changes focused on the front end including new wings, bonnet and bumpers. The rear is also modified to make the car look more SUV-like. This new look is part of Subaru's drive to endow the car with more mass-market appeal and push it beyond its traditional role as a niche car.

Under the bonnet the engines now pack a bigger punch. The current car doesn't exactly lack in go, but the 2006 model now has 156bhp in 2-litre non-turbo form with the 2.5 XT rated at 228bhp. A new sports biased auto' gearbox is now available on the 2.5 XT. The Forester's handling has been further enhanced thanks to a raft of suspensions changes aimed at reducing pitch and roll, though that was previously part of the fun!

As well as adding to the Forester's strong points Subaru has also taken the opportunity of 2006 model year revisions to address the weakest point of the car: the interior. The new cockpit offers better quality, fit and finish to complement the impressive equipment levels. Subaru is also keen to point out the "surprise and delight" features such as the multi function centre console that also acts as picnic table, cup holder and armrest. The seat material is now washable, further boosting the practicality and negating traditional dirty dog, or child, worries. A new load restraining system is the final sensible tweak to the user-friendly interior.

It's clear from the changes made that Subaru's revised Forester is aimed more than ever before at urbanites, with the lesser models targeting the new Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V; whilst the range topper has BMW's X3 firmly in its sights. The new Forester actually went on sale in the UK in August priced from £17,595 on-the-road for the Forester 2.0 X, with the turbocharged 2.5 XT available from only £21,995. Keep an eye on the Subaru Road Tests page for our review of the 2006MY Forester.

Dave Jenkins - 26 Sep 2005