When we last drove the Subaru Forester we came away impressed by its all-round capabilities and car-like dynamics. Subaru's 2006 Forester features a number of changes over the outgoing version. Most obvious are tweaks to the exterior appearance with a new softer, more rounded, front-end and a revised rear with a new rear bumper and light clusters. Cosmetic modifications are topped off with new larger wheels.

Under the skin, the suspension has been revised to make the most of the new larger wheel and tyres, further enhancing the dynamic capabilities of what was already a very competent car; and indeed something of a class leader in terms of SUVs. The chassis tweaks have reduced body roll, from what was a fairly comical cornering angle to a much more car-like attitude in the twisties, making the Forester feel more composed and agile during changes of direction and back road fun. Pitch under acceleration and braking is also much reduced.

Under the bonnet the low slung boxer engine remains, but now with even more power. The 2.5 XT turbo model we drove benefits from an extra 18bhp, making a total of 227bhp now. The 2-litre model is now the most powerful in its class courtesy of an improvement of around 30bhp. The turbocharged 2.5-litre car boasts a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 134mph. The Subaru Forester remains the SUV that hot hatches fear as well as a highly capable towing car thanks to generous torque and full time all-wheel drive.

These benefits are welcome, but of all the things the Forester needed, more power probably wasn't it. We're not complaining about the additional performance, but the Forester's weaknesses lay in more superficial areas, namely interior appearance and quality. Hyundai's new 'budget' SUV, the Santa Fe, shows the Forester up badly in terms of interior, and indeed exterior, appearance.

This new Forester does benefit from some interior tweaks such as water repellent leather, further adding to the functionality, and a new centre console/cup-holder/arm rest, but these do not manage to lift the cabin enough. Those looking at the Forester as a low price alternative to BMW's X3, as some of Subaru's literature would indicate, would instantly feel a gulf between the two cars upon opening the door. That's not to say that the interior isn't roomy or comfortable, it just doesn't compete with the high standards set in today's marketplace.

A new generation Subaru Forester is under development and it is the balance of the package that needs to be looked at. As an off-roader and practical estate car it is very good; the performance and handling for a car of this type are fantastic but these strengths are not complemented by the softer skills such as ergonomics and an air of quality. If these issues were addressed the Forester would find itself on many more people's shopping lists, where it deserves to be.

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Subaru Forester UK range overview

- Subaru Forester 2.0 X: £17,620
- Subaru Forester 2.0 X Automatic: £18,620
- Subaru Forester 2.0 X Plus Automatic: £19,120
- Subaru Forester 2.0 XE Black Leather: £20,520
- Subaru Forester 2.0 XE Beige Leather: £20,520
- Subaru Forester 2.0 XE Black Leather Automatic: £21,520
- Subaru Forester 2.0 XE Beige Leather Automatic: £21,520
- Subaru Forester 2.5 XT: £22,040
- Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Automatic: £23,390
- Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Black Leather: £22,790
- Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Black Leather Automatic: £24,140
- Subaru Forester 2.5 XTE Black Leather: £23,640
- Subaru Forester 2.5 XTE Beige Leather: £23,640
- Subaru Forester 2.5 XTE Black Leather Automatic: £24,990
- Subaru Forester 2.5 XTE Beige Leather Automatic: £24,990
- Subaru Forester 2.5 XTEn Black Leather Automatic: £26,190