GONE are the days when you popped along to the local tractor dealership and picked up a Subaru Forester while you were there. The one-time 'farming family favourite' has dropped its agri-workhorse-cum family car label once and for all, with the introduction of this all-new Forester SUV.

It was a logical step to recreate this hardy, surefooted holdall in a body style that is right up there with the Freelanders and Nissan X Trails. And, it was another logical step to introduce the new Boxer diesel engine into the SUV, thereby creating, easily the most competitive car in the pack.

Built on the Impreza saloon's platform and with a stylish shape befitting the latest SUV, the new Forester with All Wheel Drive is available in three trim types. From a basic version to a sat-nav, leather and panoramic sunroof-equipped version, you can pick which best suits the purpose.

And, each has the same frugal 2-litre Boxer diesel engine. In creating its first diesel engine, Subaru was keen to stick to an engine style it has used for 40 years, and the light, compact engine, which has reduced friction and noise, helps to reduce the car's centre of gravity considerably.

The introduction of Subaru's new diesel engine to the range is going to be Subaru's saving grace in this 'climate' of cutting CO2s and reducing motoring costs. More renowned for its fast blue saloons with gold wheels, the niche company, which has a very small market share, has brought in the new engine to give the customers more choice and hopefully lure back original Forester customers who moved away in favour of diesel SUVs being offered elsewhere.

Now, the Forester with its Boxer engine is a match made in heaven. The six-speed manual gearbox is well ratiod and the changes are smooth. More importantly, the torque has a lovely smooth flow and it lasts. Sixth gear at 70mph still has great acceleration. What is noticeable is how the car starts from cold. Instead of the normal wobbling that can loosen your fillings, the start-up is really smooth, and more like what you would expect from a petrol engine.

The car is well soundproofed, although road noise is the biggest annoyance. I think it's a trait most SUVs suffer. Something else most SUVs are now striving to overcome is a high centre of gravity . And the Forester, thanks to its 'flat four' engine, excels with its very low centre of gravity, and this is evident in the driving.

Taking in a variety of motorway and quiet country roads in Ireland, the Forester proved to be a very good cruiser. The four-wheel drive system didn't feel too heavy and the light power steering made the car feel manageable. The steering wasn't precise, but the car was never a handful. In fact it handled really well into corners, behaving like a hatchback. However, it did get quite bouncy on some of the rougher road surfaces. On the whole it was comfortable and enjoyable to drive and, dare I say it, a tad luxurious with the cushioned leather seats and steering wheel.

Top speed is 115.5mph and 60mph is achieved in just 10 seconds, that's very impressive for a car which looks like it's swallowed an Impreza. Plus, it can boast class-leading fuel economy of 44.8 mpg (combined), class-leading emissions at 167 g/km (£170 VED), class-leading range of 1,000-plus km and a class-leading insurance group rating of 9E. Now you're impressed!

All the boxy Foresters are spacious inside and delivery better quality materials than ever before. The layout of the dashboard is deliberately focussed on the driver, which makes a change from the European symmetrical dashboards. And, it's got such a high quality feel that the interior could have been whipped out of a VW Tiguan (although that is quite boring inside by comparison). I love the feel of the buttons on the steering wheel, they're a real treat for the finger tips. I'm hooked.

Technology includes Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control with self-levelling rear suspension and, to aid comfort there's cruise control, alloy wheels, climate control, leather steering wheel, heated mirrors and windscreen wipers, electric windows all round, driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, plus vehicle information display – even on the entry-level Forester 2.0D X at £20,295 on the road.

Even the top of the range version at £25,495 represents superb value for money with full leather seats, panoramic opening sunroof (biggest I've ever seen), top quality sat-nav with tilt for loading CDs, bigger alloy wheels and keyless entry. The roof bars on the top two models do increase fuel consumption and CO2s slightly.

Summary

New Forester stands out in so many ways, it has better materials than ever before, a more stylish exterior, is more spacious in the cabin and the boot, and has kept a driving position that is not too high. The quiet, smooth and powerful diesel engine in this SUV is a real triumph and the whole package is well presented. My only gripes would be the harsh road noise and bouncy suspension.

Despite its small market share Subaru hopes this foray into the world of the SUV will be its best seller so the competition had better watch out. Also, that exclusivity will appeal to many diesel-hunting SUV drivers. After all, not everyone wants to run with the herd?

SUBARU Forester 2.0 D

XC (mid-range) 4x4

Top speed: 115.5 mph

0-60 mph: 10 secs

Power: 144 bhp

Torque: 350 Nm

Urban Economy: 38.2 mpg

Extra urban: 47.9 mpg

Combined: 44.1 mpg

CO2 emissions: 170 g/km

Price: £22,495