Subaru Forester 2.5XT

Essentially a turbocharged Ford Escort estate. Nice smooth boxer engine. Good torque, though to truly excel involves revving it up like a vacuum cleaner.

Slightly wallowy front end round corners. Stock tyres are somewhat short life (edge wear) and squeal, though have never got stuck in snow/ice/fields.

Spare parts supply and Subaru UK have been unhelpful and slow (paintwork warranty claim refused 2 months after 'Subaru approved used' purchase, and no self-levelling rear shock absorbers in UK).

Dealerships are generally independent, and therefore usually have more time for their customers. Not cheap (GBP323 for 2 new OEM tyres).