Second gen Subaru has X factor

Subarus are popular in Scotland, particularly in semi-rural areas such as Perthshire and Fife.

Their all-weather traction and rugged dependability are what’s gathered them a strong following. Indeed, Subaru buyers tend to hang onto their cars for much longer than the usual three to five years.

That said, I’ve always found the brand to be behind the pace when it comes to comfort and interior design.

Switching from a Volkswagen or Peugeot into one felt like stepping back in time.

Until now. I’ve just spent a week with the new Subaru XV and was very impressed by its refinement, comfort and technology.

The XV is a Nissan Qashqai sized SUV – but one with far greater off road prowess than the Qashqai or its “soft roader” brethren.

The XV comes with full-time fourwheel drive. It has decent ground clearance, various off road driving modes and plastic wheel arches to protect the car from scrapes and scratches off the beaten track.

This second generation version is a good looking beastie, with a sharp wedge shape that isn’t dimmed by familiarity in the way many of its rivals are – the XV is neither intended to nor expected to sell in mass market numbers.

No diesel or manual versions of the XV are offered. Instead you’ve the choice of a 1.6 litre or 2.0 litre petrol engine, both with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic system.

There are two spec levels, SE and SE premium. Both are well equipped, with an 8in touchscreen dominating a well laid out dashboard.

Prices start a little above £20,000 for 1.6 litre models and the top spec 2.0 litre version I drove costs around £27,000.

That’s expensive compared to its main rivals. Indeed, you could have an Audi Q3 for the same money and a Jaguar E-Pace for not much more.

The Subaru is designed for a purpose, though. It will get you further off road more capably than any of those rivals and my bet is you’ll have trouble free motoring for a lot longer as well.

It also drives very well indeed. On long journeys it’s refined and quiet. Show it a nice stretch of country road and it’ll do a passable impersonation of a sports car. Take it off road and only a Land Rover will make much deeper progress into the woods.

It won’t be for everyone but I like the XV a lot.

“Take it off road and only a Land Rover will make much deeper progress into the woods