Subaru Impreza news - New Forest' - 2008

The Subaru designer responsible for drawing up the new Impreza has, it seems, been taken quietly to one side and had his hands forcibly hacked from his body.

This is the new Forester, and it's as conservative in appearance as the Impreza is, erm, novel. 

That's not because it's a mere facelift, either - this is an all-new model based on the new Impreza platform and bigger than the outgoing Forester in every direction. Though it remains a five-seater, the new Forester is 85mm taller than its predecessor, as well as 75mm longer and 45mm wider. 

That, of course, means plenty more interior space, which Subaru has filled with extra trays and storage areas for your dog leads, horse bridles and the like. The interior, though, is straight out the new Impreza, so it should be a utilitarian, functional affair. 

It's good news in the engine department, because as well as the 2.5-litre flat-four in the Impreza, the Forester will also get Subaru's two-litre boxer diesel engine due to debut in the Legacy. True to form, the Forester will remain staunchly four-wheel drive, with transmission courtesy of a five-speed manual or four-speed auto.

The new Forester will be officially unveiled at the Detroit show later this month, and goes on sale in the UK towards the end of this year.