Drivers of the new Impreza will find the dashboard in the Forester familiar as it has been lifted straight off the smaller car.

Overall, everything is well screwed together and the interior has a modicum of style unlike Subarus of old. In particular, the brushed aluminium look plastic on the dashboard and door panels does lift the ambience of the sombre black interior.

The graphics and concentric blue rings on the instrument dials on the other hand impart a dated feel. A nice touch is the starting sequence where the needles do a sweep of the gauges when the ignition is turned on.

Other welcome features include the backlit digital display readout for the time, outside temperature and fuel consumption and a thick rimmed leather trimmed steering wheel with controls for the factory-fitted audio system and standard cruise control. A large sliding sunroof enhances the already airy atmosphere in the cabin.

The quality of the plastics used can be improved though. Assorted switches and some surfaces in the cabin feel cheap and lack a sense of robustness.

Driver and passengers alike are treated to a spacious cabin with good head, leg and shoulder room. Boot space is sufficient for a car of this size and its capacity can be enlarged by the 60:40 split fold rear seats.

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