With the focus less on cheap motoring and more on premium go-anywhere versatility, Subaru Outback running costs aren’t exactly class-leading. In terms of fuel economy the claimed figures are 37mpg for the petrol version, 48mpg for the manual diesel Outback and 45mpg for the automatic.

You’re unlikely to hit those, though, so expect a realistic performance of 30mpg for the petrol and 40mpg for either diesel during real-world driving.

Subaru isn’t expecting to sell a huge amount of Outbacks to fleet buyers since CO2 emissions are relatively high, which means it’ll cost over the odds in Benefit-in-Kind taxation.

This is not the car to buy if you’re passionate about the environment. It’s more about driving over the countryside than rescuing it.

In terms of CO2, Subaru Outback emissions range from 145g/km for the manual diesel version to 163g/km for the 2.5-litre petrol. The Skoda Octavia Scout completely trounces the Outback in this regard, and so does the Volvo V60 Cross Country. Even the huge Vauxhall’s Insignia Country Tourer emits less carbon dioxide.

That’s the price you pay for having something that performs so well in other regards, though.

This is one thing you simply won’t need to worry about. Historically, Subaru Outback reliability has been impeccable and there’s absolutely no reason to suspect this version will be any different.

Its interior plastics, fixtures and switchgear feel very well-built and resilient and we’ve noticed no indication of rattles or other untoward noises. In fact, this is one the highest-quality cars we’ve come across in terms of simply feeling well-built.

There haven’t been any major recalls for the Outback.