Subaru Liberty

The Subaru Liberty has nice engines, a great chassis and lots of kit for the money. But Subaru buyers are logical, and the alternative estate is the more logical body style, so you don’t see many sedans.

• Comfort

  The ride is very supple, especially when you take into account the fine handling. Mechanically it's quiet, but there's too much road noise on some surfaces. Room is OK versus posh German rivals, not so good against the Mondeo and Passat.

  

• Performance

  An odd mix. The flat-four and flat-six engines are willing and sound great so you don't mind caning them, but some versions are slow, especially the autos. And Subaru hasn't introduced the diesel to the sedan.

  

• Cool

  No. A Subaru needs to be a rally car or an wagon.

  

• Quality

  The usual Subaru story here. It depends on how you define quality. You get superb longevity and reliability, but many of the cabin materials look and feel cheap.

  

• Handling

  The Liberty is bigger and a little more relaxed than the fastest Imprezas, but still has a streak of fun in it. Best bits are sharp but progressive steering, and an absence of the nose-heavy feeling of many rivals. And there's all the traction you could need.

  

• Practicality

  The AWD system means you won't get stuck unless the car in front of you does. The boot has useful hooks and eyes and hidden storage, plus a through-load seat-back. But none of that is exactly noteworthy.

  

• Running costs

  There's an LPG conversion on offer if you're scared by fuel costs, but it's expensive itself. Otherwise, look forward to sensible costs from well-regarded dealers, and a good resale at the end of your time with the car.