Subaru Outback

The Outback is competitively priced against premium-badge rivals such as the Volvo XC70, but running costs are high. There’s no tax-friendly, economical diesel – even the 2.5 falls into the 27% bracket for company car tax and returns just 32.5mpg. The 3.0 is more economical as an automatic than a manual, but still thirsty. Residual values are respectable but not as strong as those of the Legacy Sports Tourer or German rivals.

S, SE, R

Entry-level 2.5 S models have a CD player, cruise control, climate control, four electric windows and alloy wheels as standard; 2.5 SE models have leather upholstery, heated and electrically adjustable front seats and an electric sunroof. All 3.0 R models have satellite-navigation and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls.

2.5SE