SUBARU’S top-shelf Forester, the turbocharged XT, gets more performance, improved fuel economy and a big dollop of extra sophistication in the new fourth generation of the popular compact SUV range.

Power has been increased 4.7 per cent, to 177kW, and torque has been raised 9.4 per cent, even though the new engine has been reduced from 2.5 litres to 2.0 litres.

The old four-speed auto and five-speed manual transmissions have been dumped in favour of a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) from the Outback.

Fuel economy has been improved and equipment levels raised, but the question is whether resultant price rises of up to $3000 for the top-of-the-line XT Premium are value for money …

Click the Our Opinion link to find out.