The excellent off-road capabilities of Subaru were clear for all to see as the motoring press - including the Telegraph & Argus - got the chance to put the company's range through its paces in testing terrain.

Above all, a day tackling a challenging off-road course at Grange Farm Leisure, near Peterborough, was a chance to see the true benefits of Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

On muddy and steep inclines, or when driving through deep water, the system comes into its own.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

I tested the robust Outback, which came equipped with a nicely-powered 2.0-litre Boxer direct injection turbo diesel engine. And the vehicle never seemed to struggle in the rather treacherous conditions, finding grip and control in the most unlikely of circumstances.

The all-wheel drive system combines with the Boxer engine to create a chassis which is designed to be for an all-wheel drive car.

When compared to a traditional 4x4 vehicle, the weight of the engine and gearbox are spread across the front axle, resulting in much better weight distribution across the chassis. Great balance and poise is created by the fact that it's completely symmetrical front to rear and from side to side.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

In some ways, Subaru is a victim of its own success when it comes to the durability and reliability of its vehicles.

The fact that most Subaru owners tend to keep their trusted cars forever means it can be tricky to get existing fans of the brand to buy new vehicles.

However, the current range has a wide appeal.

Last year, Subaru produced over 900,000 cars, building more 4×4 vehicles than any other manufacturer.

Out of seven models within the range, six of them are equipped with the maker’s permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

During the day, the message that came through loud and clear that many manufacturers use four-wheel drive systems, but few have paid quite so much attention to detail when making all-wheel drive central to its offering.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

In terms of where it wants to be pitch itself in the marketplace, the Japanese manufacturer is confident it can slot in below Land Rover for those who need a capable all-wheel drive vehicle but don't want to spend quite so much.

Indeed, starting from just over £17, 000, the Subaru range is incredibly affordable, with around £32, 000 buying a high-spec Forester, which is about the same amount that many competitors' vehicles start from.

Another high-point of the day was the opportunity to test Subaru’s class-leading “eyesight technology”.

In essence, this is a camera system which is built into the windscreen and uses two cameras and plenty of clever electronic tricks.

If the driver loses focus, the system will brake automatically to avoid colliding with pedestrians or cars. It is also used for the adaptive cruise control meaning that when you are cruising along the motorway with cruise active and the car in front slows, the Subaru will preempt the differing speeds and slow you much faster than a radar type system that most manufacturers use.

I have to admit to being slightly apprehensive as I drove towards a target at 30mph, with instructions not to touch the brakes.

But the way in which the system brought the car to a sudden, yet controlled halt as the target approached was impressive in the extreme.

Subaru plans to implement this technology as standard across most of its range in the coming years. 

All in all, Subaru must be an appealing option for anyone who wants a genuine go anywhere vehicle or even a car with superior road holding.

The lowdown

Subaru Outback

ENGINE: Boxer direct injection turbo diesel, 2.0-litre 

EMISSIONS CLASS: Euro 6, 159g/km

TOP SPEED: 124mph

0-62MPH: 9.9 seconds

FUEL ECONOMY: 46.3mpg combined

PRICE: £32,995 for the SE Premium Lineatronic version