Big on luxury and load space but could do with a bit more oomph; ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE.

HEAR the name Subaru and immediately my thoughts are steered towards fast cars, big spoilers and shiny alloys.

However, with the Tribeca, Subaru - also renownedfor its overwhelming success on the rally circuit - has truly branched into a whole new dimension.

For the Tribeca is a no-nonsense, no-holds-barred sports utility vehicle, full of top-notch equipment and at a price that will have its rivals quaking in their treads!

And Subaru has the rivals clearly marked out and in its sights: theBMWX5andVolvo XC90 - both of which cost considerably more than the Tribeca.

From the moment you get inside, the cabin oozes luxurious touches.

There's leather-trimmed, eight-way powered heated front seats with programmable memory positions, DVD navigation with reversingcamera, a six-discCDplayer, dual-zone air-conditioning and, to be perfectly honest, a list that just goes on and on.

Named after a trendy New York suburb, the Tribeca also boasts head-turning good looks with attractive, streamlined curves that accentuate a rugged ready-for-action approach.

So with comfort, price, economy and looks all in the bag, what about the drive? In and around town, the Tribeca performed superbly and the high-seated driver's position made all-round visibility excellent.

However, if I had to find fault, it would be the automatic transmission on the open-road.WhenI putmy foot down and wanted a rapid response, I was left wanting. It does shift effortlessly through the gears providing the drive is a smooth progression, but add anything out of the ordinary into the equation, such as a sudden need to overtake, and it could prove a tad disappointing.

But, in fairness, after a week behind the wheel, that was the only fault I could find to whinge about.

Elsewhere, therewas ample storage space and the host of impressive safety features, including five EuroNCAP stars, will leave any potential buyer suitably reassured.

All in all, a great drive and great fun, just a shame about the acceleration - or rather lack of it!