Credit for crossover concept.

Steve Hughes Motoring Editor [phone] SUBARU is claiming the credit for inventing the crossover concept, which is now all the rage and says it is time to update the model that started it all.

The Japanese car company says that its original Outback model was the first of the new generation of so-called crossovers that have become one of the most popular segments of the new car market.

Their aim is to combine the comfort, space and road handling of a family estate with the off-road capability and ground clearance of a sports utility vehicle.

Nissan was so convinced of the potential of this concept that it replaced its best-selling family and compact Primera and Almera hatchback models with the Qashqai crossover, which has since outsold both put together.

Now Subaru has updated the Outback, with a range of five new models and prices from pounds 26,295.

The newcomer is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces and aspires to be more capable and more engaging to drive on and off-road with the added benefit of increased space and comfort.

Visually there is a new face with a more prominent grille, new three-dimensional headlamps and flared arches housing 17-inch alloy wheels.

The re-engineered suspension and new steel unitary structure have resulted in greatly improved handling and stability and although the car has yet to be crash-tested, the latest Legacy Tourer with which it shares its underpinnings has just been awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP.

There is also a redesigned interior with new materials, greater adjustment for the seats, softer cushioning and more room.

The new range comes with a choice of three engines comprising a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel, a four-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol and a six-cylinder 3.6-litre petrol unit.

The two-litre diesel model has a six-speed manual gearbox and generates 150bhp of power and 350Nm of torque, or pulling power. The 2.5-litre petrol unit develops 167bhp of power and 230Nm of torque and uses Subaru's Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission, whilst the 3.6-litre five-speed automatic R raises power to 260bhp and torque to 350Nm.

Equipment levels are high, with the entry-model 2.0-litre D SE having leather upholstery, four electric windows, Bluetooth connectivity, six-CD stereo, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, cruise control and automatic activation of the wipers and headlights.

The line-up starts with the 2.0-litre diesel SE at pounds 26,295, followed by the 2.5i SE petrol model from pounds 26,295 and the pounds 33,295 petrol 3.6-litre R. Subaru's UK managing director Paul Tunnicliffe, says: "The original Subaru Outback pioneered the crossover niche and while other brands have launched rival models it has always offered a highlycompelling blend of capabilities not available elsewhere."

There is a similar makeover for the Legacy Tourer, which costs from pounds 23,295 for the 2.0D S up to pounds 27,295 for the 2.5i SE NavPlus Lineartronic.

CAPTION(S):

NEW CAR MARKET The Subaru Outback 2010. The Outback model was the first of the new generation of so-called crossovers that have become so popular.