Subaru have pulled the wraps off their pretender to the hotly contested SUV crown with the second generation Forester.

Replacing a car that first went on sale in 1997, the Forester has set its sights on resisting the recent influx of new off-roaders, including the Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan and revised Nissan X-Trail.

Growing significantly in all directions, the Forester adopts a more conservative SUV profile, in contrast to the previous model’s quirky estate-like proportions. Featuring familiar stylistic traits from the outside, the Forester also gets the same interior as that in the new Impreza.

To be sold around the world, the UK will initially only get the option of a 2.5-litre petrol engine, although, crucially for sales, there are plans to introduce the recently launched – and well-received – 2.0-litre diesel in 2009.

Combining the two heritages that Subaru are best known for - utilitarian and performance models - the Forester became a surprise success in the UK, despite its unusual proportions that ensured it was better on the road than it was off it.

However, it remains to be seen whether the sober styling of the new model, as well as the recent attempts to bypass performance in the search of a higher calibre of buyer, will ensure the Forester attracts the same kind of loyalty.