PRICES for Subaru's facelifted Forester sports 4x4 utility range - are to start £1,000 lower than those of its predecessor. The cut is a 'going for growth' initiative intended to boost Forester sales from 2,000 units last year to 2,500. The entry-level 2.0-litre petrol AWD will cost £15,950 on-the-road compared with £16,950 for the GLS it replaces. Shortage of turbo-powered engines means, however, that prices for the 170bhp S-Turbo models remain the same, starting at £21,750 on-the-road for the manual version.

The facelifted Forester has new front and rear styling, a roomier rear seat with triple three-point seatbelts, three rear head restraints and plusher interior trims. A wider rear track and retuned suspension contribute to sharper handling and reduced brake-dive.