Prices for 80 per cent of the Subaru range will remain unchanged for 2011. The Japanese manufacturer is to absorb the 2.5 per cent rise in sales duty itself in most cases.

Subaru UK marketing director, Kenyon Neads, commented: "For the vast majority of our customers the decision not to pass on the VAT rise is great news, particularly anyone in the market for a Forester, Legacy, Outback or WRX STI Type UK."