Subaru’s new compact crossover, the XV, is a robust car that commands a lot of respect on the road.

The XV is based on the same platform – and uses the same engines – as the Impreza and is described by Subaru as the ‘most important car for a generation’.

Three Boxer engines are on offer – 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel.

The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines develop 114PS and 150PS respectively, while the 2.0-litre diesel produces 147PS and 350Nm.

The go anywhere XV is available with a choice of either a five and six-speed manual or a six-speed CVT automatic (petrol only).

With its high-up seating position and excellent visibility, it’s a comfortable drive that handles reasonably well, although the diesel is really noisy, resembling an old hackney cab. I gather some people like this, although as many modern diesels are so quiet now. I just found it too loud.

It has plenty of grip though, and its real strength is in its off-road ability.

Hawk-eye headlights and a bold single-frame chrome grille up front means the XV is striking to look at, though quite chunky overall.

I drove the SE model, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, front fog lamps, CD stereo with six speakers, windscreen wiper de-icer, cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted controls, rear-view safety camera, Bluetooth with USB and iPod connectivity, privacy glass and roof rails.

There is 380 litres of boot space, and the interior feels pretty roomy. But I sometimes found the touchscreen a bit tricky to use when changing radio channels – these can be a little temperamental.

The All-Wheel Drive and electronic safety systems ensure that the XV is one of the safest vehicles both on and off-road, and it already holds a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating and benchmark scores for child occupant protection.

Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, six airbags and ISOFIX child seat mountings.

The XV has racked up an impressive collection of safety accolades, and since arriving in the UK earlier this year it has remained one of the safest cars on the road.

Pricing starts at £21,295 for the 1.6i S models, rising to £29,995 for the range-topping 2.0D SE Lux Premium.

Fact File:

Car: Subaru XV 2.0-litre diesel
Price: From £21,295
0-62mph: 9.3 seconds
Top speed: 120mph
Fuel: 50.4mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 146g/km