If I did a quick straw poll asking if my readers remember seeing a Subaru Outback on the road during the last month would either of you be able to answer yes?

I don’t think that it would be unfair to describe the Outback as somewhat of a rarity on our towns’ and cities’ roads. Venture beyond the built-up confines of suburbia, however, and the story is somewhat different.

It’s not hard to understand why rural folk have found a place in their hearts for the Outback. Its rugged character and robust build quality coupled with permanent symmetrical four-wheel-drive ensures competent off-roading ability in what is, after all, a family estate.

Mechanical changes for the 2015 model include a quicker steering rack and new dampers and suspension geometry. Outside the differences are subtle, with revised front and rear lights, bumpers and a larger grille but the interior has been the focus of a major overhaul complete with a new multimedia system.

A seven-inch touchscreen now dominates the dashboard and it’s a massive improvement over the previous system. It is bright, intuitive and, even though some of the onscreen buttons are on the small side, simple to use.

And, unlike the previous model, I was able to pair my mobile phone with ease, which not only meant handsfree phone calls but also sharing Enya’s beautiful harmonies with my lucky passengers.

The screen is standard across the range, as is the integrated sat nav. Most would argue that’s a good thing and, generally it is but, when the sat nav decides that it needs to find every traffic jam in London, it isn’t long before you’re hankering after the good old days when all you had to rely on was a tatty two-year-old AA road atlas, your instincts and the other half’s map-reading skills.

It was, to say the least, a most frustrating drive but, amid all that heartache and disappointment the Outback performed admirably. There’s a massive amount of space and all the seats, which for the record are incredibly comfortable, offer ample head and legroom.

Equipment levels are impressive, with heated seats, 17in alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth handsfree calling and audio streaming as well as tyre pressure monitoring included as standard.

The Outback's steering has been tightened up and the springs and dampers adjusted to improve body control. The end result is car that is far more responsive when asked to change direction quickly.

The ride is a vast improvement over the previous model. The 2015 Outback offers much greater composure over uneven surfaces which, in combination with the refined diesel engine, ensures occupants enjoy a pleasant, largely undisturbed, journey.

While refined, the diesel engine does lack a little urgency and is, in fact, much better suited to relaxed, unhurried driving. That laid-back attitude extends to the Lineartronic CVT gearbox, which goes about its work in a quiet, unassuming way.

The majority of the improvements have been reserved for on-road performance and they do drag the Outback much closer to its rivals but, when you take into account its excellent off-road capabilities it starts to make a much stronger argument for itself.

Bullet-proof build quality, improved ride and handling and an impressive equipment list make the 2015 Subaru Outback a worthy competitor and anyone considering buying a budget SUV should add it to their list. It’s also a serious alternative to the more expensive Volvo XC70.

Subaru are, of course, hoping that the 2015 Outback will be a much more common sight on Britain’s roads and, after my week with it, I see no reason why those ambitions shouldn’t be realised.

Subaru Outback 2.0D SE Premium Lineatronic

OTR Price: £32,995

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyclinder diesel

Transmission: 6-speed CVT

Power: 148bhp @ 3,600rpm

Torque: 258lbft @ 1,600rpm

Maximum speed: 124mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 9.9sec

Urban: 37.7mpg

Extra urban: 53.3mpg

Combined: 46.3mpg

Emissions (CO2): 145g/km

For more information visit www.subaru.co.uk