AT12MARA high riding, good looking, capable off-road, economical, reliable way of transporting your loved ones; this is the Holy Grail for many car buyers looking for one set of wheels that will do it all, and it’s amazing how many potential candidates fall down on at least one of those criteria. The Subaru XV is one that doesn’t.

This is Subaru’s first foray into the burgeoning compact-crossover market segment, and where competitors like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Kuga are based on their respective workaday hatchback stable-mates (the Golf and Focus), the XV is based on the Subaru Impreza. This means it’s not only useful when it comes to pub bragging rights, it also comes with a similar permanent four-wheel-drive system to the one that made Subaru a household name in the World Rally Championship. Coupled with its higher than average ride height, the XV should have off-road credentials worthy of its liveried sibling.

It won’t drink like a rally car though. Despite the traditionally thirst combination of a large body and four-wheel-drive, the XV will return 50.4mpg when specced with Subaru’s 2.0-litre boxer diesel engine. With 145bhp and – more importantly – 258lb/ft of pulling power to call on, it’s not like you’re going to be wanting for poke either.

Two petrol engines are also available: a 112bhp 1.6-litre and a 148bhp 2.0-litre. They’re not likely to be as economical or grunty as the recommended diesel, but will share Subaru’s unimpeachable reputation for absolute reliability.

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, so you will have to make up your own mind on how the XV looks. If it appeals, then this could be the ideal tool for you and your family.

12-plate wish list

Feb 01: Hyundai i40 Tourer
Feb 02: Audi A4
Feb 03: Ford Focus
Feb 06: Citroen DS4
Feb 07: Volkswagen up!
Feb 08: Vauxhall Astra GTC
Feb 09: Audi A1 Sportback
Feb 10: Renault Scenic
Feb 13: Subaru XV
Feb 14: Renault Twingo (video)
Feb 15: MINI Coupe
Feb 16: Nissan LEAF
Feb 17: MINI Coupe (video)
Feb 20: Hyundai i30
Feb 21: Chevrolet Camaro
Feb 22: Porsche 911 (video)
Feb 23: Kia Picanto
Feb 24: BMW 1-Series
Feb 27: Honda Civic
Feb 28: Hyundai Veloster