On sale from next month, the 2016 model gains an updated grille with a new wing design, while the front bumper has been reshaped and now features new L-shaped chrome trim. The Forester also now features adaptive LED lights to improve night-time visibility while the wraparound headlamps gain black detailing and new LED combination lamps are fitted at the rear.

Inside the cabin, the Forester features increased use of soft-touch materials, with new piano black and metallic trim, higher-resolution TFT displays and new cloth and leather upholstery options – including a new brown leather option.

The Forester also gains additional soundproofing measures, including thicker glass on the doors and lights, and additional soundproofing material around the dashboard.

All existing safety equipment on offer is fitted as standard to every model in the Forester range, including twin front, side, curtain and knee airbags, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC; Subaru’s electronic stability control system) with trailer stability, and Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology.

The chassis has also been tweaked for 2016 to improve ride quality and agility, particularly over broken or choppy surfaces, while the adoption of a new steering gearbox improves the steering ratio.

The upgraded Subaru Forester will go on sale across the brand’s UK dealer network next month. Pricing remains unchanged for all trim levels in the updated Forester line-up, with the range starting from £25,495 OTR for the 2.0i XE model and £26,995 for the 2.0D XC models.