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Okay, it's not a looker, but it is nicer in the metal

Subaru B9 Tribeca 3.0 SE5

Test date 02 October 2006  Price as tested  £32,202

What is it?

Subaru's first SUV. The B9 Tribeca is available as either a five- or seven-seater. We tried the SE5 which has, you've guessed it, five seats.

What's it like?

Rather brutal to look at, although we have to concede it's better in the metal, where it also shows up the not-exactly-pretty Porsche Cayenne. Things improve considerably when you get in (and not just because you can't see the front from inside). The interior is a real step forward for Subaru – it's plusher than the recently tweaked Legacy's cabin. There's also a lot in the plush interior – all models, from the £28,995 S5 to the £33,995 SE7 come with dual-zone air-con, powered front seats, front, side and curtain airbags and a six-disc CD changer, plus you also get a five-speed automatic gearbox, 18in alloys and front fog lights. SE trim adds leather upholstery, heated memory seats, a sunroof and full-colour sat-nav with a reversing camera. The SE7 also has two extra seats, extra rear air-con and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. What you may have noticed among all that, however, is that there is no choice of drivetrain – the 3.0-litre 242bhp, 219lb ft flat six engine (as used in the Legacy Spec B) is your only option. That's no bad thing for performance, which is respectable at 9.3sec 0-60mph and 121mph flat out, but it isn't great for fuel economy, at 23mpg combined. Still, that flat six makes for a low centre of gravity that's noticeable in the B9's respectably restrained body roll. This is one of the more enjoyable SUVs to drive, although the steering isn't as feelsome or direct as we might like. Then again, if you really want something roomy and good to drive, buy an estate car instead.

So should I buy one?

The B9 Tribeca looks compelling value next to, say, a BMW X5 or Volvo XC90, but what you save on purchase price you may well end up spending on fuel. In this class, you need a diesel engine, and Subaru hasn't got one. Then again, that hasn't stopped Nissan's Murano SUV from selling well. If you can live with the bills, the B9 is well worth a look. Rory Lumsdon