First, though, the car...

First, though, the car will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The 4x4 gets a new nose, with a flatter bonnet, rectangular lights and a fresh grille, while the indicator repeaters are moved to the mirrors. New rear lamp lenses and a reprofiled tailgate complete the look.

Even bigger changes are planned inside, with the Forester getting an all-new facia. There will be improved plastics and leather door trim, while the centre console and ventilation controls are lifted from the Legacy. The engine range will be the same as the current car"s, with UK buyers having a choice of normally aspirated 2.0-litre or turbocharged 2.0 and 2.5-litre flat-four units. An automatic transmission will be optional on all but the flagship model.

The chassis gets new dampers and revised suspension geometry to improve responses on and off-road. The Forester goes on sale in Japan in March, with the first UK cars arriving in November.