SUBARU'S new Forester sports-utility has won the Special Award as part of the 2003 RJC Car of the Year awards.

It is one of the most prestigious automotive ceremonies and the award is presented at the highly-respected Automotive Researchers and Journalists’ Conference.

The judges chose the all-wheel drive Forester because of its convenient and practical body size, comfortable ride and handling precision.

They also praised the new Subaru’s combination of off-road ability, thanks to a 190mm ground clearance, and on-road stability created by the low-centre-of-gravity engine.

The Forester - priced from £16,445 on the road - leads the petrol SUV class for economy and emissions with 42.2 mpg on the extra urban cycle for the 2.0X. It offers owners significantly reduced insurance and repair costs.