03/08/2008 11:42. It was simple, roomy, dependable and tough, and later, when it got to share the turbocharged flat-four motor from the rally-bred WXR, it was a hoot to drive.

All-new for 2009, the Forester remains a reliable carry-all. But it now adds a couple of attributes missing from earlier iterations: style and passenger space.

The first Foresters had all the design appeal of a railroad boxcar. The '09 actually features a handsome, sleek exterior, bringing it up to date with its cute-ute competitors.

The '09 has grown in all dimensions but it looks larger than it actually is. Still, it is 2.9 inches longer overall and 1.8 inches wider, riding on a wheelbase stretched 3.6 inches. That translates into improved interior volume, meaning rear-seat passengers now have plenty of room to stretch out and... // Trading Markets